Finding His Faith

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  • Posted By: Oatey @ 07/13/2008 10:33:46 AM

    It would be refreshing if some day a candidate would admit to being agnostic.

    • Posted By: olderwiser @ 07/13/2008 10:49:55 AM

      Enter Your Comment Try Thomas Jefferson on for size on this one.

      • Posted By: xeyeldinTX @ 07/13/2008 1:13:37 PM

        Yes, but Jefferson probably would not be elected in the present age.

    • Posted By: summer1216 @ 07/13/2008 12:03:31 PM

      The American public has overwhelmingly said in repeated polls that they want their President to be a person of faith. No one is going to get far running as an agnostic.

  • Posted By: Fichte @ 07/13/2008 1:10:41 PM

    First, a man' religion should not be a criteria for his worthiness for being President. Do you care what religion your neurosurgeon is? However, the article completely missed the main question about Obama's faith. The principal question is: DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIBERATION THEOLOGY AS DOES YOUR PASTOR?
    Most of the established religions, Catholic, Protestant, Islam, consider Liberation Theology to be heretical. The present pope b The
    The presen

  • Posted By: Cantabrigian @ 07/13/2008 1:05:56 PM

    Newsweek (Allison Samuels, 5/4), quoted interviews with Obama's campaign advisors and Oprah Winfrey.

    The crux of her story was that Obama's insiders claimed his membership with Wright's church was "due to a search for his identity as an African-American and, more importantly, as an African-American man."

    According to the article, Reverend Wright and other male members of the church were instrumental in helping him understand the black experience in America.

    However, whereas, Oprah left Wright's church after a couple of years, Obama continued with this man for twenty tears, because Oprah claims that Obama saw Wright as his," father figure." Now put this into perspective, Obama was searching for his identity twenty years ago, He was looking for a "father figure in Pastor Jeremiah Wright!

    Actions speak louder than words. Obama claimed that Hillary Clinton supporters were uneducated, low-class whites, clutching guns and going to church .

    * Then there is Michelle Obama, an angry woman expressing anti-American sentiments that, "life in America is not good, we're a country that is just down right mean . . . We're a country that is guided by fear, We're a nation of cynics, sloths and complacents."

    • Posted By: mahada @ 07/13/2008 1:10:29 PM

      Why are there such hateful, spiteful people in this forum? If you are Christian I thought you were supposed to be kind and understanding regarding the struggles of faith? I am mystified at the idea that many of you claim to follow Jesus Christ yet spout such unenlightened divisive comments towards others. I am ashamed to be a Christian when I read these words.

  • Posted By: mj it @ 07/13/2008 11:45:42 AM

    McCain doesn't go to church, cheated on his wife when he met a much younger woman who happened to be an heiress to a beer fortune. He left his wife and kids for a much younger woman - whom he started an affair with the night he met her. Obama has not been divorced, has a relationship with God and cares about us average Americans -- you tell me.

    • Posted By: globalqueen1 @ 07/13/2008 1:09:13 PM

      If Obama CARES so much for the average American, why did he state that comment about the Bible carrying, gun toting rednecks? That is just name calling and something that has always been the cause of racial tension. Who needs a president who thinks that the people who he is supposed to be working for are worthy of name calling and not much else?

    • Posted By: RobH1954 @ 07/13/2008 12:22:28 PM

      Saying you "care" is really neat,huh.......All he really cares about is being president-you or I well were the dumb masses,controlled by the media,and lied to by politicians

  • Posted By: ndrock @ 07/13/2008 12:55:28 PM

    Its good to see that your rag mag is keeping up with its image. Obama didn't spend 20 years taking in the rantings of a black raciest preacher, and "over night" "found "himself"! Who the hell do you people think you are kidding? Who is the real person who owns this mag and is in charge that lets you print this trash that you are trying to shove down our throats? I just wonder who your rag mag supports? OH, could it be Obama!!!

    • Posted By: lee226 @ 07/13/2008 1:08:56 PM

      Another ignorant impudent american who cannot read and research the truth for himself but opens his mouth and graciuoslu puts his foot in at every turn.
      Mister use you reason and mindfulness, we have enough of you lousy opinions.

  • Posted By: Omaar @ 07/13/2008 12:58:50 PM

    "Masonry Welcomed Anyone from Any Religion or Non" John Adams

    John Adams

    Adams, a Unitarian, flatly denied the doctrine of Eternal Damnation. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he wrote:

    "I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved -- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!"

    In his letter to Samuel Miller, 8 July 1820, Adams admitted his unbelief of Protestant Calvinism: "I must acknowledge that I cannot class myself under that denomination."

    In his, "A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America" [1787-1788], John Adams wrote:

    "The United States of America have exhibited, perhaps, the first example of governments erected on the simple principles of nature; and if men are now sufficiently enlightened to disabuse themselves of artifice, imposture, hypocrisy, and superstition, they will consider this event as an era in their history. Although the detail of the formation of the American governments is at present little known or regarded either in Europe or in America, it may hereafter become an object of curiosity.

