In response to Douglas Babb, YOU'RE FLAT WRONG. Do some more research.

When I read this article, I see something very different from most of the posts.

I think Obama did a fine job of simply saying that Jesus is the embodiment of a principle of brotherhood.

I thought Jesus was all about brotherhood. Obama said that the church represented a principle of brotherhood, and represented the ideals that Jesus evokes, The church did this following Hurricane Katrina by helping the victims. The government failed in this by failing to respond compentently to the disaster.

He did not say the government should be the rock, the government should simply be competent.

I don't think Obama was trying to be a theologian, or to push any religious viewpoint at all. He was simply using the principles of Christianity as a medium of common understanding with the people of N.O. who have had to rely on faith (and not so much government) during the past two years. IF it is true that much has been spent and little has been accomplished is not the people of N.O. who should be blamed, it is the incompetence of the government.

This speech had very little to do with religion, and everything to do with caring about human beings. This appears to be a concern that most of the people complaining about this or that in their posts seem to ignore.

The people listening to Obama in that church must be woefully lacking in Bible knowledge; anybody who knows Scripture would have booed him off the platform for such cynical twisting of that passage (in Matthew 7), which has nothing at all to do with goverment and everything to do with repenting and placing your faith in Christ. Obama should be ashamed — if he's still capable of feeling shame.

Forget the 'Rock', Here is a Liberal, One who thinks the clinical murder of unborn children should be not only a legal but should be paid for by tax dollars…Here is a liberal, one who believes that if a pastor does not want to marry 2 people of the same sex that pastor should be put in jail even if it is against his religion…Here is a liberal who says an obese society is starving to death and that taxes are not high enough already…he wants to throw more money (funneled through his own pockets) at do nothing for themselves obese starving people…Here is a socialist, communist, elitist minded LIBERAL who wants nothing more than a brain dead society who believs without government, the people are nothing…Here is a Liberal…

The question of whether Christ's teachings resulted from His divine nature is not much different from the question of whether His claim to be the only Son of God is true. To answer that, one must look at the totality of the evidence. As an attorney, I am impressed by the unmatched historical and scientific evidence of the reliability and authenticity of the New Testament manuscripts; which begs the question: on what basis would one doubt Christ's divine claim?

How ironic…Obama quotes from a Bible passage when it appears convenient within the Bible belt; the devil quoted directly from Psalm 91 when he attempted to fool Jesus…

Oh well………Just add another idiot to the mix of candidates. This chump has no concept of Biblical teachings.

From what I've seen and heard in media — mostly via "live" television interviews/broadcasts — Obama is a member of a self-defined, "BLACK CHURCH."

The other titling comes afterward, but first and foremost, as per their very minister (who has said as much on various televised interviews), he is minister of "A BLACK CHURCH" of which Obama (and family) are members. When questioned about why they use that definition of their church, the minister grew immediately rude, impatient, angry and was obviously condescending to and about the very question, suggesting that the "White" man who asked that question was just "too dumb" to understand.

How would any of you Liberals here respond if a Republican, Christian male (or female, for that matter) went before the world and proclaimed that they were members of "A WHITE CHURCH."

I can barely stand to consider just to what extent the outcry would ensue, if ever so…

About the "Separation of Church and State," another thing about Liberals that can always be relied upon to happen without balance, is, that WHEN you hear A LIBERAL who you "like" mention Christ and/or refer to the Bible (New Testament or Old), you support the statement/s. WHEN, however, you hear a Conservative refer to Christ, Christianity, the Bible (Old and/or New), you revile them.

It comes down to the fact that you dismiss and denigrate Conservatives when and if there is mention of Christ and Christianity, while you promote those Liberals who do even when they obfuscate their references (and in this case, I refer to Obama, his "black church" and the use of this Biblical context to politicize his intents).

I never grow weary of hearing or reading anyone quoting Christ, or for that matter, any part of the New Testament (while the Old Testament is sometimes used to dismiss the New Testament and to denigrate Christ, and that's a problem for those locked into the Old Testament only — the two Old and New are to be taken and regarded together).

But I am weary of hearing mostly Liberals refer to the Bible without context, often, of Christ, for political reasons, while doing their utmost to stamp out mention of Christ nationwide along with harassing anyone who believes in the morality proclaimed by Christ (and in the New Testament).

Obama is a politician. I like his wife. I'd never vote for either of them, however, but that does not mean I don't find them both charming (I do). I think they are confused and misled as to Christianity and especially as to what democracy means and is, and how it is to be maintained. Obama is essentially a Marxist, as is Hillary Clinton, as are most Democrats and Liberals today. They are also essentially intolerant of Christ, the New Testament and Christianity except when they assume the use of any/all will gain them footholds as to sympathy and support. Christ warns us about people like that, especially their actions.

As a group, the dems have fought over and over to disallow religion in any form to be associated with politics. Now we have this empty suit from Chicago invoking the Bible as part of his latest stump speach to convince you that he's the man for the job. No doubt if he gets elected (God help us) we'll see his true attitude and anyone embracing religion will be duly banished from this land.

PHONEY!!!!!!!!!!!

What does someone speaking at a church have to do with "Congress making a law respecting an establishment of religion"?

We should not however "prohibit the free exercise thereof".

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" Jeremiah 1:5

I guess he will use that one in his next speech reaffirming his pro-life stance

oooopssss

Jesus was talking about people making PERSONAL changes and changing the inner man. So, Obama takes the exact opposite approach and demands that the inner man does not need to change but he must be controlled, pampered and proteced by some government.

Obama is lame. He does not have a clue about this man Jesus.

Essentially Obama says that we need to put our trust in the arm of flesh. Hmmm, Jesus said to do just the opposite.

Obama quoting the Bible is fine. The sad part is that Osama has more experience running a well-rounded organization than Obama does.

Yeah republicans… blame the people for living below sea level. How sad are you? Is it necessary to blame it on the victim? Honestly your president botched what should have been the biggest rescue operation on US soil ev er. We were a great country before these crooks took office, we still are great but we will have to atone for the past 7 years.

To all republicans just remember its your fault.. The dollar fell

Its your fault the world hates us.

Its your fault we are so divided in this country.

You must ATONE!!!

Where in the US Constitution does is say "Separation of Church and State"? I just read the Constitution and I couldn't find it anywhere.
Posted By C, Middletown, CT : August 27, 2007 3:02 pm

Come on, this isn't hard. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"
Not to mention the fact that Jefferson cited the establishment clause and the free exercise clause as supporting the separation of church and state. And there's the small matter of it being accepted in theory by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Political candidates should not be speaking in churches nor should churches invite them to do so! It clearly smacks of endorsement unless each and every major canidate is invited to speak in a particular church.

To both Dems & Repubs – remember even the devil can quote scripture.

Rick Moore…your post is priceless! You need to trademark that.

When are these idiots (Obama) going to stop exploiting the poor, uneducated and ignorant for their own political gain?

***************************

The wise man may build his house on a rock, but the foolish man builds his house 16′ below sea level in an area surrounded by lakes and rivers, and is then greatly astonished when a hurricane floods the city.

There's not enough government in the world to fix dumb.

Posted By Rick Moore, Mission Viejo, CA : August 26, 2007 11:27 am

What would the media, especially CNN, if, oh, Fred Thompson stood in the pulpit of First Baptist – Atlanta, whipped out his Thompson Chain Reference Bible and a sermon folder and preached a 30 minute message of the evils of modern American liberalism. What if he ripped the Dems over and over again pointing out their comments and refuting them with scripture? They would want him hanged by the neck until dead and the ACLU would want him stoned. Its much easier to preach a sermon putting down the liberals who are so easily targets from the scriptures. I applaud Obama for finding a message that can be preached in a pro-liberal bent, but he is very poor in his theological teaching. Those of us who preach, pastors like myself, would call his "message" a tremendous reach – attempting to make lemonade out of rotten lemons. Before you begin using the Bible as a support for your political stances, read it well.

