The Bible speaks in one tone about immoral behavior; homosexuals. It is an abomination, and anyone who can twist the word abomination into something positive is nuts.

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

It seems some interest groups love to wipe their dirty hands all over the Constitution of the United States. I don't agree with many things Obama has to say but he pretty much nailed it this time around.

Once again, the hyprocrites on this blog , just don't get that christianity is not just about abortion and homosexuality. The main message from Obama is that christianity should be used to bring us together (even those who are pro-choice and pro-gay rights, btw the way I am neither, but I don't condemn (hate) those who are in the name of God) and not used to divide us. But it's clear by some of these people on here (N. Baxter, J, Howell, Roberto, Rick, Jman, Jerry & KAtrina)is quite clear that those are the only 2 issues that make them christians and all others sinners and should be hated and condemned. I'll pray that you'll get to know what being a true christian is about.

I don't believe in any God. How strange it is that I have no ambitions to kill others for their beliefs. I think religion is poison and archaic. Live and let live.

I applaud Obama for having the courage to call out hypocrits. Even though he's a Christian it appears he's pretty open minded (see also liberal) about his ideas. I think there are certain things in life no government should interfere with.

History, past and present, teaches us that politics and religion divide groups of people. Christians and Muslims are equally volatile in my eyes. It's no coincidence that the two most popular religions are also the two most bloodthirsty.

I wish we lived in a world that dictated law on reason and probability… not superstitious beliefs and brutality. Obama gives me hope that maybe we can take a step in that direction.

Hillary has long complained about the Christian Right. I find it commical reading these pro- Obama comments. WHen will people in this country take the time to actually use their minds. It is not that I dislike Obama, he is just too green and his own party told him so. Listren to the debates, with an open mind. Hillary CLinton is so much more experienced and has the knowledge to lead this country. It is such a sad state that we as a nation still have a problem with a woman in a lead position. If Hillary was a man, there would be no question she would be the next president. Tjose who think differently are just not listening. You give a right wing lawyer unlimited funds to bring down a president and first lady and he comes up with what?? Look what happens when you put an unexperienced person in the WHite House. After 8 years, have we not learned our lesson?

It is very interesting how people can read the same words and come out with different interpretations. He did not state that he is better or right because he may be okay with homosexuality or abortion. I grew up very religious and then studied the bible for myself and became part of the church of christ for a period of time, which would make some of the fundamentalists look like liberals. I am a democrat. I may not agree with homosexuality for myself, but I have friends that are. I do not agree with abortion unless medically necessary or due to rape. I am not for the death penalty and am a firm believer in social justice. He made this point because it is no longer about people and policies for the good of all. It is about preserving the separation of church and state and letting people be. For those that are so opposed to homosexuality, think about this. How are you going to get them to "change" or come to God if you demonize them and refuse to acknowledge that they are humans. This is point of the message. To me personally there are bigger issues like war, poverty, and community hate and violence that demand more of my concern that someone's sexual proclivities or how they handle a pregnancy.

What about all the other books of the bible that have been left out through various "editions" since the so-called writing of the bibled 1800 years ago? (NOTE: I know, some of you are saying "It was 2000, but the bible wasn't written during Christ's time.)
If you need any further proof, look at the "King James Version". If I were King, I'd run a version of my own bible and tailor it to my moral values, thereby solidifying my base, and getting rid of undesirables through the use of god.

How is homosexuality any worse than eating shellfish on the sabbath, or using non-kosher food? Seems arbitrary and a token of the times in which these purported words of god were written. Leviticus seems to agree with me.

Funny, people don't pile on the jewish faith, or "allah" forbid, the muslim faith. It is ok to hammer christians and lump us as "bible thumping, right wing crazies".

Does he have the seeds to say that about the mulims, which by the way is a factual statement.

How about if Mitt Romney said that about muslims, would you not hammer him for being sterotypical?

I bet you libbys would.

Why is it most adults don't believe in the Easter bunny or Santa Claus but still believe there is a God. There is no proof. The religons got their starts as God Cults. Our world is controled by the people that know there is no God and minipulate those who do. Does anyone believe Cheney believes in God?

Can someone please tell me where, in which bible, abortion is referenced? "Thou Shalt Not Kill" is not really specific to abortion, and if we apply it there, then what about war and capital punishment? Also, can someone please quote the scripture where JESUS said anything about homosexuality? I'm a fairly knowledgeable Christian when it comes to scripture, but these are two questions that no one has ever been able to clarify for me…I do remember "Love One Another" and the fact that Jesus was known for seeking out and spending a lot of time with people who were considered "outcasts" and looked down upon by the religious leaders of the time…a lot of the rest of his time, he seemed to be concerned about the poor and said several things about not passing judgment…

Those are criticizing Senator Obama's speech did you read the text or listen to it online? Or are you just reading an article and making judgment?

