By Felicia PrideAre Barack Obama's religious beliefs important?
The author of the forthcoming book The Faith of Barack Obama (Thomas Nelson, July 2008) seems to think so.
Obama's religious life was the center of controversy because of his close relationship with Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Author Stephen Mansfield, who also wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, believes that as early as 2004 when Obama delivered his memorable speech to the Democratic National Convention, he was taking a stand for his faith by saying, "We worship an awesome God in the blue states."
The Faith of Barack Obama explores the presidential candidate's religious faith and how it shapes his life as a way to understand the type of leader he will be.About the book, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, "You must read this perceptive and well written book. Then you will know why Barack Obama has such a passion for justice and equity, such a gift for filling people of different generations with a newfound hope that things can and will change for the better. His inspiration comes from his faith; he is an ardent believer. Yes, he is a Christian and proud of it."
In The Faith of Barack Obama, Mansfield is exerting the premise, "If a man's faith is sincere, then it is the most important thing about him."
Do you think Obama's faith is sincere? And if so, what does it say about the type of president he might be?
Comments: (44)
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By: Kris on 7/03/2008 3:38PM
I think faith is very important and that he's avoiding direct questions about his faith.
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By: deangelo k wilson on 7/03/2008 3:50PM
I have asked the FBI to make you stop I am SICK PEOPLE WHAT THE F*CK DO YOU WANT FROM ME!!!!???
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By: Hattie Johnson on 7/03/2008 6:37PM
In an election such as a high office of the Presidency of the United States; Senator Barak Obama will not be able to please everyone in our very diverse culture. Some say he's a muslim and some say he's an elitist. I'm a realist. I see a man who came from a caucasian woman and an african man; raised by caucasian maternal grandparents, the grandfather a veteran, the grandmother who invested early in her grandson's life, his education and his american value system. Grandparents who struggle like any other loving parent to sacrifice and send your child to the best of schools. Young Obama married a woman whose parents had made similar investments into their children's future; together trying to struggle to pay off their student loans, while trying to work and raise two beautiful little girls; The Senator and his family baptized in a Christian Church. To me this is the American Dream and not someone who had a silver spoon placed in their mouths by someone else's hard labor. No one is talking about Cindy McCain and John McCain's upbringing. What was Cindy McCain's upbringing prior to marrying John McCain? John McCain is so much older than Barack. He's been a Republican awhile during Clinton and Bush. Are we better off as Americans since all John McCain's years with George W. Bush. All this experience everyone is talking about with McCain is old, tired and lacking successs stories during his time in the Whitehouse. Yes, I am going to give Senator Obama a chance because he is new. I'm sick of the old. If The young Senator does not work out, well, there's always another presidential campaign and election. I'm sure he will surround himself with some very experienced women and men; Isn't that what all presidents do. They don't come into that office knowing it all; they use judgment in choosing the right person for the right position. This is my reality regarding the next president. Experience people have got the United States in a hell hole. I pray and hope that this new young man can help us back on top with integrity and respect.
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By: .l wick on 7/03/2008 11:36PM
well spoken hattie johnson, i have been saying the same all along. it will be and we will all see what barack will do with thee {America} Obama 08
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By: G.A. English on 7/04/2008 6:25AM
Why do Republicans boldly assert on TV and radio that the only way to beat Obama is to make him scary, to bruise him, to make him seem like something strange, to make him seem unpatiortic? Why can't Republicans just campaign to beat Obama on the bread-and-butter issues: jobs, affordable housing, educational opportunities, removing the troops from Iraq,foreign relations judgment, generating workable energy sources? It is a really retarted mindset to feel that the only way to win an election is to beat up on the opponent, to "dirty" him or her.
We definitely need CHANGE--Change We Can Believe IN!
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By: silkk on 7/04/2008 8:42AM
RELIGION IS A PERSONAL PREFERENCE BETWEEN GOD AND YOURSELF. NOT THE WORLD. EVERYONE TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING NEGATIVE ABOUT OBAMA BECAUSE THEY REALLY DONT HAVE NO MAJOR BLOW OUT NEGATIVE STORY TO SPREAD TO AMERICANS TO TRY TO DISCREDIT HIM FROM BECOMING PRESIDENT. PEOPLE NEED TO STOP LOOKING AT THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN AND LOOK AT HIS CHARACTER AND WHAT HE CAN BRING TO THIS COUNTRY THAT ALL THOSE WHITE PRESIDENTS COULD NOT. THERE'S NOT LAW WRITTEN THAT A PRESIDENT COULD NOT BE BLACK, SO I WISH PEOPLE STOP ACTING LIKE THERE IS.
EVERYTIME I OPEN MY EMAIL ACCOUNT I SEE AOL IS MENTIONING SOMETHING NEGATIVELY ABOUT OBAMA NOT MCCAIN. AOL STOP TRYING TO BASHING OBAMA. LET ME READ SOMETHNG ABOUT MCCAIN AS WELL. DONT BASH ONE CONSTANTLY AND NOT THE OTHERS. JUST STICK TO THE ISSUES OF RUNNING THIS COUNTRY. WHO GIVES A DARN WHERE ANY OF THEM WORSHIPS.
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By: Pastor Ramona Hunter on 7/04/2008 9:54AM
Man who don't beleive in God is already doomed. I am glad to have a leader who has Christ in his/her life. Barak Obama loves the Lord and it shows. If our christainy is so quiet,why are we commissioned to go and be witnesses. It is personal because each has to make a choice.Leave Obama alone for he will be the next President of this country. It is so written, I beleive God has granted that int he beginning of time
What the Lord has ordained will not be changed. Remember, He is still in charge.McCain does not have the poorer people in mind. Listen to him, he wants to protect the wealthy, like his wife.My friends, that bottom rail is coming to the top and so be it. Havea good day, get focused on Jesus, the Lord of life, if you choose Him to be.To God be the Glory Amen.
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By: Mandy on 7/04/2008 12:32PM
This is directed to Felicia Pride, Do you think McCain's faith is sincere? and if so, what does it say about the type of President he ight be? I don't even know if McCain beleives in God, the devil or what. I would like your comments and everyone else.
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By: M. Watson (don't show) on 7/04/2008 1:33PM
Hattie Johnson --- RIGHT ON!!!!! IF GOD PREORDAINED THIS --- IT SHALL HAPPEN NO MATTER WHAT THEY TRY TO CONJURE UP AGAINST HIM!!! YOU CANNOT STOP GOD ---- JUST TRY IT!!!! IT WON'T WORK!
LAM
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By: Kia on 7/04/2008 1:43PM
How do even no for sure any body can write a book......the principle's that founded this country were so supposed to be that of a CHRISTIAN who cares its not like he can impose any of his believes or use his believes to make "change"........remember when the ten commandments had to come down b/c the said there should be a separation of church and state......I do believe in voting However this election has me questioning rather I should......He is just drawing attention away from the fact that his middle name is "Hussein" anyway I am thankful that my generation got to see a black man go the distance to possibly be elected as the leader of this country. However I don't think him being a "Chritian" makes any difference. Besides if he doesn't win he could always be a great author. ( I know someone is going to attack my comments. Just be reassured that I am giving my opinion). Our current president is a christian and look at our present state............
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