Katrina: One good outcome: It got some kids out of the South Louisiana schools and into Texas schools. Here at least they will have a chance at becoming educated adults.
The levees are not the disgrace. It is the school system.

I'd love to see Obama as President.

The use of the word "principal" rather than the appropriate word "principle" suggests something about the English language skills of your reporter of this article.
Was this item edited and/or sub-edited?

The First Amendment to the Constitution reads:

“Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

In letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802 Thomas Jefferson called the first amendment a “wall of separation” between church and state. The Supreme Court of the United States used the phrase first in 1878, and later in a series of cases starting in 1947.

Liberals not only read the constitution… they wrote it.

If would be great to hear a big government Democrat give a sermon from 1 Samuel 8:9-18! Well, maybe; they'd probably be as off base as the "Reverend" Obama.

Not peace, but a sword. – Jesus

Why A Republican Vote Is A Racist Vote, Paul Krugman

…[There is a] difference between the goals of the modern Republican Party and the strategy it uses to win elections. The people who run the G.O.P. are concerned, above all, with making America safe for the rich. Their ultimate goal, as Grover Norquist once put it, is to get America back to the way it was “up until Teddy Roosevelt, when the socialists took over,” getting rid of “the income tax, the death tax, regulation, all that.” But right-wing economic ideology has never been a vote-winner. Instead, the party’s electoral strategy has depended largely on exploiting racial fear and animosity.

Ronald Reagan didn’t become governor of California by preaching the wonders of free enterprise; he did it by attacking the state’s fair housing law, denouncing welfare cheats and associating liberals with urban riots. Reagan didn’t begin his 1980 campaign with a speech on supply-side economics, he began it — at the urging of a young Trent Lott — with a speech supporting states’ rights delivered just outside Philadelphia, Miss., where three civil rights workers were murdered in 1964. And if you look at the political successes of the G.O.P. since it was taken over by movement conservatives, they had very little to do with public opposition to taxes, moral values, perceived strength on national security, or any of the other explanations usually offered. To an almost embarrassing extent, they all come down to just five words: southern whites starting voting Republican.

In fact, I suspect that the underlying importance of race to the Republican base is the reason Rudy Giuliani remains the front-runner for the G.O.P. nomination, despite his serial adultery and his past record as a social liberal. Never mind moral values: what really matters to the base is that Mr. Giuliani comes across as an authoritarian, willing in particular to crack down on you-know-who. But Republicans have a problem: demographic changes are making their race-based electoral strategy decreasingly effective. Quite simply, America is becoming less white, mainly because of immigration. Hispanic and Asian voters were only 4 percent of the electorate in 1980, but they were 11 percent of voters in 2004 — and that number will keep rising for the foreseeable future.

Those numbers are the reason Karl Rove was so eager to reach out to Hispanic voters. But the whites the G.O.P. has counted on to vote their color, not their economic interests, are having none of it. From their point of view, it’s us versus them — and everyone who looks different is one of them. So now we have the spectacle of Republicans competing over who can be most convincingly anti-Hispanic. I know, officially they’re not hostile to Hispanics in general, only to illegal immigrants, but that’s a distinction neither the G.O.P. base nor Hispanic voters takes seriously.

Today’s G.O.P., in short, is trapped by its history of cynicism. For decades it has exploited racial animosity to win over white voters — and now, when Republican politicians need to reach out to an increasingly diverse country, the base won’t let them.

Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists referring to the First Amendment to the Constitution as a “wall of separation” between church and state. The Amendment itself reads:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . . ."

The Supreme Court of the United States used the phrase “separation of church and state” first in 1878, and later in a series of cases starting in 1947.

Liberals not only read the constitution… they wrote it.

Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists referring to the First Amendment to the Constitution as a “wall of separation” between church and state. The Amendment itself reads:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . . ."

The Supreme Court of the United States used the phrase “separation of church and state” first in 1878, and later in a series of cases starting in 1947.

Liberals not only read the constitution… they wrote it.

Looks like the Drudge nut job knuckle dragged their way in.

"Studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls indicate that the passage in the Bible known as the Sermon on the Mount is actually an ancient Essene prayer dating to hundres of years before the birth of Christ.
Posted By Douglas Babb, Princeton_KY : August 26, 2007 10:44 am "

Well, not at all, actually. There are some points of contact, but it is not simply an Essene prayer:
http://www.christian-thinktank.com/qdssmnt.html

"Separation of Church and State" was a term coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a Virginia Baptist association, in which he said that, in his view, the establishment clause meant that there was to be a "wall of separation" between Church and State.

This was a valid opinion of Jefferson's, but a questionable one – he was in France at the time of the writing of the constitution.

It is unlikely that the actual authors of the constitution intended this "wall of separation". During the convention, they temporarily halted work on the Constitution to write the "Northwest Ordinance" regarding the entry of new states into the union. In the Northwest Ordinance, they wrote that religion was essential for public education and good government.

Hillary all the way. Obama sounds like a preacher for Islam or Farrakhan. Spare me either one of those !

Wake up Carolina Dude,

Name one thing Obama has done legislative-wise or business related.

As for Edwards, can you seriously spout praise of him as a candidate? Here is a multi-millionaire who HEAVILY invested in hedge funds (post Katrina mind you)- thereby posting significant personal financial gains from the vast numbers of foreclosures – guess where? – that's right, New Orleans. THEN, he posses with Katrina victims on a political platform.

Please wake up and become educated. This Democratic party is NO LONGER the party of JFK and McGovern. It has become a socialist platform steering more towards Marxism than anytime in history.

Local government and the people who moved into a city well below sea-level in hurricane central are to blame – not the White House. Compare what the Mayor of Houston did when they had a cat 4 inbound – without Fed help BTW and see if you can draw a comparison.

Your Obama/Edwards ticket will send us all into a socialist nightmare. If you want to focus on the average American you might want to look at Romney. But whatever you do, please become educationally rounded.

Christ is the "rock. Mr. Obama's life is built on muhammod. Mr. Obama will crumblke in the end. He has built on sand. As has everyone not standing on Christ.

Total perversion of scripture, but then again, to a liberal, the government is the rock.

Once again the Dems show how flip flop they can be. They scream "Separation of Church and State" and then go to a church to speak.
Come on Dems, which way do you want it.

Rick Moore is right on!!! or, kinda“ ,,,the foolish man builds his house 16′ below sea level in an area surrounded by lakes and rivers, and is then greatly astonished when a hurricane floods the city.” But that’s the easy answer.

Sure, New Orleans was, and may still be a disaster waiting to happen (again) and yeah, it’s difficult to keep reading every rant about how the government (at all levels) let these poor people down. And, sure, a strong case in that direction, can and has been made.

But the victims of this incredibly predictable natural catastrophe do and must have some self responsibility in all of this too, beyond the manic finger pointing that stared, seemingly, only hours after the storm was over.

What's more worrisome about the Obama's, the Clintons, the Edwards and all the rest is the persistent message about victim hood, and how "we" (the Democrats) will help "you" (the underclass), in this case the victims of a terrible natural disaster. It’s such an old ploy. We’ll help you, we care, we want to make your lives better. Let government take care of you.

Common folks! From the so-called War on Poverty under the Johnson administration to the present day, has it ever worked, or better, worked as promised? But there’s Obama in a New Orleans church making the same tired pitch, sadly to some very weary, and likely still very desperate people. Still, it’s sad.