    It will never be pretended that any persons employed in that service had interviews with the gods, or were in any degree under the influence of Heaven, more than those at work upon ships or houses, or laboring in merchandise or agriculture; it will forever be acknowledged that these governments were contrived merely by the use of reason and the senses.

    ". . . Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretence of miracle or mystery, and which are destined to spread over the northern part of that whole quarter of the globe, are a great point gained in favor of the rights of mankind."

    James Madison

    Called the father of the Constitution, Madison had no conventional sense of Christianity. In 1785, Madison wrote in his Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments:

    "During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution."

    "What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not."

    • Posted By: lee226 @ 07/13/2008 1:05:25 PM

      People came here to escape those who persecuted them because of their religion.
      Let's not forget that or we will loose all of our freedoms, one by one.

  • Posted By: Omaar @ 07/13/2008 1:04:38 PM

    Benjamin Franklin


    Although Franklin received religious training, his nature forced him to rebel against the irrational tenets of his parents Christianity. His Autobiography revels his skepticism, "My parents had given me betimes religions impressions, and I received from my infancy a pious education in the principles of Calvinism. But scarcely was I arrived at fifteen years of age, when, after having doubted in turn of different tenets, according as I found them combated in the different books that I read, I began to doubt of Revelation itself.

    ". . . Some books against Deism fell into my hands. . . It happened that they wrought an effect on my quite contrary to what was intended by them; for the arguments of the Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much stronger than the refutations; in short, I soon became a through Deist."

    In an essay on "Toleration," Franklin wrote:

    "If we look back into history for the character of the present sects in Christianity, we shall find few that have not in their turns been persecutors, and complainers of persecution. The primitive Christians thought persecution extremely wrong in the Pagans, but practiced it on one another.

    The first Protestants of the Church of England blamed persecution in the Romish church, but practiced it upon the Puritans. These found it wrong in the Bishops, but fell into the same practice themselves both here [England] and in New England."

    Dr. Priestley, an intimate friend of Franklin, wrote of him:

    Big Note: "It is much to be lamented that a man of Franklin's general good character and great influence should have been an unbeliever in Christianity, and also have done as much as he did to make others unbelievers" (Priestley's Autobiography)

  • Posted By: onebadlad @ 07/13/2008 12:50:30 PM

    nice try news week great plug for O B why don't you tell thuth? Obama used the kuran to swear in in Illinois.

    • Posted By: mahada @ 07/13/2008 1:03:24 PM

      Do you know how to spell? Its Quaran, or even Koran, not kuran.

  • Posted By: Judy H. @ 07/13/2008 12:57:55 PM

    God's word says: Iam the way the truth and the life and noone comes to the FATHER except through ME. JESUS is the only way to be saved,forgiven and have eternal life. Good works do not get anyone saved. A CHRISTIAN does good works because he is serving GOD

    • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 07/13/2008 1:03:01 PM

      Very well said. HE came NOT to condemn the world, but to save it.

      NOBAMA!!!

  • Posted By: skywalker77 @ 07/13/2008 1:01:39 PM

    Newsweek is a liberal, big business-serving rag like 90% of this country's media. If Obama becomes president of the United States it will become an "obamanation." I know you get my meaning...

  • Posted By: quetzl @ 07/13/2008 12:59:25 PM

    Harry Truman would have had an accurate, concise summary of your article: "BULL!"

  • Posted By: energnc @ 07/13/2008 12:57:23 PM

    Finally, an intelligent, thoughtful, contemplative person reaching for leadership of America!

  • Posted By: skywalker77 @ 07/13/2008 12:56:46 PM

    Eaglwlker12,
    You get a grip on what you THINK is reality is and I will work on what I think reality is...

  • Posted By: Boulder Sue @ 07/13/2008 12:54:17 PM

    For some really and sometimes painful, history of Barack's spiritual journey, read "Dreams From My Father". Barack wrote this before he was running for anything, had not met Michelle or been to Africa yet. He was never a Muslim, so don't worry about anyone slicing his hands off, asssuming any but a few fanatics believe in that anyway. He did have a lot of exposure to Islam by dint of his family and the places he lived in and visited. And he was spiritually adrift by his own account by the time he was working in Chicago's lower South Side as a community advisor (which experience can be seen reflected in a lot of his present philosophy on how to get things done, including his faith based proposals-nothing like GWB's!) He decided to try Rev. Wright's church on the recommendation of a Rev. Philips (I think the guy's name was) because the congregation seemed to match Barack: young, idealistic, diverse, and the Rev. recognized Barack's need for
    a spiritual anchor. So did Barack. He needed more than one kind of anchor,too. Thus his later trip to Africa to meet his extended family in Kenya as well as his continuing "clinging" to his Amercan side of the family.. Yes, the media is a problem, big time, when it comes to arriving at some sort of truth. Thus it becomes our responsibility to do what they apparently can't or won't. We have an obligation to not remain members of the "dumb masses". In the words of an old, popular sci-fi show, the truth is out there. Blame no one but yourself if you feel you are being led around by the nose and lied to by anyone. Go dig up the facts yourself. It's not only a right but a duty as American citizens, so, paraphrasing the words of a good buddy of McCain, stop being a nation of whiners. And for those of you barack supporters who are so hard line as to think you may be getting "sold out", I heard a good one today: don't let the Ideal be the enemy of the good. Elect Obama and a Democratic Congress, then get to work on them to do what you see as necessary. Not everyone is as thick-skulled as George W. and his entourage. Ultimately it comes down to us and what we, as responsible citizens actually do, which brings to mind another quote that begins "Ask not...."

