Also does karpov believe in democracy?

Politics and religion in the same post!

Is there anything wrong with doing that ivandh?

yes is it, we are not allowed to talk about politics or religion here :-) 

really? I was merely asking about a true or false fact, I wasn't discussing anything.

I know, we were just kidding, we knew you were just talking about Karpov but I don't know anything about his belief though. 

phew!! I really was getting kind of nervous and scared that I'd get my account closed or something

You'd have to break the forum rules repeatedly to get banned. Discussing the backgrounds of the man running as the president of FIDE hardly qualifies.

Thanks bjazz, now I'm convinced

Karpov is an atheist and he believes in Democracy.

And his religious and political views have ZERO impact on his candidacy for FIDE president. And it should also be a non-factor in your opinion of him.

His piratological and ninjious views, however, will be very important in becoming president.

Well, in general I'd say people are influence by their religious beliefs... so when choosing someone to represent me why wouldn't their religion affect my opinion of them?

Not as an all or nothing thing of course, but completely ignoring religion seems as silly as basing your whole opinion on it.

Have you read this article execute? http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-4024497.html

I was just wondering if anyone could confirm if it is still true....

And also I agree with orangehonda, people are influenced by their religious beliefs so it is a factor of my choice.

Right on honda. It's PC madness to say it should be a non-factor in our opinion. Our opinions are our own property and we can forge them as we see fit.

Before this topic goes any further;

People may or may not be swayed by a persons religious and/or political views, but please bear in mind the forum rules state "no political or religious debate".

Religion and politics are important and deeply personal,but Chess.com is a friendly community where we come together around a common love for chess and debating these two topics tend to pull people apart.

Might as well close it now since the question was already answered.

Yeah, eerrr I know this sound a bit stupid but how do you close it?

Is Karpov your representative to God's congress? If so, you're right, his views on religion are very important.

Otherwise, it is first of all, none of your business, second of all, there will always be people who will be unsatisfied with his answer.

You don't. But the staff probably will soon enough. Like kohai said: Discussing these matters civicly isn't forbitten, but they do tend to turn into arguments of sorts. Just sit back and enjoy the show. The blame's not on you. :)

ps. I bet Karpov wasn't advertising his democratic ideas in his heyday.