Where's Barry Lynn and his "separation of church and state" lawyers? He should be beating down the door of this church for "endorsing" a presidential candidate.

I've never been to a church where somebody got up and "preached" about how the government has let us down. My churches always talked to us about loving our fellow man and helping them ourselves…not relying on Big Brother to do it.

Get up off your lazy butts, New Orleans!

why anyone takes him seriously or anything the Lunacratic party says seriously is beyond me. "We are killing Al Qaeda in Iraq and the surge is working but we need to get out of Iraq and go fight Al Qaeda elsewhere"….Brilliant stuff.

Hussein Osama BananaRama is a fraud and a true amateur and anyone who can't see this is a) a fool b) gullible c) a scuker d) on drugs e) an ignoramous=A LIBERAL!!!

Context is always important. A good scripture can usually stir a crowd, especially a church crowd. But, I think the "Rock"in this case is not the government, but dependence on God and God alone….

Where in the US Constitution does is say "Separation of Church and State"? I just read the Constitution and I couldn't find it anywhere.

Posted By C, Middletown, CT : August 27, 2007 3:02 pm

Liberals don't read…don't you know that? Someone fabricated the church/state myth and the libs hopped aboard…

Wait a minute! What about separation of church and state!!! I guess it is okay for the Democrats to go to churches and campaign but whoa if Republicans do it!

Can we please let the myth of Obama's "paper thin record" disappear? He's been in the State Senate for 7 years. I think that counts a little bit more than 8 years as the President's wife. They cooked it up in haste as something to pin on Obama's squeaky clean rep. 'No wonder there's no dirt on him..he's got no experience!' It doesn't fly.

Obama must believe in Jesus since he can quote him so well…but what would Jesus say about his stance, and the democratic position on abortion???? Must not be something convenient for him to bring up to Jesus at this point in his campaign….although every republican debate it has been brought up and in none of the democratic debates…I'm surprised to see a democratic in church…I just didn’t realize they went

Mr.. Obama lacks even the most basic understanding of our Constitution. Nowhere in our nation's founding document is the Federal government tasked with providing even emergency relief to disaster victims. The 10th amendment to the Constitution gives all power not explicitly granted to the Federal government to the States and the People and there for prohibits them from spending Federal money on such aid. Obama is dead wrong. It's the job of those very churches Obama was speaking of and other non-governmental organizations to provide disaster relief. If the Federal government didn't take, by force, such a large percentage of private citizens' money those organizations would be more than adequately funded to do so.

Mr.. Obama lacks even the most basic understanding of our Constitution. Nowhere in our nation's founding document is the Federal government tasked with providing even emergency relief to disaster victims. The 10th amendment to the Constitution gives all power not explicitly granted to the Federal government to the States and the People and there for prohibits them from spending Federal money on such aid. Obama is dead wrong. It's the job of those very churches Obama was speaking of and other non-governmental organizations to provide disaster relief. If the Federal government didn't take, by force, such a large percentage of private citizens' money those organizations would be more than adequately funded to do so.

Wow. Talk of religion really brings out the stupids. Coincidence?

Where in the US Constitution does is say "Separation of Church and State"? I just read the Constitution and I couldn't find it anywhere.

How about separation of church and state? When the right invokes God, the left howles. Don't be hypocrites here. Obama is an empty suit.

C'mon folks, the problem isn't with Obama "sermonizing" America from The Big Easy…. THE PROBLEM is ANY CHURCH ALLOWING ANY POLITICAL FIGURE TO USE THEIR PULPIT TO SCORE POLITICAL POINTS WITH AN AUDIENCE GULLIBLE ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT THE CANDIDATE ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT ANYTHING OTHER THAN GETTING ELECTED!!!! And saying whatever needs to be said at the pivitol moment i.e. Sunday church service to get their carcases in office!!

Again I say………. C'mon folks?!?

"Whoever hears these sayings of mine AND DOES THEM, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock."

Jesus was not referring to himself in this verse. To hear the words of Jesus AND TO DO THEM will help people withstand the storms of life, and death. So lets look at modern-day America in this light. Taking the lives of innocent babies is not following Jesus' sayings. Neither is focusing on riches and ignoring the poor among us.

This country is divided and will fall because neither political party will follow the words of Jesus as found in the Bible. Instead, the liberals have banned it from the walls of our schools, the conservatives hypocritically follow it in word only, but not in deed, and the rest could care less.

"Whoever hears these sayings of mine AND DOES THEM, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock."

Jesus was not referring to himself. To hear the words of Jesus is to build a house. Doing what Jesus says is building on a strong foundation. So lets look at modern-day America in this light. Taking the lives of innocent babies is not following Jesus' sayings. Neither is focusing on riches and ignoring the poor among us. This country is divided and will fall because neither political party will follow the words of Jesus as found in the Bible. Instead, the liberals ban it from the walls of our schools, and the conservatives hypocritically follow it in word only, but not in deed.

Ok, maybe someone has already commented on this but not from what I have seen so here goes…Are you kidding me??? Invoking a passage from the bible?? These are the same people who compare Christians to terrorists, support the clinical murder of unborn children and support the arrest of a God fearing Pastor to be arrested if he will not marry two or more people of the same gender because of his belifs…thats all

Separation of church & state anyone? I guess it's only an issue if your a conservative.

I, for one, am so happy to see there are plenty out there willing to call BS on this idiot, when it needs to be done.

Don't drink the kool-aid.

Many of the people commenting on this blog have conveniently forgotten that Christians from all over this country were among the first to respond to the tragedy in New Orleans.

Motivated by Jesus Christ's love, and without any thought of personal gain, thousands of Christians not only gave their money, but personally went to New Orleans to give of themselves to relieve the suffering of the people there.

While your city, county, and state governments whined and cried and did nothing, and while the federal government didn't even pick up the ball they dropped, these Christian folks were working…hard…to help.

While government stood by, paralysed and helpless, Christians went into the battle zone and got to work!

That's the difference between real Christians and many of the do-nothing atheists and God-haters posting on this blog.

Anything any atheist or atheist organization might have done in service to the poor, is vastly overshadowed by the thousands of organizations in this country founded by Bible-believing, Jesus-loving Christians to relieve the suffering of the poor, the helpless, and the powerless.

Real Christians don't wait for the government to do something…they get their hands dirty, and they do it at their own expense!

You ought to get down on your knees the thank the God you hate or do not believe in, that in spite of the efforts of the ACLU and others who would like to drive Christians out of the public arena and confine us to our own spiritual ghetto, that real Christians are still out in the world, serving Christ by sacrifically serving others.

And speaking of loving your neighbor…you'd better hope if disaster ever strikes your neighborhood, that you'll have a real Christian living next door, who'll be there for you in your hour of need, instead of a selfish, whining, frightened little atheist or God hater who won't do a damned thing for you.

Signed, Ex-Atheist

Funny how he speaks in a church,reading God's Word , being a Muslim from birth.He is very deceitful.America is smart enough not to vote for him.Alot will come to the surface if and when he wins the democratic nomination…Go Duncan Hunter….

Yet another politician showing his ignorance of the Bible … the "rock" that the wise man builds upon is not "the principle of brotherhood"; it's Jesus.