I'm a Judo-Christian who believe that homosexuality is a sin. I believe those who practice homosexual must be born-again. It's a sin like lying, cheating, stealing and hating someone who is of a difference race or worships differently. I'm pro-choice because when Jesus die on the cross and rose again, He gave us a choice. Follow Him or perish. I'm also pro-death penalty. I'm supporting Senator Obama's ultimate Presidency because I believe he can bring us together and create a more perfect union. I don't agree with everything he says, I don't agree with everything my parents say. God is so good, and His mercy endureth forever. He is so awesome He created us individually. We all have different opinions, we won't agree on everything. So we should do our best to pick the best person we believe that can bring us together, the person with a true vision for our beautiful Country, the person we can see ourselves listening to 9even when we don't agree with EVERYTHING HE SAYS), the person who can re-create our standing in the World. That person is Senator Barack Obama, the President Ronald Reagan of the left. I can't state it enough, regardless of my difference with some of President Reagan's policies, he was a great President. He made me believe in the truth that there was, "Morning in America."

Senator Obama is strong enough to say what he truly believes, what other candidate running for this important office has done the same? There are "some" that do try to divide us on social issues. This is true. Who can say it's not?

Senator Obama doesn't agree with everything his church says, but he believes in the traditional concepts of United Church of Christ, and I believe in him as the next President of these UNITED States of America.

This illustrates where we are today. A man can say that people are "hijacking" a belief because they are sticking to ALL of it's teachings (vis-a-vi abortion, sexuality, fornication, adultry, etc) and those that want to tailor the belief to fit thier own hedonistic ways stand up and cheer…

Why don't people get it. Either you're a Christian or you're not. There is no in between. If you want a "faith" that allows the things you want to do, make up a new one. Stop trying to distort existing religions to fit your lifestyle.

And don't give me the crap about "forgiveness and love". To get forgiveness, you must REPENT. Repent means to "turn away from and renounce" those actions that are considered to be against God. God made it clear, he only forgives in response to repentance.

PS. Just so you know, I'm agnostic bordering on aithiest. However, I studied the bible for some time and fully support FREEDOM of religion and the right to exclude people from your church if they won't make attempts to conform according to the rules of the religion.

I agree that Obama has a valid point. Christians have struggled with doctrine since the beginning. The earliest example I believe is circumcision. Jews felt the Gentiles had to conform in order to be Christians( but they were not called Christians @ the time). However, we as Christians search for the truth. Truth is not subject to democracy. Debate should continue and after a time there needs to be a decision regarding doctrine, and all the while we need to love one another as Christ commanded us to do. If those who disagree with the doctrine are unsatisfied so be it. There needs to be rules or you will have (as a friend from New Hampshire described her church- Congregationalist) " The Church with no rules."

HILARY CLINTON WANTS YOU TO GO DO HER DIRTY WORK FOR HER. DON'T DO IT!!! STICK TO THE ISSUES BARACK, THIS IS SUICIDE, GET OFF THIS SUBJECT PLEASE!!! You're too good a man to get involved with this, man!!!

what he is referring to is known as priestcrafts in the scripture and it is where people begin to preach for their own glory.
Obama has a great point. I see little difference between right wing or left wing fanatics compared to the muslims fanatics.
Fortunatley both right and left do have good values and characteristics in them it is just whether or not the greatest stumbling block of mankind (Pride) can be overcome and the best of each side can be brought to the middle. It will never happen but it would be great if it did.

BALONEY. i get tired of people talking about Jesus preached love. Jesus also said, "if you LOVE me, you will OBEY my commandments." people conveniently forget this admonition in an effort not to "judge". speaking of taking scripture out of context - the bible does not say do not judge - it says take the beam out of your OWN eye and THEN you can see the speck in my eye. in other words, get right with God and then you can DISCERN the actions of others. the bible never says that we are to accept WHATEVER. try reading the WHOLE bible instead of just certain parts.

He said "right-wing evangelical leaders"but after reading the story i realized he was actually talking about jessie jackson and al sharpton.Typical democrat double talk.
I am really getting tired of hearing the same line about tax cuts for the rich.The dems need to start talking more about not raising taxes on the middle class.400 billion in taxes was the figure they put on the table.anything to slow down our growing economy that is fueled by the Bush tax cuts.Believe it or not it is true.

Rick from NYC uses the logic of "people of faith" versus "Democrats" and perfectly illustrates Sen. Obama's point! People of faith does not and should not exemplify some specific political position. To the point: Try and look for some condemnation of Jesus against homosexuality. You will not find it!

