Does religion have any place in politics?

No, none at all.

Religion will inevitably influence the thoughts and opinions of the people and the government. There is no avoiding that. What there is avoiding, however, is giving undue weight to a specific religion in policymaking and law, which is what the First Amendment was designed to prevent, given that the U.S. Is a multi-religious state and does not specifically cater to any one religion the way a nation like Saudi Arabia (a Muslim state) or Bhutan (a Buddhist state) does.

Of course it shouldn't. That said, try to get elected to public office as a Hindu, or as a Pagan, or (gasp) an Atheist.

Not only does religion not have any place in politics it does not have any place in the real and modern world.

Ideally, no. Practically it's inevitable.

People who hold a religious belief will always push to make sure their ideology -- which they inevitably believe is in keeping with "God's" will -- should be protected under the law.

Case in point? Tax free concessions. If the religion industry was taxed on the same basis as other businesses governments could do a great deal to help those people who need support -- the sick, the homeless, the vets.

I was in one of these mega churches here in tx when the pastor told everyone who to vote for i walked out. I came with a friend and told him i will not go to that church anymore