OBAMA THIS, OBAMA THAT…WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF OBAMA'S WHITE MOTHER AND HIS INDONESIAN STEPFATHER WHO HELP HIM IN HIS EARLY DAYS, WHEN HIS BLACK FATHER LEFT HIM…WHAT AN INSINCERE HUMAN BEING…OBAMA IS…SELLING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS AN ALL 100% BLACK AND ALSO REMEMBER AMERICA IS NOT AN ALL CHRISTIAN COUNTRY EITHER….LIKE ALL MEN IN HISTORY OBAMA IS STILL HUMAN…DOING ANYTHING TO GAIN POWER…BY THE WAY HIS SPEECH AT THE DNC STINKS AND BEING A SMOOTH TALKER IS NOT WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER AND A PRESIDENT EITHER…THE OBAMA BLUES WILL SOON LOOSE ITS LIGHT AND THE TRUE LIKE OF OBAMA WILL BE A BIG…BIG…DISAPPOINTMENT….AMERICANS OF ALL RACE AND COLOR…IS THIS THE MAN YOU WANT AS PRESIDENT WHO DON'T EVEN REMEMBER THIS WHITE MOTHER AND HIS INDONESIAN STEPFATHER'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS SUCCESS, WHEN HIS BLACK FATHER IS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND…WAKE UP OBAMA…STOP SELLING BS TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC…IF YOU READ THIS MR. OBAMA, PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG FOR I WILL APOLOGIZE AND WOULDN'T DARE TO SAY ANYTHING STUPID TO A GOOD AND SINCERE MAN, IF THERE IS ANY TRUTH IN WHAT I JUST SAID…PLEASE COME FORTH AND BE TRUTHFUL. THESE ON THESE…BY THE WAY BLACKS AREN'T THE ONLY VICTIMS OF KATRINA…WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO THE OTHER RACES, DIDN'T THEY SUFFER FROM KATRINA TOO? KATRINA HAS BECOME A POLITICAL WEAPON AND MAJOR EXECUSE FOR SOME. ENJOY!!!

isnt he a Muslim?

I get so sick of Democrats always invoking the Word of the Lord while supporting political positions on moral issues that are an abomination to God. They twist the Words of God for their political gain and somehow decieve themselves into thinking that appearing in liberal churches will gain them any ground with conservative Bible-believing Christians. And they always make sure to pose for the token photo ops shaking hands with a preacher or having the congregation pray for / bless them. If he ever showed his face in the kind of churches I've attended, the congregation might reach out their hands to pray for him too, but only for his repentance / true conversion or to cast away spirits of spritual blindness and self-desception. It is wrong for someone to call themselves a Christian then do / openly support the rights to things which God has declared earns you a one-way ticket to the lake of fire if you don't repent. But then Obama belongs to a liberal, theologically heretical denomination anyway so what you can you expect? I wholeheartedly agree with the comment someone posted earlier that Christ is the Rock, not brotherhood, not government. Jesus didn't come to "bring people together." People who think that don't know their Bible. Jesus said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." Matthew 10:34-36. Righteous living brings persecution.
If too many people are cheering for you in this world (i.e. Obama), you better watch out cause you're probably on the wrong side… God doesn't ask for brotherhood, he asks for / demands holiness. Brotherhood exists when people submit themselves to God and follow the laws he has made for us.

I get so sick of Democrats always invoking the Word of the Lord while supporting political positions on moral issues that are an abomination to God. They twist the Words of God for their political gain and somehow decieve themselves into thinking that appearing in liberal churches will gain them any ground with conservative Bible-believing Christians. And they always make sure to pose for the token photo ops shaking hands with a preacher or having the congregation pray for / bless them. If he ever showed his face in the kind of churches I've attended, the congregation might reach out their hands to pray for him too, but only for his repentance / true conversion or to cast away spirits of spritual blindness and self-desception. It is wrong for someone to call themselves a Christian then do / openly support the rights to things which God has declared earns you a one-way ticket to the lake of fire if you don't repent. But then Obama belongs to a liberal, theologically heretical denomination anyway so what you can you expect? I wholeheartedly agree with the comment someone posted earlier that Christ is the Rock, not brotherhood, not government. Jesus didn't come to "bring people together." People who think that don't know their Bible. Jesus said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." Matthew 10:34-36. Righteous living brings persecution.
If too many people are cheering for you in this world (i.e. Obama), you better watch out cause you're probably on the wrong side… God doesn't ask for brotherhood, he asks for / demands holiness. Brotherhood exists when people submit themselves to God and follow his laws.

How does brak Hussen Obamma getby with speaking in a supposedly christian church. He hasn't got a clue or a chance

Umm… I may be mistaken, but isn't it a violation of the IRS tax-exempt status provisions for a church to have a political candidate directly address their congregation? Tax-exempt organizations such as churches cannot expressly or implicitly endorse a particular candidate.

OBAMA THIS, OBAMA THAT…WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF OBAMA'S WHITE MOTHER AND HIS INDONESIAN STEPFATHER WHO HELP HIM IN HIS EARLY DAYS, WHEN HIS BLACK FATHER LEFT HIM…WHAT AN INSINCERE HUMAN BEING…OBAMA IS…SELLING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS AN ALL 100% BLACK AND ALSO REMEMBER AMERICA IS NOT AN ALL CHRISTIAN COUNTRY EITHER….LIKE ALL MEN IN HISTORY OBAMA IS STILL HUMAN…DOING ANYTHING TO GAIN POWER…BY THE WAY HIS SPEECH AT THE DNC STINKS AND BEING A SMOOTH TALKER IS NOT WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER AND A PRESIDENT EITHER…THE OBAMA BLUES WILL SOON LOOSE ITS LIGHT AND THE TRUE LIKE OF OBAMA WILL BE A BIG…BIG…DISAPPOINTMENT….AMERICANS OF ALL RACE AND COLOR…IS THIS THE MAN YOU WANT AS PRESIDENT WHO DON'T EVEN REMEMBER THIS WHITE MOTHER AND HIS INDONESIAN STEPFATHER, WHEN HIS BLACK FATHER IS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND…WAKE UP OBAMA…STOP SELLING BS TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC…IF YOU READ THIS MR. OBAMA, PLEASE CORRECT IF I WRONG FOR I WILL APOLOGIZE AND WOULDN'T DARE TO SAY ANYTHING STUPID TO A GOOD AND SINCERE MAN, IF THERE IS ANY TRUTH IN WHAT I JUST SAID…PLEASE COME FORTH AND BE TRUTHFUL. THESE ON THESE…ENJOY!!!

Funny thing. A Dem candidate can make Biblical (incorrect) statements in church speaking the name of Jesus and all, but if a GOP does the same its automatic "church-state separation" violation. WHY IS THAT??????
Also, if liberal left-leaning church leaders do the same its OK. But if a conservative evangelical church leader does it, its wrong and automatic "church-state separation" violation! WHY IS THAT!?

Jesus was not speaking about Katrina; He was speaking about his Word being the rock you can build on as the only way to survive the certain coming judgment from the Father.

Let's be theologically honest, that comment was heresy and self-serving.

I'm quite sure the Sermon on the Mount is about Christian Discipleship rather than forming a bond of brothers with a goal to creat a government that instead of empowering a people to make lives for themselves, actually rips the will from man to make a life and leaves in it's place a man on the roadside or in his government housing waiting for his monthly food supply and welfare check.

Funny, I was thinking the Sermon on the Mount had more to do with Christian Discipleship than it is about building a bond of brotherhood to construct a government that will take the will out of man to work for himself to put a life together, instead, leaving him sitting on the roadside, or in his government housing waiting for the government to ring his door bell and drop off this month's food supply and welfare check.

Quick Liberals…RUN….your savior Obama is sounding like a….dare I say it…..AN EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN…..RUN FOR YOUR LIVES….you hypocrits…

Half of Ohio is under water now, people are being pulled off their roofs now, worst flooding in Ohio ever, now, where is Obama?