Love thy neighbor, love thy enemy — there is no room for exclusion!

Obama is just hurting himself by putting down the christian "right". Just because we believe that the "anything goes" mentality is not correct, doesn't make us divisive.

I was in the Hartford Convention Center for Sen. Obama's message. The place was packed… I would guess 8,000 christians, sitting (an a lot of standing) shoulder to shoulder, to here the message of one of their own. Sen. Obama proved to have a deep rooted faith and a message of home and Christian love.

Sen. Obama had my vote before he came to deliver his message to us, but now he has a supporter who will contribute and spend a lot of time helping to get him elected.

I think. He should be ashamed of himself. JUst 'cause others disagree with his political point of view doesn't mean they should be demonized.
You can agree or disagree with the evangelicals right as Obama calls them but from that to use the term they hijacked religion is an implying that somehow they are criminals or terrorists and he should be ashamed of doing that.
Unfortunatly democrats don't understand that people of faith actually disagree with them in many aspects of their political views because of their religious beliefs and faith not because they want to use religion as a tool for personal or political gain like the democrats.

Obama saying these things assures him of a vice presidency for Hillary. And maybe a real shot in 2016 when he has more 'street credz'.

Here he is taking shots at the christian right when he should be focusing on WINNING HIMSELF A CAMPAIGN. However, he won't go after Hillary 'cause he knows he'll have a comfy little spot in the whitehouse anyway.

Thank you Sentor Obama, I can only hope you win and you are able to make sepration of church and state real.

100% agree with Obama It really is unfortunate how much control and power the religious right has in the country. What is even worse is instead of using that power and control to bring people together they have used it to preach hate and divide the country.

If the GOP wants to know why they have lost so much support and become basically extinct here on Long Island (an area they once dominated) as well as basically the entire northeast as a whole they have to look no further than the divisiveness from the religious right they have not only embraced, but push themselves.

Mr. Obama has every right to his opinion as does every person on the earth. Disagreeing does not constitute hate. I do not agree with Mr. Obama's views about abortion, gay marriage, and other issues. The Bible, in any language, clearly states that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to promote peace towards each other, regardless of race or religion. I think Mr. Obama, like most all "politicians" sows too many seeds of contention. Where is a candidate that does not do that?? If he or she is out there, you would have my vote!

TO: Frank, Lily, KY: You are a perfect example of that christian right nutcase. Abortion and homosexuality are not the only christian issues. So because Sen. Obama is for gay rights, he should then have married a man and not a woman? Jesus had compassion for sinners but didn't sin, didn't he? Which bible are you reading? I'll pray for you.

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN MR. OBAMA. I HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT FOREVER. HYPOCITIES LIKE FALWELL, DOBSON, ROBERTSON, HAGGERT ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BEING THE RIGHT CHRISTIANS.

he looks so hottt !!1!

Since when is faith something that is "used to bring us together"? Jesus' own message was one of truth, not "unity." He himself said that “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

Seems to me that neither liberal denominations that think practicing homosexuals can be ministers, and conservatives that think the poor are assisted by tax breaks to the rich, are exhibiting the

Obama has learned quick, says what he needs to say at his convenience, at least the people he is attacking are not killing and blowing up their enemy.
But get ready America they are here and want to kill you because you are a christian.

Good man, speaks the truth for a change unlike most of the other politicians.

Yes he is correct. The far right has used religion to hijack faith.

We need to uphold the principle of seperation of church and state. Religion needs to kept out of party doctrine.

Again it is a matter of principle. I personally view same sex marriage as wrong, as is abortion. However it should not be the governments role to dictate to others.

The right-wing as Obama says exploits fear and implies that liberals want to impose gay marriage or abortion. In reality liberals just want to defend civil liberties and our legal rights.

I have to say that until now no one candidate has said anything to make me think they were any different then the rest until now. Impressive, lets just hope he backs up what hes trying to sell.

Senator Obama is the "true" hijacker of the faith. Homosexuality and abortion in the name of tolerance? They're all sin, and all will be forgiven by those who believe, but not all are justified. Hijackings are daily…truth is eternal.

It's funny how UCC members will jump on the Obama "bandwagon", even if it contradicts the most basics of scriptures. God loves all men, but that is not free license for abortion or homosexuality. Let's put aside the hype and hearsay, open our bibles and our minds, and get real truth from the God who created truth.

Senator Obama May be right is talking about division but I don't know what bible he is reading that sanction homosexuality.

