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Christianity Today, January (Web-only), 2008 |

Q&A: Barack Obama

"I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Interview by Sarah Pulliam and Ted Olsen | posted 1/23/2008 02:18PM

Barack Obama wants to set the record straight. He is not a Muslim, as recent e-mails falsely claim.

The Democratic presidential candidate is fighting the e-mails that have been widely circulated. Obama ...

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Keturah

Posted: February 06, 2008 2:03 PM

Sometimes I believe that GOD left "STUPID" outside and alot of people thought it was something good and bought it into their homes. There is only one GOD. One GOD for all people that believe in the POWER greater than themselves. You have no right to judge another's belief/understanding of GOD. Who taught you about GOD - your parents? Whoever it was, taught you based on their understanding. But that doesn't mean they had all the information there is! Only GOD is all knowing! The word "RELIGION" means: 're' means 'again'; ligion means to bind or be bought back; so the name in itself means to bring people-especially ones who have lost their way-'BACK to GOD'. Since the 'binding' is done in different ways, buy different poeple, in different parts of the world;- it is believed and understood in different ways. One thing I know-every person that loves GOD - will see HIM again. Stop being a JUDGE. You don't have enough knowledge to do so -Only GOD does.

Think about it

Posted: February 06, 2008 12:51 PM

RICHIE B - your closed-minded ranting is exactly what gives Christians a bad reputation in this country. When Obama said he doesn't know anyone who is pro-abortion, he meant that some people are pro-CHOICE, not pro-abortion. What we support is the right of a woman to DECIDE for herself whether or not to go through with an unwanted pregnancy (especially in cases of rape or danger to the mother). That decision should not be left up to politicians. As Obama stated, if we work on improving the problem at its source (reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in the first place) then this will decrease the number of instances where this difficult decision must be made (by the woman). Just because YOU (or even all Christians for that matter) believe abortion is unethical doesn't mean the entire country should have YOUR opinions/values/morals imposed on them. Not everyone in this country is Christian. Respect that. If you think abortion is wrong, then don't have one.

Kevin Devoto

Posted: February 06, 2008 11:32 AM


evangelicals and Democrats ?? wow, it's like that? Kevin Devoto

Whizzy

Posted: February 06, 2008 10:59 AM

Obama briefly refers to the e-mails that say he doesn't salute the flag. I seem to recall seeing actual footage where, indeeed, he did not salute the flag. Does anyone know the truth behind this? I disagree with the "born again" reference by Robin. I don't think you have to use the term "born again" to show that you had a conversion, revelation, and/or that you are Christian. I remember the event in my life that affected me and caused me to seek out a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ and changed my life, but I don't refer to myself as "born again", just a Christian who is a sinner but I'm redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an Obama supporter (for other reasons), but he did say that he came to a point in his life where he realized that he needed and wanted the help of God and that he does let prayer guide him.

Richie B

Posted: February 06, 2008 10:23 AM

I just finished reading the responses to the these questions that were asked of barack obama. The Abortion question: a. I don't know anyone who is pro-abortion. This guy is suppose to be a U.S. Senator representing the U.S.A. the Senate, our legislative Goverment body, says that he doesn't know anyone who is pro-abortion. What is he two years old or really that stupid? That's like me saying that if I release an apple from my hand I don't know if it will fall. b. Our goal should be to make abortion less common, that we should be discouraging unwanted pregnancies, that we should encourage adoption wherever possible: Here is another tipical politician answer. The CHRISTIAN answer should have been to do away with ABORTION, not make it less common. That's like saying in my city there are one thousand murders a day, "BUT" I will make it only five hundred which will be "LESS COMMON". c. He denies having a copy of a quran in his hand when sworn in?: I a "Christian" a "BIBLE".

Carol

Posted: February 06, 2008 5:38 AM


I believe he needs to show his respect to our American flag that he really thank God to work on our country and our people also he should take an oath on the bible. I recalled he refused to take an oath on the bible, isn't he?

Craig

Posted: February 05, 2008 9:25 PM

Why is it that you did not quiz Obama about his position on Israel - about the "doctrines" of his church in reagrds to Israel - about the war and pulling the troops out early - about his controversial pastor; you folks let him off easy - you did not ask the questions that show whether or not that his is a "Biblical" world view. His rhetoric on abortion was nothing more than smoke and mirros and politcal dancing around the camp fire. You did not pin him down - and his answer was from a clear "choice" point of view. I would ask him if he would abolish abortion? Wilberforce would have been ashamed of your shallow questions. We now live in a Post Christian society where if someone says "I believe in Jesus" we all get goosebumps - I will rally behind ANY political leader who first stands up for the MOST innocent in our society - the unborn babies. Maybe Obama should be made to witness an abortion like Wilborforce made his political friends smell the stench of the slave boats.

Mike	Posted: February 05, 2008 4:43 PM


An article by Christina Bellatoni on today's Washington Times Website quotes Sen. Obama supporter Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut that "Barack Obama has a 100% pro-choice voting record."