In response to Rick Moore's post calling New Orleanians "dumb" for building below sea level: If our coastline wasn't eroding daily and our swampland drained for shipping, we would have a natural defence against hurricanes. The real disaster is that we have allowed our environment to be ravaged for the sake of shipping goods to ungrateful Americans such as yourself. If you think we are all so dumb, sell us back to France. Please, sell us back to France.

Another politician begging for votes at a church.
Another politician using the ignorance of his audience for political gain.
Another politician who simply READS a speech that someone else wrote.
If you like a politician for the speeches he/she delivers, then you need help. Look at their voting history and the laws passed. That's a "record". Once you see their record, then you can decide in a more rational way whether or not you will support them (both dems and reps alike). No politician should be immune from this standard.

Ok there are way too many Republican idiots who don't know what they are talking about posting on this article. First off Barack Obama's father did not take him overseas because he only met his father once before his father died. Secondly it was his mother and step-father who took him to Indonesia where he studied at a good public school. Not a madrassa. Also he has been a member of the United Church of Christ for over 20 years now. HES NOT MUSLIM.

I assume this church will retain its tax-exempt status and continue to hold political meetings. After all they only invite Democratic Lefties.

No problem for the IRS.

Linda what is truely frightning is that people like you vote.

isn't it the democrats screaming separation of church and state, yet they slime their way into every black church they can find. Democrats represent everything that is opposite of what a real church stands for. To them, religion to them is another way to push politics.
Heaven help a Republican if they were even caught in a church… as usual, liberal hypocrisy.

So even though it's illegal for churches to come out in support of a Republican (or lose their tax exemption), it's OK for a democrat to speak in a church and throw in some politicking. The same standard has to apply both ways.

So Lance, are you going to vote for him because he can make a free throw? I bet I can hit a 3 without warming up, will you now vote for me? A lay-up is actually easier and worth more than a free throw, how about that? Get a clue, people. As correct as he is for including the state and local govts along with the federal, he still denies to have the people of New Orleans take responsibility for their share of the disaster.

Don't know how John Edwards made it into this conversation but I find his hypocrisy stunning. He's invested significantly in a company that is foreclosing on Katrina victims and confiscating their homes. If he's so compassionate, why isn't he just forgiving the loans and donating more of his own money to help them rebuild? As for Obama, I wonder if this political presentation inside and addressed to a church has done anything to jeopardize their tax free status?

So, after 400 years, Baby Doc Obama has declared America's "…foundation wasn't built on the rock" What an idiot.

Amazing how its OK for Obama to talk at a church and rail against the administration, talk of change, etc – but let a Republican try to "use" the pulpit to get to the faithful on issues like abortion and the Dems lose their minds! Hypocrites!

This is priceless…

Obama went from church Sunday morning in New Orleans to a Miami nightclub that afternoon, which featured "Sunday Striptease".

What gets to me is why are the people of New Orleans still sitting around two years later still whining about the government. They need to learn how to help themselves and stop sucking the government teat.

What about seperation of Church and State? Oh! that's only for the other side..

Im glad some people have pointed out that he completelty miss used scripture, what was the pastor of that church thinkig?? Almost as bad as kerry saying that job was his favorite New Testament book……If you dont use the Bible dont try to sell it like you do cause those that do cant tell the difference!!!

Why does this church still have its tax exempt status?

The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Shrub is going down, down to perdition.

"There are points of similarity between the Sermon on the Mount and various known teachings and phrases in use at Qumran, but there is no single document that comes even remotely close in content/structure to the Sermon on the Mount." See: http://www.christian-thinktank.com/qdssmnt.html

Anyone who supports Abortion has no place in the Church!

"Brotherhood?" Please! Very sexist of Obama. Also, his mixing of religion with politics is most unwelcome. He seems to be taking a page right off the Republican hate mongers who use religion to impose their cruel, sexist and discriminating political agenda. Separation of church and state is the need here, not comingling. Obama is a loser. President Hillary Clinton cannot come fast enough.

Obama in church doesn't raise the nervous level of lighting strikes near as much as when the Clintons attend.

Obama's ignorance and foolishness show through in his comment, "Our foundation wasn't built on 'the rock." It sure was! The United States was founded as a Christian nation. And while we respect all religions, we are a Christian nation! Of course, government schools don't teach this important truth (not to mention that our founding fathers were sincere Christians or at a minimum had a Biblical worldview)!! There is NO other nation like the United States of America!

And as for the myth of separation of church and state….WAKE UP! You know the old saying 'tell the lie enough, and the people will believe?' Read the Constitution yourself. The only separation suggested is that the government cannot control the church (as was the case in England at the time our WISE founding fathers wrote the Dec. of Indep.)!!!

I hope the IRS takes away this churches 501c tax status. If a republican did this at a baptist church in Alabama, that would happen.

The Rock is the principle of brotherhood? Obama may know politics but he doesnt know the Bible. His interpretation and application is severly lacking.

Mr. Obama should brush up on his US history. Even a cursury examination of the writings of our founding fathers clearly indicates this country WAS founded on The Rock.

Obama, Edwards, Rudy, Mitt, it does not matter. Unfortunately it took segregationist Governor Wallace to reveal the truth that "there's not a dime's worth of difference between" Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats willingly went along with the War in Iraq, suspension of Habeas Corpus, detaining protesters, banning books like America Deceived (book) from Amazon, stealing private lands (Kelo decision), warrant-less wiretapping and refusing to investigate 9/11 properly. They are both guilty of treason.
Support Dr. Ron Paul and save this country.

With all due respect, Senator Obama's use of Scripture was not accurate. The "Rock" referred to is NOT "a principle of brotherhood exemplified by the church." The rock is the Word of God! The house, is anything that man attmpts to do. It is teaching that unless everything you do is based on the Word of God, then there is no solid foundation that can be relied upon. Secondly, America was built on that foundation, the Word of God, but we have forgotten that, hence we have a loss of brotherhood. I may not agree with Senator Obama on most issues, but I believe his point is valid: we must learn to rely upon one another more and government less.

The "ROCK" referred to in the Sermon on the Mount was Jesus Christ Himself. Obama doesn't even know basic Christian theology!

Be careful what you wish for. Churches are at the forefront in katrina response. Government no where to be found, maybe thats because we "separated God"and He wasn't there to make sure we do the right thing.

"That rock, he said, was a principal of brotherhood exemplified by the church during Hurricane Katrina — but not the federal government"

So the central them of the Sermon on the mount was "Brotherhood?!"

Anyone who has a high regard for scripture can see that Obama does not know how to handle exposition of the Word of God (comparing Scripture with Scripture). While This was only a portion of his comments, and perhaps out of context, we should be reminded that 1 Corintians 3:11 says "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

The "Rock" in scripture is Christ and if Obama wants to quote Jesus and run the country according to God's authority, I would vote for him. But I don't think that's his intention. Scripture interprets scripture. You can not apply your own meanings to the Word.

The rock is not some principal of brotherhood, the rock is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

As he did say though, I do agree that Christian Organizations "the body of Christ" will do a better job than the federal government 10 times out of 10 of taking care of the needs of the American people.

I did what everyone was saying on here to put Barracks name in the search and it didnt pull anything up but his fans,and his websites!Is that what you are talking about the mans own website for truthful info!Hahahaha by the way almost all elected officials have the local or state experience,they just dont brag about it!If you played AAA baseball all your life does that make you a MLB star.

Why are Christian people allowing this man a venue? Our America was founded on The Rock, unfortunately our government has moved away from the Christian principles of our founding. Look to the muslim countries and see how much religious freedom is enjoyed there!