I'm so proud of Senator Obama speaking truth to power, I wish someone would poll me too someday I would tell them Obama all the way, he is really been heating up the last few weeks, I knew the media wasnt going to be friendly to him from the beginning but it looks as if they can no longer deny him his due coverage. I have a funny feeling this man may be the next President of the United States.

Obama didn't just speak at any old "church convention" - You forgot to mention that Obama is a MEMBER for 22 years, of the United Church of Christ - we are proud to have him as part of the UCC.

Sen. Obama is quite right. As a new Catholic, I see this even in my Church. But it is not as apparent as in the Evangelical "corner". Gone are the Christ-centered directives to "Love your neighbor" and "Love your enemy". Everyone who is "different" from the "list" is the "enemy"–and is okay to dislike–or even hate. They even point to Bible verses that seem to "agree" with their notions–yet on close examination, these verses are taken out of context. I am quite shocked. Jesus never excluded anyone. So why should they.

The evangelicals have hijacked religious beliefs, and religion has hijacked reason. It's a shame our politics have to include these insane superstitious beliefs at all.

I am impressed with Barack's speech. In recent months, the direction that is suggested to the democrats is to court the christian right wing organizations. However, I believe to expose them will be more effective in getting this country on the right track. How many of the christian right leaders and right wing legislators are hypocritical and gay? We only know now of the ones that were exposed in the last year. I have lost my faith in recent years due to the religious right beliefs and the executive power that believes that America's destiny is to start the "wars and rumors of wars" in the Middle East

I've been a member of the United Church of Christ since 1959 and part of one of it's predeccesors, the Congregational Church since 1953, but hearing Barack Obama speak out about the hijacking of the Christian religion makes me prouder than ever. The evangelicals have persisted in theocratizing America ever since they campaigned to get the phrase "under God" included in the Pledge of Allegiance back in 1954. There can be no doubt that U.C.C. members are dedicated to bringing all people of faith together while evangelicals are always seeking to divide people in order to prosletyze them to their own narrow interpretation of the teachings of Jesus.

What's troubling is that some leaders of this country wear religion like its some sort of merit badge. Still others expect people to think like them and their religion with no compromise. This belongs to the Muslim conrolled society not a free enterprise system. Religious faith is personal in nature, and it should be preserved in that contex.

When Mr. Obama makes these statements, is it to bring the nation together or push those who know what is said in the BIBLE away from his party.
Killing late term babies is not very christain. Man sleeping with man is not natural, if it were why is Mr. Obama married to a woman and not a man?

I wonder the poll difference between hillary and Obama are the true numbers. We all know Obama doesnt get the positive press that he should. I've never been asked who would i vote for and im sure there are millions of others who are also skipped when these polls are done. I think Obama has the people listening right now. I consider my self religious a true religous individual, and I clearly dont see anything wrong with what he said.

this is absoutely true, and many in america have long believed this. it is telling that sen. obama has the guts to say this, and so far, is the only presidential candidate to do so. now that someone has declared that the emperor has no clothes on, i expect to see more candidates follow. the chrisitan right has done extreme harm to america by being the willing lackeys, or worse yet, by being the leading perpetrators, in demeaning democrats, and hence, religion and ultimately, america. hell is waiting patiently for those so-called christian leaders who have done this.

Amen!!! This is the topic of the day. Jesus warned about judging others, HE was insistent that we show compassion and tolerance. He never said to stop believing your convictions, however, HE never recommended verbally bludgeoning people who sinned (because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God). Jesus advocated leading people to the light of God (because God could take care of the rest concerning guilt and unworthiness) and admonished believers to love and forgive their brothers and sisters who wanted to know Christ. Being a stumbling block or road block was the last thing Jesus or God wanted. As far as punishment and conviction, God has always been the one to determine guilt and command punishment. Each time God did so it was never through inference and innuendo but rather with HIS voice and power. He never left any doubt as to HIS thoughts and never condoned man making those judgments on HIS behalf because man is flawed and a natural sinner. Any interpretation by men as to the "Will of God" is tainted by man's inherent sin. We should be encouraging the acceptance of God and open our hearts to HIS grace because HE is able to make anyone whole if one chooses Jesus as their Savior. That choice to be saved is the only requirement the Lord made to ensure salvation of our souls and while we might want or like people to change all their behaviors (in an attempt to be perfect) the Lord Jesus Christ knows that is not possible. So WE Christians should not expect perfection either and instead of shunning our brothers and sisters who are different we should be humble, loving and praying to God for clarity, guidance and trust that HE knows what HE is doing instead of second guessing HIM.

Once again, Obama tells it like it is. He is the candidate who "will say things that the others won't". GObama!

You can read the full text of Senator Obama's address to the United Church of Christ at http://www.chuckcurrie.com.

Rev. Chuck Currie