Obama and the Religion Question

[cbayer]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-geldard/obama-and-the-religion-question_b_1361626.html

Richard Geldard

Author, 'Emerson and the Dream of America: Finding Our Way to a New And Exceptional Age'

Posted: 03/20/2012 3:44 pm

Among some of the debris washed up on the beaches of Alabama and Mississippi in the recent Republican primaries there were disturbing opinion polls, one of which asked questions about the President's religion. Only a small percentage thought he was a Christian while nearly a half thought he was a Muslim. The rest didn't know.

Part of the reason that born-again and fundamentalist Christians respond as they do is that since their beliefs and convictions are so strongly held in tradition, they naturally judge the questions of Christianity by their standards. Anyone less committed is either fallen or not Christian at all. As one who was brought up in various New England Protestant denominations, I can understand those who consider our northern reserve tepid faced with evangelical fervor.

As to President Obama's faith, we have his speeches and books to find a sense of his spiritual journey and current beliefs -- that is, if we care to know. When I was asked recently about the question, I responded based not on his life experience around a variety of churches and current position as President, but from his oft referenced admiration of the essay "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

-snip-

For this reason, questions about Obama's religion are both pointless and intrusive. Some day, perhaps, with politics aside, he may well write about his spiritual journey and that is a book I will certainly want to read. In the meantime, it's none of our business.

more at link

[HockeyMom]

1. I really don't care what he believes

If he is an agnostic, which I do believe, it is a shame that he cannot in this country come out and proclaim that.

[longship]

2. Even if he were an atheist!

Although I think of professed agnostics are atheists (ie, non-believers) without gumption to admit it. But that's just my personal opinion.

[1StrongBlackMan]

3. Why would you believe something ...

contrary to what the man has clearly stated, time and time again? He believes in God and is of the Christian faith.

[HockeyMom]

4. Because as a former believer, I can see that he really isn't "into it"

Whether agnostic or atheist.

[cbayer]

5. Maybe he is just private about it?

[cleanhippie]

6. I think he just panders when it is politically expedient to do so.

[HockeyMom]

7. Exactly

Just like I do when I "have to" among family that I don't really want to argue with.

[1StrongBlackMan]

11. As most would believe ...

the matter of faith/belief should be.

[cbayer]

12. Agree

[1StrongBlackMan]

10. Okay ...

I guess you know the man's mind better than he knows himself based on your life experience.

[Thats my opinion]

8. To doubt what he has said is just about as bad as those who think he is a Muslim,

just because you want him to be an agnostic.

[cleanhippie]

9. I don't think you are using that word correctly.

Agnostic being the word.

[SamG]

13. Why Obama is seen as a Muslim

All thanks to Fox News 24/7 for 4 years now.