So why hasn't this church's tax exempt status been pulled?

It's a shame really. If Barak actually read the Bible he would know that many of the issues he is for are considered and abomination to the Lord.
Like leaving babies who survived an abortion alone to die.
Sad days indeed. The democrats are a pathetic and morally blind party.

Loser. Politicing in a church. Being an independant, I was quite interested in him when he first came on the scene. He's proven time and again he's not 'old enough/mature enough/educated enough' at this time to claim the roll of POTUS. What a shame it will be to have the purchased votes wasted on him that don't quite make it to hillary.

Wow, Libs are the first to fight for the church to stay out of politics, but are willing to embrace any church that will let them campaign from the pulpit. This church he spoke at should immediatly lose it's tax exempt status. I wouldnt want a politicain campaigning from my church, not the place. Church is about God, not the advancement of one's career.

Someone needs to tell Obama that the "rock" is Jesus himself. A child in sunday school would know that. The Bible says that Jesus is the "stone which the builder rejected". He is the foundation.

..touched upon ingredients necessary for the city's rebuilding, namely more employment opportunities for residents to rebuild, community-based law enforcement to tackle the city's crime epidemic, and improved health care.

If anyone can see a rational connection in his statements, he is a miracle worker!

Time to change the Church's status from a religious to a political organization, and collect taxes.

ok… i think that Obama or any political candidate should be able to speak in a church… if that same right was afforded to conservative candidates and/or churches. The ACLU and others have threatened pastors with their jobs and churches with their non-profit status for having "church-sponsored political endorsement" for/against candidates and/or issues. If Romney, or McCain or anyone else for that matter spoke in a Church and quoted the Bible the would be accused of propigating religion for their campaign and the validity of the "non-profit" church would be called into question. I guess i just do get the double standard? If First Emmanuel Baptist Church wants to have Obama in the pulpit… that's fine with me. Lets just not have a double standard for candidates with other views and churches/pastors that want to speak their minds oni their convictions as well!

As a pastor I would like to know what "rock" Mr. Obama is referring to. I really don't like to see anyone take the Bible out of context to try to score politcal points. The rock Jesus is talking about is Himself not the government.

Golly, a democrat campaigning at a church!!!! Guess he doesn't care about the atheists vote, eh? Oh, and where is that "rights watchdog" the aclu insuring "speration of church and state"?

Hypocrisy is too good a word/

I see when Democrat Presidential canidates invoke religion and bring politics into church they are just speaking the truth, but when Republicans do this the country is on the path to a theocracy and the line seperation of church and state is preached ad nauseum.

Why should my money be confiscated to pay for misfortune of others? "Thou shalt not steal" – just because you are the government does not mean you are immune to the Bible's Commandments.

Charity is one thing but for people to expect (demand!) money and help when they experience misfortune is backwards thinking. especially when their free "Help" does not get there in the time frame that they demand. Be thankful and count any help as a blessing and stop the blame game! This is just another polititian playing politics with our money!

I guess Obama has no sense of irony using the house built on sand analogy…and what happened to New Orleans?
Just let the portions that are below, or very close to sea-level go, another storm will just wipe them out, killing more people.
Go find a rock to re-build New Orleans…not a sandy, low-lying swamp!

Why is it OK for a Democratic political candidate to speak at a church, but it's not OK for a Republican candidate?

Why not base your dreams on hope? New Orleans was a city of Hope. The immigrants who make up 90% of our population and ancestors came here for hope. America is the land of hope. We need a President that embodies it.

Translations of Bible verses must consider the context, with the interpreter looking at verses before and after the verse in question. In this case, the first part of the verse tells us what the "rock" is – "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man that built his house on the rock." The rock, therefore, is the word of God ("these words of mine") and our putting them into practice. What the verse is saying is that those that are wise live according to God's word, the Bible. While Mr. Obama is not completely accurate in his interpretation of the verse, he's hit on one theme of God's word – he calls it "brotherhood" – neighbor helping neighbor during a time of crisis (as in Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan). I guess the church helping out during Katrina would be a good example of living by the word of God, wouldn't it?

A few salient points:

1) We are Katrina SURVIVORS, not victims.

2) The storm was not a direct hit. We were not "destroyed" by it, but by failed levees, a responsibility shared by federal, state, and local authorities.

3) Almost every area in this nation is prone to some sort of natural disaster. The current midwest floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis. There was a very deadly hurricane in NY in the '30s. Should we forbid building there since the area is vulnerable to them?

4) It has become de rigeur for any nationally known political figure to use us as a backdrop in their political theatre. We make a compelling backdrop for what ever point they wish to make, and are forgotten as soon as the landing gear is up. It is they, and not the storm, who intentionally victimize the survivors.

5) What has plagued us both before and after is a failure in leadership, mostly on a state and local level. It is not a federal responsibility that New Orleans had only 3 convictions for over 160 murders last year. It is not the Feds who chose to select an overpriced, highly inefficient, and probably corrupt organization to waste and delay the "Road Home" funds. It was not federal levee boards that merely went to lunch once a year for huge salaries, and never got around to actually inspecting the levees.

6) Given 4 and 5 above, I consider any apearance here by a national candidate spouting the usual platitudes as JAFP. (Just Another Friggin Politician)

7) All of the above is written from the perspective of not just a survivor, but someone who took part in the relief in the immediate aftermath and saw the glory, and ineptitude, firsthand.

The Rock to which Jesus referred is not a "principle of brotherhood" but faith and trust in the living God. If the candidates are going to invoke the Bible, they need to get it right.

Hey Linda, I am not particlarly relgious but, show me where the Constitution seperates church and state. Which article, what clause? Your post is nothing more than a Deomcratic talking point based on a fiction.

there is and was never seperation of church and state.

Obama is a faults prophet, a man how said he is a christen and yet supports parcel birth abortion .

Obama…another LIB darling with the press.He can do no wrong.And he's articulate! And clean! Oh wait…that was Biden talking about him.Maybe Barack can have Biden as his Veep if he gets the nomination…or at least have him be his valet.

more people taking the bible out of context. Christ was speaking of those whose foundations are built on faith in Him. Thats exactly what the dems are stripping the US of, identity with Christ. Hyprocrisy.

How unfortunate, those who profess to be Christians allow the time meant for worshiping Christ to be used for political propoganda. Does anyone who is a Christian see the problem with allowing that which is not Holy to be substituted for that which is Holy? The church leadership should be ashamed and the worshipers should pray for discernment to know the difference because if they did they would not worship at that church. Rather they would find a real church.

Is this the same guy that sponsored the do not resuscitate bill allowing babies born alive after an attempted murder to be left for dead; the man that attends a denominational church which advocates homosexuals in the pulpit, and the same man which believes it's ok to steal someone's money in order to give it to someone whom the federal gov't thinks may need it more?
By the way, the correct interpretation of the "Rock" is revelation into God's Word not brotherhood but nice try my communist friend.
I know America is changing fast but I do not believe our Spiritual eyes are that dim yet. Pray for revival in this nation.

The first comment here, from Douglas Babb, was that the Sermon on the Mount was actually an Essene prayer dating hundreds of years before Christ. Mr. Babb, your contention is a myth. The similarities between the Sermon on the Mount and Dead Sea Scroll documents are in certain expressions and one or two beliefs expressed in the Sermon, which of course can be said of virtually any Jewish body of literature.

According to Gaster, one of the original editors of the DSS [The Dead Sea Scriptures, Theodor H. Gaster (ed.), Anchor/Doubleday:1976(3rd ed.), p.20].

