It is striking in this politically correct world, that any vile opinion may be stated, including the Democrats, approval of partial birth abortion,(effectively at their convention) or that of any non-christian religion, particularly Islam, and it is not to be criticized.
But any statement of what sounds like, even remotely, Christian belief is reviled, and called to be retracted with an apology (which is what McCain does).
It tells you more about what the real place of a Christian is in our society and in the republican party – a useful tool for profit or election – but not to be taken seriously. North America has come along way from the 13 colonies, most of whose founders came to North America for religious freedom, as Christians.
No one is robbing him of his religious freedom so why should others be robbed of their fundamental freedom of expression regarding a man who wants to be their representative? A "religious belief" is no free pass; it's not as if you wouldn't criticize those politicians who express a religious view in support of homosexual marriage for example.