People respect irrationality?

Obama is visiting the megachurch of The Purpose-Driven Life author, Rick Warren. The Chicago Tribune article notes that then-gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine (now Governor of Virginia) got a boost when he came out against capital punishment, basing his opposition on his Catholic faith. Obama has described "how his Christian faith helps shape his more liberal views."

I wonder if people respect politicians' ability to stake a claim when it is based on pure faith. I think people like a conclusive opinion and if faith gets them there, fine.