"In order to get this whole question into the right perspective, it should be observed that just as many ideas and phrases in the Dead Sea Scrolls as can be paralleled from the New Testament can be paralleled equally well from the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament–that is, from the non-canonical Jewish 'scriptures' that were circulating between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D.–and from the earlier strata of the Talmud. Moreover, many of them find place also in the ancient doctrines of such sects as the Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran and the Samaritans, so that even if they have not come down to us through Jewish channels, we can still recognize in them part of the common Palestinian thought and folklore of the time. Accordingly, to draw from the New Testament parallels any inference of special relationship is misleading. "

Now, I do think a case can be made for some Sermon on the Mount sentiments being present in nearly all religions. This is because Moral truth, Mr. Babb, is a reminder – never an innovation.

As far as Mr. Obama's use of Scripture in his campaign, I think its application was misguided in this instance. Jesus likened the man who built his house on a rock to someone who listened to Jesus' words in the preceding verses/chapters and put those words into practice. Among those words was an exhortation not to worry about what to eat or drink 'like the gentiles do' or the cares of tomorrow, but to focus on the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, Mr. Obama's criticisms of the Federal Government following Katrina mostly involve lack of preparation, including not thinking ahead to the food and drink requirements of the victims. The Senator would have done better to paraphrase a different Scripture, since in this instance Obama of Illinois and Jesus of Nazareth seem to be speaking of different issues.

Barack Obama is probably the most decent man among the Dem. candidates, but those who are afraid of their Pres. candidates being the slightest bit spiritual and relgious can't stomach the thought of their President in an actual church.

Obama making a "campaign stop" at a church?!

Shouldn't you liberals be agog? Should you liberals be aghast? Shouldn't you be acting the same way as when you found out Mitt Romney was a memb. of the Mormon church? (I thought those who support Clinton and/or Obama and/or Democratics don't want the church to be mixed with politics.

As usual. A liberal politician standing in the pulpit where he doesn't belong taking scripture entirely out of context to make a political point instead of what the real meaning is, listening to the teaching of Jesus Christ and doing them. That is the foundation build on the rock. He is the rock! And unless you be born again you can't enter his kingdom. Here's another scripture for you. "Not everyone who comes to me saying Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heave."

Vote for Obama. He'll lead us in the invasion of Pakistan to get Osama.

Senator Obama, the "Rock" in the Mathew passage is Jesus Christ, not the federal government. Your statement made out of political expedience actually alienated you from from your target audience, true believers.

Oh no! Is this church endorsing/promoting politics?
Take away those nonprofit benefits.

Yeah, he who builds his house below sea level will one day be flooded.

What a joke.

If we can't pray in school, why then can we politic in church?

Where is the IRS? This "church" being used in political campaigning needs to be audited. If this were a white republican candidate – the libs and media would have their panties in a wad.

I don't understand the headline. To attend church and invoke the bible is a headline event? Ridiculous?

That 'Rock' was Jesus Christ. Another example of a wanna be Christian invoking Scripture (Wrongly)to please a specific audience.

JESUS is the ROCK, and its all about Jesus. if this teacher is teaching otherwise, he is a false teacher.

Senator Obama is a very gifted candidate. He is smarter than all his challengers rolled together. America would be lucky to have a president with his intellectual abilities. The Senator from Illinois is so personable, thoughtful and yet so humble, he could pass for a nobody. After what we have seen the last six years, the American presidency would benefit from Senator Obama.

Hey Bradford all that means to me is that you are rich or WAY in debt. Having alphabet soup after your name does not mean you are smart or that your opinions mean any more than anyone else's. Humility check buddy…

Despite Bush having served up the Nov. 2008 Presidential election on a silver platter to the Democrats, the Democrats will find a way to lose. For the Dems and liberals out there …. sorry but …. Hillary, Edwards, Obama, et al are *NOT* your next POTUS.

This campaign is getter worse the further along it get using God in the manner Obama has. Hypocrisy to get votes is the lowest any candidate can get and Obama is there! However, he is right quoting and yet he does not demonstrate the love of Christ accompanying those words: "He said, whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock." "The rains descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house. But it did not fall, because it was founded on the rock," However, is Obama mindful of the totality of the teachings of Jesus as Paul reminds all of and found in 2 Timothy 3 when he openly supports homosexuality wherein Jesus does love the sinner but in no uncertain terms hates the sin that Obama and the church he attends has openly supported? Obama needs to with prayer and fasting truly study the Sermon on the Mount before attempting to use God ever again for his only agenda; only a hypocrite would do such a thing.

Unfortunately, He did not mention the fact that the city is built below sea level. Who in their right might would build a city below sea level. It's just a matter of time before it happens again and local, state and federal dollars are wasted on more rebuilding. Does anyone remember the floods of 1993 in the central U.S? At least one town said enough is enough and moved to higher ground.

Mike

Anyone can quote the Bible. Referring to the Bible or being a member of a church does not necessarily mean you are a Christian. Going to a grocery store hardly makes you a grocer.

Obama was simply pandering to his audience. Nothing he said has any real meaning; it is simply fluff.

If he had any integrity, he would be telling the people to whom he was speaking to stop standing around with their hands out and start doing something for themselves. Do you see the people in the Midwest screaming about how FEMA has failed them?

Obama, like all liberal politicians, is simply playing to the lowest common denominator. The most ignorant among us love to hear how the government is going to give us this or that. Everyone else knows the government can only give one person what it takes away from another.

Slogans I am thinking about using…any feedback?

Hillary C. 2008

Vote Democrat. It's easier than working.

Vote Democrat – It's for the common good

Share Your Wealth – Vote Democrat

The dead sea scroll comment in the 2nd post is not true.

Dead Sea Scrolls

It is utterly amazing to me just how many people in THIS country who are willing to admit they believe there is no GOD… even more so, that they think Katrina is proof of it. Just goes to show how little they have read their Bible and how little they know of the true Spirit of God.

How disgusted do you suppose God was and is with that city? It is full of wickedness and idol worship. God said, Enough… and washed it clean. As for the "good people" that were hurt… unfortunately, bad things happen to good people in an effort to turn the hearts and minds of the masses back to the God who made them.

This country has become arrogant, lazy and eager to put the blame anywhere except where it lies. Some houses may have been 'built on a rock' but there is a multitude of sins waiting to crawl out from beneath it!

What an uplifting message from B Hussein Obama…blame America for a hurricane. Shameful, disgusting, sad, and negative. Stop using EVERYTHING to bash this country and the Bush administration. Stop! Tell us why you love America! Tell us why we are great…and how we can be even greater…or just shut up!

The Audacity of Fluff, The Audacity of Spin. I've learned that's all this man is. He refused to help a sailor who had been verbally and mentally abused in his great state. Jesus said, "To Love One Another", this sailor was a brother, Senator. He's a member of the Church of Christ, but you refused. So, I don't see how you think you can be a president to fifty states, when you couldn't take the time to look into a problem in your own state. Hillary helped us, and now our son is home. I will never forget how you turned your back on a brother in Christ. I'll vote Republican if you win the primary.

I heard parts of the speech and was greatly dissappointed. Mr. Obama used God's word to encourage the black community to depend on the government for help. This is the same old Democratic mantra, 'you can't do anything only the government can.' 'Your black and hopeless, ask the government they're the only one's who can help.' Is he building another welfare state? If he were a christian he would be telling them to put their trust in Jesus He can do it. But then again he is not a christian so therefore the state is his only answer.

Obama's record may not be paper thin, but most agree his experience or lack thereof is a concern. That's not to say experienced political leaders don't make terrible mistakes or act incompetently, but if you have a choice, it's better to weed out the Jr. wannabe leaders early.

