If I believe Catholicism is the true religion, should I (as president) attempt to deny citizenship to non-Catholics? it would be for the good of their souls; I'd just be trying to help. Anything wrong with that?

Should a Jewish president forbid pork? It probably wouldn't work, but he would be virtuous for trying. No?

What Kennedy was saying is that he wouldn't' inflict his religious beliefs on the nation.

Ethical beliefs, unlike religious beliefs, are pretty much common to all religions and cultures; basically, don't murder, steal, or commit incest. You can argue about definitions, of course - it's often ok to kill or steal from someone outside the tribe - but those are the basic human laws.

clint