  • Posted By: sharenews @ 07/12/2008 11:43:53 PM

    Barack Obama has the worst luck with preachers of everybody I know

    Jay Leno, 7/9/08 talking on his show after the announcement of Jesse Jackson's vulgar remark.

    • Posted By: eaglwlker12 @ 07/13/2008 12:53:27 PM

      You make your own luck

  • Posted By: dumpthedems @ 07/13/2008 12:49:58 PM

    Omaar, McCain doesn't attend Hagees or Parsleys church. Big difference dude. Not 20 years dedication to radicalism.

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 07/12/2008 10:49:33 PM

    Here are a few quotes from Hussein supporters. Most people should find these comments...... well you read, and comment. I'll post a few more"

    This is bigger than Kennedy. . . . This is the New Testament." | "I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often. No, seriously. It's a dramatic event."
    -- Chris Matthews

    "[Obama is ] creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom . . . [He is] the man for this time."
    -- Toni Morrison

    "Obama's finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don't even really inspire. They elevate. . . . He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh . . . Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves."
    -- Ezra Klein

    "Obama has the capacity to summon heroic forces from the spiritual depths of ordinary citizens and to unleash therefrom a symphonic chorus of unique creative acts whose common purpose is to tame the soul and alleviate the great challenges facing mankind."
    -- Gerald Campbell

    "We're here to evolve to a higher plane . . . he is an evolved leader . . . [he] has an ear for eloquence and a Tongue dipped in the Unvarnished Truth."
    -- Oprah Winfrey

    ???I would characterize the Senate race as being a race where Obama was, let???s say, blessed and highly favored. That???s not routine. There???s something else going on. I think that Obama, his election to the Senate, was divinely ordered. . . . I know that that was God???s plan."
    -- Bill Rush

    NOBAMA!!!

    • Posted By: gatzbyone @ 07/13/2008 12:49:01 PM

      OBAMA is nothing but Oprah's Vjay JAy.... he knows it and I wouldn't be surprised after they sell him to the people and he is elected she will be the ambassador to all of AFRICA...Kenya pray he gets elected you stand to gain a big big aid package for his family

  • Posted By: sayitboldly @ 07/13/2008 11:31:52 AM

    Well Obama, is tjhere more than one way to God yes or no ?

    • Posted By: O Man @ 07/13/2008 12:45:56 PM

      Since "Mr. Obama" probably doesn't read your stuff, maybe I can answer taht question: The Bible does say that New Jerusalem will have 12 gates.

  • Posted By: Omaar @ 07/13/2008 12:45:52 PM

    A few Christian fundamentalists attempt to convince us to return to the Christianity of early America, yet according to the historian, Robert T. Handy, "No more than 10 percent-- probably less-- of Americans in 1800 were members of congregations."

    The Founding Fathers, also, rarely practiced Christian orthodoxy. Although they supported the free exercise of any religion, they understood the dangers of religion. Most of them believed in deism and attended Freemasonry lodges. According to John J. Robinson, "Freemasonry had been a powerful force for religious freedom." Freemasons took seriously the principle that men should worship according to their own conscience. Masonry welcomed anyone from any religion or non-religion, as long as they believed in a Supreme Being. Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Hamilton, Lafayette, and many others accepted Freemasonry.


    The "Constitution" reflects our founders views of a Secular Government, protecting the freedom of any belief or unbelief. The historian, Robert Middlekauff, observed, "the idea that the Constitution expressed a moral view seems absurd. There were no genuine evangelicals in the Convention, and there were no heated Declarations Of Christian Piety."

  • Posted By: RQPeterson @ 07/13/2008 11:52:39 AM

    This piece is such a suck-up to Obama that you might as well suck his dick.

    • Posted By: gatzbyone @ 07/13/2008 12:44:22 PM

      OBAMA is being sold to America by the big news agencies
      he is nothing bu the black Manchurian Candidate the only ones that stand to benefit from him being elected Prez is Kenya with a big fate aid package for his family

    • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 07/13/2008 12:19:08 PM

      Larry Sinclair did that.

      NOBAMA!!!

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