Jon	Posted: February 05, 2008 4:34 PM

I am a born again Christian. But I am also pro-abortion. I support a lot of what Obama supports, it makes more logical sense to give the mother responsibility to pray about the decision. I also agree that adoption should be pushed more and that the education of sex in our public and private schools is a joke. Kids these days start having sex when they are 13-17 (whether Christian or not). To answer Chris's numerous questions on the detailed faith of Obama, they are irrelevant. The problem with the voting population of christians today is that we look too deeply into the specifics. Who cares if he believes faith and works gets you to heaven, or if he was physically resurrected or if it was just a metaphor, or if during communion we are actually eating his flesh and blood, or if it is just symbolism. Non of these things should be important when you cast your vote. I pray that you would not show up to vote. Please base your vote on political issues and not to which denomination he belongs

Saddened

Posted: February 05, 2008 4:15 PM

Dear friends, I read many of your comments with a heavy heart and am forced to ask: which of you are without discrepancies in your own lives? Which of you are without sin? I chose Christ 10 years ago because of His unconditional forgiveness, His friendship with the friendless and the weak, His compassion for wretched sinners like me. And yet, I read these brutal comments, here on a web site called "Christianity Today," from people who call themselves Christians too, and I wonder if I am possibly following the same Lamb that they are. It is this kind of divisive, destructive behavior that turns so many away from the church. I'm not writing to convince you who to vote for. Your vote is your personal choice. But I implore you to take a good look at your own heart the next time you want to publicly condemn the heart of another - especially one who calls himself your brother. Do not be so quick to judge. After all, no one can judge the soul but God.

Bob	Posted: February 05, 2008 4:10 PM

"If Obama is supposedly a Christian, why did he refuse a Bible and use a Koran when he was sworn in to political office?" Many people seem to be confusing Obama with Keith Ellison - the Congressman from Minnesota. They are both black, and they are both members of the DFL party - but that is about all they have in common. I don't know why Obama doesn't bring this up in his interviews it might clear up confusion. Ellison is openly Muslim, and was sworn in on a copy of the Koran that was in Thomas Jefferson's library - and it got quite a bit of press for a variety of reasons. Obama is as Christian as any other Liberal Mainline Christian - be they ELCA or Methodist or Presbyterian or Episcopal. Now you may critique the theology of his church, but remember that is well within this stream of Christianilty.

Christina

Posted: February 05, 2008 1:49 PM

I believe that Obama is a follower of Christ. Denominationally we are very different and I agree that his local church has much to work out. But I do believe he echoes the same sentiment in the interview. What is very important is his declaration of the transformative power of Christianity of Jesus Christ. As far as Pro-Life and Pro-Choice the bottom line is the elimination and reduction of abortions. Under Bush the amount of abortions went up. Why? We know that abortion is linked to various societal factors (as well as carnality) that often times OVERLY tax-conscience Republicans fail to address. I would rather have a Pro-Choice candidate that reduces the number of abortions and unwanted pregnancies than a Pro-Life candidate that talks a good game but does nothing. This has been the recent history of the Religious Right. They use this language to get our votes but then do nothing to help the cause when in office. Actions speak louder than rhetoric! Be Blessed!!

Jeanne, Wilmington, DE

Posted: February 05, 2008 12:36 PM

Barack’s wife came to DEL & made point how much experience and compassion he brings to foreign relations based on mostly PRE-GRADEschool years overseas. Well, I guess his viewpoint is shaded depending the foreign country. Barack’s “experience” tells him to have our troops invade Pakistan and destroy it. But now Kenya is in the midst of political upheaval turning into ethnic genocide, which his own UNCLE Odinga is part responsible for, no talk of sending troops to invade search houses and bomb. And since he does have connections, surely by now we should know if he called and EXACTLY what he said to his uncle or Kibaki as example of how he handles foreign matters. But no, all he does is play “sympathy card” of his grandma still there. What we DO know is Barack’s “get out of debt quick” scheme– have people BUY a book explaining his politics - that info should be FREE. But if it don’t help your campaign don’t bring it up. Change NOT. Just same ol’ political rhetoric in this article!

Tim	Posted: February 05, 2008 9:13 AM

Uh...Richard, when did following the example of Jesus become "works-based salvation," and "apostate?" Do you believe that obeying God is somehow tantamount to legalism and heresy? I was, however, concerned with Barak's "more importantly," clause after affirming the redemption that is in Jesus death and resurrection. There is nothing more important than this salvation, and social action of any kind that is Christian is not "moving beyond" this, but the living out of it.

Anonymous

Posted: February 05, 2008 8:22 AM

I have to agree nothing penetrating was expounded on in this article. For Mark never was one (a Muslim), really? Have you read any of Barak's own words? I did not hear him say that. Also, try reading "again" the words of Christ before commenting on what he would have found outrageous. The words "leave your life of sin" come to my mind. I have read enough of Barak's own words to know that he needs to read more of the Bible. When Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life... " does not seem to resonance in Barak's life as I see in other Christian lives. If anyone thinks I am excerpting Jesus too much out read the line after Jesus says "I am the way..."

