While it is widely accepted that Obama is a devout Christian, from seeing some of his interviews, where religion is discussed — it seems that he is dancing around, and not being as honest as he could be about his beliefs.
In the United States, it is, at least at the moment, impossible (or nearly so) to get elected without believing in Jesus. Someone as intelligent as Obama is, would (assuming he is a nonbeliever) have that covered before making a run at politics.
The first video here, is a speech, where Obama gives controversial statements about religion. I feel that no true-believer would ever say such things, but a fake-believer might — in an attempt to hint at his personal views, while maintaining electability.
In this next video, Obama says many things which — in my opinion, make him seem very suspicious. Like him referring to the 'believers' as "them". And that democrats do not reach out to them enough (obviously I am implying that he is merly saying he is a Christians to get votes). Referring to Christians as "them" is a major slip-up — along with saying that the religious do no have a monopoly on morality etc. I could ramble on all day about it, but check it out for yourself...
Perhaps I am biased, but these two videos scream my point.
It would be my guess that he appreciates the values and lifestyles of most American Christians but he views it more as a means of conveying moral and social philosophy through symbolism and parables. Whether he's doing that for political security, for personal improvement or both, I have no idea.
ReplyDeleteI still don't like how his Presidency is going thus far, but I'd say he's at least closer to the man on the campaign trail than could be said for Bush.