Issue 17: Religion
Greg Kandra || News Director, NET - New Evangelization Television
Of all the historic moments that will unfold on January 20th, one of the most striking will be the image of a man taking the oath of office and explicitly using his Muslim middle name while his hand rests on a Christian bible. That very fact alone may be one of the most symbolically important on a day that will be rich with symbolism and resonant with history.
But the man at the center of it all remains, on matters of faith, an enigma.
Some commentators have noted that Barack Obama is, in many ways, a blank slate – people project onto him their own ambitions, aspirations and expectations, and take away from that what they want. That may be true of his faith, as well. He doesn’t wear his religion on his sleeve, a fact that discomfits some conservatives. And he’s chosen for his inaugural a pro-life preacher who opposes gay marriage, a fact that worries and angers some liberals.
And there is this: Obama doesn’t appear to have the red-hot faith of Evangelicals; his religious convictions, like his overall affect, are cool to the touch. Will that be a comfort to an America entering a troubled age? It remains to be seen.
People tend to turn (or return) to faith during difficult moments – and our difficulties are just beginning. Obama has shown a gift for sensing the mood of the times – it’s part of what got him elected. That gift, and more, will be needed by millions of Americans who will seek solace, support and hope from their God, however they see Him.
Deacon Greg Kandra is the Emmy-winning News Director for NET, the cable channel of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. A 26-year veteran of CBS News, he is also the creator of the popular blog “The Deacon’s Bench” - http://deacbench.blogspot.com
His spiritual writing has appeared in AMERICA, U.S. CATHOLIC and CATHOLIC DIGEST
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Mr. Obama shrewdly, I believe, chose to take his inaugural oath using the Bible that Abraham Lincoln used. At one time it was rumored that he would use the Koran. Most presidents use their own or their family Bible. Mr. Obama’s choice was symbolic. However, it was not, I believe, symbolic of his faith, but rather of his admiration for and as a tribute to Abe Lincoln.
Many have said he is Islamic. He denies this. However, it is known that he had an Islamic education in Kenya. Hs claims to be a Christian, but, as we all know, the brand of Christianity he seems to have followed under Rev. Wright for so many years, is radical racist, and anti-American. In short, NOT mainstream Christianity and more closely aligned with Islam than Christianity. No wonder Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan touts him as almost a new messiah. No wonder Khadaffi calls him a “brother,” and no wonder Kenya is celebrating his rise to power.
I cannot, in good conscience, call him a Christian brother. However, it is God who knows his heart and God who will judge. But I am quite concerned about the future with Barack HUSSEIN Obama in office.
Now, more than ever, we need to turn to God and His Word - the Bible - for wisdom and guidance. And we need to pray, pray, pray, and then when we’re done, pray some more!
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44 Issues in 44 Days
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# 43: Politics
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# 33: Design
# 24: Gun Control
# 39: Gay Rights
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Inaugural Insight
- The inauguration for the first U.S. president, George Washington, was held on April 30, 1789 in New York City.