Ally K.

Posted: February 05, 2008 8:21 AM

How clear does he have to be: Barack Obama says, " I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ..." He states, "I am a Christian--a devout Christian." If that doesn't make Obama's beliefs crystal clear, nothing will. Does he have to say, "yes, I was born again" to spell it out clearly enough? For some, obviously. Regarding abortion, perhaps Obama is right: as evangelical Christians, why not work to alleviate many of the reasons women feel they have no option but abortion. If we are to be Incarnational people, then work to end poverty and make sure all Americans have access to quality health care. Work not just to make your own family strong, but help young women who are just starting out and don't know how to build a strong family. Would the Christ ask a young woman to reconsider abortion without offering her loving, practical alternatives?

Mike	Posted: February 05, 2008 5:54 AM

The interviewers let Senator Obama off the hook. They should have asked whether or not what is in the womb being killed is a human being. They did not press him on THE issue for evangelicals and other readers. He has said he will appoint pro abortion Supreme Court Judges. The issue is clear. Their will be more abortions in this country if Obama (or Clinton, for that matter) is elected President than if someone else is.

Bob	Posted: February 04, 2008 9:52 PM

I think the one thing that we need to remember is that many who call themselves pro-life are only pro-birth. It is not enough to outlaw abortion if we are not doing the work to ensure that once these children are born they have a real chance at life. We must ensure justice for the poor with our public policy in a holistic and sustainable way. We cannot vote on one dimension of a president, and we cannot vote with out considering how foreign policy costs lives of americans and those around the world. While abortion is disgusting and murder - we cannot be so one dimensional in our evaluation of our leaders as Christians. If we look at some of the AbuGraib and Black Water, and Hurricane Katrina atrocities we can see that life has been treated with the same or greater amount of disdain - that should upset us the same way that abortion does.

Pat	Posted: February 04, 2008 8:34 PM

Thanks for the information. I'm sure none of the candidates are perfect or as upright as we would like, but they are politicians. At least his concern for the poor and middle class is clear. His compassion is very evident and his fairness stands out. I will be voting for Senator Obama and will do what I can as a Christian and pray for him as we should do for any candidate who gets to the office of President.

David

Posted: February 04, 2008 3:27 PM

Overall, I like Barack and I believe he is a Christian. The problem is his stance on abortion. I'm tired of hearing it's a "choice." Abortion comes down to one thing...either it is murder or it is not!!! Science says that when the egg is fertilized the potential for a baby has begun. The question is, do we have the right to "play" God and decide to terminate life that has potential and is in motion. The child that is now growing in the womb wants every chance to continue to grow and this is demonstrated by the mere fact that it continues to grow. It's fighting for life!! So, will you vote for someone who believes in murder? I pray that you give every child a chance to grow as this is God's will as well. God desires godly-offspring. Malachi 2:15

Bill	Posted: February 04, 2008 2:57 PM

Thanks for interviewing a faithful public servant. I agree that as Evangelical Christians we have given the Republican party a free ride. All of us that are pro life need to ask ourselves.."What am I/will I do to reduce abortions?" Are you and I willing to adopt a baby? Are we willing to walk alongside a single/teen mom and make sure she has all that she needs? It's tough to talk without the walk.

Lisa Corrado

Posted: February 04, 2008 10:21 AM

Candidates will make us think anything. Do your homework and don't take what they say at face value. Watch what they do. Why did Obama's senior pastor give the 2007 Lifetime Achievement award to the leader of the The Nation of Islam via the Trumpet Magazine, which is published by the pastor's daughter with help from church staff! Of all the people serving the Lord they honor Louis Farrakhan whose life-purpose is to praise Allah as God? Blasphemy! This is Obama's spiritual influence. For 20 years he's been at this church apparently, but in his book he admits he doesn't know what happens after death. He also believes in the Big Bang instead of Creation. Other than being pro-Allah, what else does his pastor preach if not about the afterlife? If not about "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me." Beware of wolves in sheep clothing. Obama's church: http://www.tucc.org/home.htm Trumpet Mag: www.trumpetmag.com Wright's 9/11 quote: blog.beliefnet.com/

David

Posted: February 04, 2008 3:18 AM

Simply put, Mr.Obama sounds like a nice guy to play marbles with, but not a man to be the President of the United States of America. I know God will put who-ever he pleases into the office of the United States Presidency, and if it will be this man, then so be it. Even if he comes across like a man who would endorse a one world Religion, who would leave off finishing the task at hand in Iraq, and to continue to allow abortion as it is. If this is Gods man of the hour for America, then this is the man they deserve.

Mark	Posted: February 04, 2008 12:44 AM


Stop buying into the Muslim smear. He isn't and never was one. Besides, all religion is immoral. Hating gays, denying women their rights, etc. All stuff the actual Jesus would have found outrageous.

George T.

Posted: February 02, 2008 9:25 PM


I Think Obama has it right. However the "political" aspect makes one wonder if all these thoughts will be "applied."

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