Religion’s role in U.S. politics was on full display on Thursday as President Barack Obama spoke and prayed at the annual National Prayer Breakfast.
Obama, an adult convert to Christianity, used the occasion to announce that he will be establishing a White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. This will replace or be an extension of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives established by former President George W. Bush, who was strongly supported by conservative Christians.
Some of Obama’s remarks about the new office are sure to raise eyebrows in those conservative Christian circles. For example:
“The goal of this office will not be to favor one religious group over another – or even religious groups over secular groups. It will simply be to work on behalf of those organizations that want to work on behalf of our communities, and to do so without blurring the line that our founders wisely drew between church and state.”
For many conservative U.S. Christians, it is an article of faith that the founding fathers in the late 18th century did not erect a wall to separate church and state. Many religious and secular liberals contest that view, making it one of America’s never-ending culture war battles.
Obama also let it be known that while he is a Christian he is not about to favor one religious group over another. In his prepared remarks, he said:
“Jesus told us to ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ The Torah commands, ‘That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.’ In Islam, there is a hadith that reads ‘None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.’ And the same is true for Buddhists and Hindus; for followers of Confucius and for humanists. It is, of course, the Golden Rule – the call to love one another; to understand one another; to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.”
Americans may debate the walls between their church and state; but there is little doubt that religion and U.S. politics are often joined at the hip.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Larry Downing (President Obama speaks at National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Feb 5, 2009)
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Mr.Obama observed long ago political ambitions cannot be realized in this country unless you are Christian, married and have children. Secondly, appearances and image trump integrity and substance. I hope I do not sound overly critical of the man I voted for. To be a successful leader, one must win the support of all of the people. Ergo, be all things to all people. Gaius Julius was criticized by some and praised by others for the same approach.
I would submit political leaders are part sociopath, charming and manipulating their way through power. Precisely because most of us have a wallet mentality rather than a greater good outlook, we are divided leaving us with only sycophants or liars to survive the trials of nomination.
Perhaps many of the commentators are correct. We love our god but follow not his commands. Is it hypocrisy or denial? I sometimes wonder, is our god really green? Lately we all watch the stock market, banks, corporations and governments collapse with horror, anger or disbelief. Almost as if someone told us that there is no god. Have we put all of our faith in institutions of our making and the charlatans who run them?
Psychologists have long debated whether or not religious thinking fills a deep seated human psychological need or is simply a thought disorder. I don’t know. I do know humans need potable water, the ability to a acquire food, clothing and shelter. I also know as a society we have ignored the consequences of our actions that has landed us amidst these crisis’ we endure. Have we been blinded by our religion of economics and politics?
For civilization to survive we must sacrifice, find common ground, and the ability to abandon our sacred cows. To do this we must find in ourselves a genuine affection for our fellow man in order that we may unite and exercise reason and logic. I do not believe any or all of the world’s religions present and past can help us to achieve this conscious state.
- Posted by AnubisI must admit and confess that, like Socrates, I know nothing about such matters. I suppose that, if I did, I would understand why someone would judge and condemn President Obama for suggesting that, following the command of our Lord, we are to love our neighbors, even when that love means respecting other people even when they do not agree with our particular beliefs, convictions, and commitments, even when that love means respecting other people when they understand important issues about critical matters differently from the way I understand these issues. As for me, I must admit my ignorance about such matters. I guess I don’t quite understand how the LORD intended for us to obey the command, or warning. to judge not that we be not judged. I apologize for so many apparently frivolous words, since I have nothing of great substance to add here. I would like to express appreciation to the moderators and others who may read this scribble for your kind indulgence. Thank you for the article that prompted my ruminations. Perhaps with information such as this article provides, one day I will hope to understand.
- Posted by Wes