In a recent speech Obama criticized the right for "hijacking faith" and using faith to divide us rather than unite us. He has received large criticism in the media regarding his statements especially the Christian Broadcasting Network and Fox, like there is a difference (I italicize these networks because I won't link to them).Obama defended his criticism of the right hijacking of faith. He said: "When you have pastors and television pundits who appear to explicitly coordinate with one political party; when you're implying that your fellow Americans are traitors, terrorist sympathizers or akin to the devil himself; then I think you're attempting to hijack the faith of those who follow you for your own personal or political ends."
Brody, a CBN reporter asked Obama about his critique of Christian right leaders given in a June 23 address to a convention of the United Church of Christ, the senator's denomination.
The Senator also argued to Brody that America is not a 'Christian nation.
"For my friends on the right, I think it would be helpful to remember the critical role that the separation of church and state has played in preserving not only our democracy but also our religious practice," Obama wrote to Brody, pointing to early American leaders who fought to include the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights.
"Whatever we once were, we're no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of non-believers."
If Obama continues this approach of telling the truth honestly and forthrightly (which in my opinion he must do to separate himself from Clinton) I will be on board quick. He must be more adamant about the war of course, but I think it may be coming. There is much to like about Edwards of course, but I just do not see it happening (sorry Nicole).
1 comment:
This is exactly what Obama is about - he focuses on people's similarities and those things that bind us together as humans instead of drawing dividing lines between people's religions, ideologies, politics, race, etc. Unlike W, who ran on the slogan: "I'm a uniter, not a divider" (which, clearly, after the past 6 and a half years, could not be further from the truth), Barack actually is a uniter. His background and experience are proof positive of his unique ability to draw this nation together instead of tearing it apart, as has been done since the erroneous, misguided, and ill-fated decision in Bush v. Gore.
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