New research published by Theos, the public theology think tank, has revealed a growing use of 'God talk' by party leaders in their conference speeches.
The research, released to coincide with the start of the major party conferences, examined the use of religious references in the speeches of party leaders between 1998 and 2007.
The greatest number occurred in 2001 when each of the speeches was delivered within weeks of the 9/11 attacks. But Theos also found that since 2001 there has been a continued rise in the use of religious rhetoric.
It stated the increase is not only explained by a concern about Islamism, but also reflects a growing awareness of faith groups and their positive contribution in society.
Theos director Paul Woolley commented, 'Faith groups represent a growing constituency in society and are often at the forefront of community activism.
'They are frequently the first in and last out in some of our most deprived communities. In some respects, politicians cannot afford not to do God.'
But Mr Woolley stressed that 'talking God' is not the same as 'doing God'. 'It is entirely right that politicians should draw on religion to shape and inspire their rhetoric, but that is no substitute for what the Christian tradition sees as good leadership - governing with justice and mercy.'
This view was reflected by the Revd Malcolm Duncan, leader of the Faithworks movement. Mr Duncan has been asked by the Labour Party to lead a series of consultations to develop the party's engagement with grassroots faith communities.
He told The Baptist Times, 'We welcome the fact that there is a growing recognition by politicians of not just the contribution of faith communities but also the voluntary sector to civil welfare and social well being.
'But politicians have to move on from paying lip service to us - not just talking about us, but talking to us. They have to understand what motivates us. They want our work, but they don't know what to do with our faith. There's a long way to go.'
In addition, Mr Duncan said the Church needs to stay true to its roots. 'There is a real danger of the Church morphing into Government, if we begin to make concessions just so we can be included in a political speech.'
'We must guard our independence, and not just end up being another service. We need to be able to say to the Government "We are not owned by you."'
This theme was echoed by Jonathan Bartley, co-director of web-based theological think-tank Ekklesia, who believes a decline in Church influence has led to a willingness to be 'courted' by politicians.
He told The Baptist Times, 'Politicians using God-talk is nothing new. They have done it over hundreds of years.What has clearly happened is that churches have allowed themselves to be courted by politicians because they recognise they are in a time when their influence is declining.
'They need to use lobbying and campaigning tactics to get what they want. At the same time politicians have courted churches because they are very good sources of social capital to deliver what they need in communities.
'So they are both using each other for their own ends, and we would question the desirability of such arrangements completely.'
Nevertheless, this is a good time for Christians to become engaged in political life, according to David Canning, chair of Christians in Politics.
'Party leaders are increasingly referring to religious belief as a driver for political conviction,' he told The Baptist Times.
As the research by Theos points out this is partly a reflection of the debate around the place of religion in society following 9/11, but also reflects an understanding that people of all faiths and none often respect religious conviction even if they do not agree on the detail.
'They [politicians] are increasingly open to listening to the perspectives of faith communities and there is a strong Christian presence in all three main political parties.'
Mr Canning cited the example of Labour MP Stephen Timms, who has been charged with championing faith issues in Government.
In the Conservative Party, David Cameron has been meeting church leaders, while the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum is also active, he said.
