When I first heard about Ron Paul, somebody told me: “He doesn’t always talk about God, which means he probably believes in Him.” Dr. Paul’s stump rhetoric, and the way he answered questions about his faith, seemed to confirm this. He was honest about his Christianity, without resorting to the nationalist-cum-spiritual demagoguery for which American politicians are often mocked.

In London this week, Tony Blair explained why—in the words of his old PR attack dog Alistair Campbell—he didn’t “do God” as prime minister of Britain.

Unlike Ron Paul, Blair’s line on faith and politics doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. His record in office, in contrast to his occasional displays of public piety, was consistently anti-Christian. Blair would often talk about protecting “faith groups” as his government secularized religious schools, harassed Christian groups and charities with its sexual equality laws, and lavished billions on stem-cell research. As a member of parliament, he always voted in favor of abortion.

Of course, Blair recognizes that letting voters know you are devout while refusing to talk about God is a political win-win—it can satisfy both religious voters and secularists. I now read that John McCain has been ducking the Almighty question. Hmm.