What Obama has going for him are looks and style. In debates with his peers, he comes off naive, and inexperienced for what is still the most powerful job in the world.

Notice in the picture they're all giving him the Hitler salute. What kind of sick, twisted campaign is he running?

Borat Hussein Osama. Says it all. I wonder how many times he said the words "America is the great Satan" when he attended radical Islamic Schools in Indonesia and Africa.

I have a dream, to see a candidate that doesn’t care about gods, bibles, religions but only care of people

If Obama really respected the Bible, he'd stop supporting the murder of innocent babies.

Guys Guys, wake up. Borat Hussein Osama went to school at Madrassas when he was a boy. His father took him over seas when he was a young boy where he attended a radical moslem school. Likewise his Indonesian step father sent him to a madrassa in Indonesia. He is a moslem, and was raised to believe that America is the great satan. Now his is pretending to be a christian.

There is no one document in the Dead Sea Scrolls from which the Sermon on the Mount can be said to be copied. Consequently, Mr. Babb published a lie, and should apologize for it.

Similarly, Mr. Obama lied when he pulled Jesus' own words from the Bible, roots dangling, and said the rock to which Jesus referred was "brotherhood," rather than the foundational truths of the Gospel.

Mr. Obama, it is patently disingenuous of you to use Biblical references when it suits you, and then ignore the Bible's clear message on issues such as abortion-on-demand.

The leadership of First Emmanuel Baptist Church should either apologize for having your tortured remarks defile their church, or else rename their church to First Political Democrat Church.

Sadly, New Orleans was actually built in the mud. No amount of brotherhood (or rocks) can change that reality.

The federal government CAN take some lumps because its response was fettered by ill-chosen efforts in a rock called Iraq. You might say New Orleans ended up between Iraq and a soft place.

"Prayer – the last refuge of a scoundrel. –Lisa Simpson"

Thus, Obama acknowledges he is losing the election by seeking to boost his ambitions by using Christianity. Evidently the faith of churchgoers in New Orleans is up for sale.

With all the shouting and screaming that liberals do about the seperation of church and state, why are Democratic candidates given a free pass when campaigning at a church?

uuhhh…soooo…obama is going to build the federal government and our response to natural disasters on the foundation of Jesus Christ? Can someone help me with this one? I only did my Master of Divinity at Yale and I'm not quite good enough to plumb the depths of this one.

Why don't they quote Jesus when he said not to borrow or lend money?

Or how about the bit about it's easier for a camel to go though the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the gates of Heaven?

Something to consider when all of the major canidates range from multi-millionaires to billionaires.

Ah, America – the best government money can buy.

Exactly how many visits to post-Katrina stricken New Orleans did the presidential candidates make, and what tangible help did they provide?
If the media don't post a detailed answer to similar questions, it's safe to think that visits such as these, two years after the disastrous event is nothing more than political hay and posturing.
Americans have had enough of that, and they shouldn't allow media to lead their thinking and their ability to ask the hard questions and get the unequivocal answer – their lives and futures depend on it.

Christ is the only sure foundation – not brotherhood, not ideas, not politics, and not the government. People will let you down, Christ never will. HE is the sure foundation. Mr. Obama, our country WAS built on the proper foundation – Christ. Sadly enough, however, we have wondered far away. May Christ once again be our foundation – not men – Christ and Christ alone!

Maybe Obama-Osama would be the winning ticket since the liberals are so hypocritical. They don't like the candidate that is religious, unless it is their own. Obama-Osama 2008 and I'm sure there is a place in the cabinet for Edwards, Hilly-Billy and the rest of the commies.

The Rock is Jesus Christ. So much for this ignorant politician.

Ralph learn how to spell hypocrite before you call someone else one. And by implying that people who support a woman's right to choose are non-religious you are shooting a wide brimmed attack against many of the poster's here on this article. What if I shot a wide brimmed attack against you that, because you support the War in Iraq you are supporting the deaths of other human beings, making you non-religious? I would be wrong to make that judgment about you just like you were wrong to make that judgment about other people.

Absolutely, Ralph. You cannot be a Christian–or claim to be one of God's–and support abortion. It's impossible, and it's hypocirsy. Check this out:

'Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils: and in they name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity'.

-Mat 7:21-23 Jesus Christ.

Please don't invoke Jesus and think He's a great guy all of a sudden because of your political candidate. He is love, but He will ALSO pour out His wrath on the unbelievers and disobedient–somehow many of us seem to forget that.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE?????

to all of you religous nuts who think that one dose not know what the bible say,becauce they draw an analogy to a scripture, please explain how one can get a beam in their eye? that is a small one, 4×6″.

Why is it that when a Republican candidate visits a church that church comes under threat by the IRS to lose its tax exempt status but if a Democrat stumps in a church and gets an endorsement it is seen as ok?

Obama has no clue, the same simps that say religion has no place in American politics are the ones now clapping like fools for this no one who was created my the media. What a joke

Wasn't Barack Hussein Obama raised a Muslim? Weird how he's in a Christian church to praise the Lord and pass the hat. So should we be afraid because he's a Muslim or because he's a hypocrite?

To David C. Powell,
I suggest, if you're as "open-minded" as you likely profess to be, you read Case for Christ – by Lee Strobel. Then revisit your comments.

Barak, like Hillary, is an opportunist. When it will be convenient to work at attracting the Muslim vote, he'll draw on that. When it comes to attracting the black, Christian-leaning or Christian audience, he's obviously leaning that way.

Look at history – not just the Bible – to see the dramatic differences between Christianity and Islam. I'm not sure how anyone could study both and still manage to ride that fence…save maybe a politician.

As to the "you're all a bunch of hypocritical Christians" type comments…guess what folks. Christians (wait for it) sin…just like you do. The difference is that Christians realize they're not perfect – just forgiven. It doesn't mean we don't try to do it right and fail…sometimes a lot. But we try.

Barak – here's a thought for you. You might want to read the Scripture more often and with someone who can help you understand the parables. One area that was not a parable is the part where Jesus tossed the tables in the temple because the guys in there were doing business. You were pretty much doing the same thing, dude. Using a church to pimp government programs and garner support to get you elected to the most powerful political position in the world.

Tread lightly where you walk, man. Jesus didn't like it then and I'm sure His opinion on that hasn't changed.

Didn't Obama grow up as a Muslim in a mahdrasa? Now he claims to be a christian. As a high profile candidate you would think some crazy mullah would have issued a fatwa against him for apostacy. The deafening silence is very disconcerting.

Disappointing! Another politician wrenching scripture out of context for political exploitation.

katrina, the hurricane is and was nothing more than media hysteria.

there have been lots of storms. why would the local government ignore the warnings.

the media is hopelessly out of control and leading the sheep over the edge of the cliff.

The only way B. Hussein Obama will ever see the inside of the White House is as a paying tourist.

I love to see all the critical, realistic comments – it shows that most posters who've seen this article, saw it through the Drudge Report site. Had Drudge not carried it, it would have gone unread except by the farthest Left CNN viewers.

Katrina IS NOT NOR EVER HAS BEEN a Federal Government problem or solution!
It is and was primarily a City of New Orleans problem, secondarily an Orleans Parish problem, and thirdly a State of LA problem.
Federal Gov't is way down the line.
Those goof balls in N.O. re-elected Nagan as Mayor, who left hundreds of buses idle to drown in water, why blame the US gov't (BUSH)?
Whenever Kansas or OK. get hammered by a tornado, do you hear them screaming for FEMA? Nope!
Why has the mass media not focused on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? They were devastated as much as New Orleans?

Different class of people? Oh, yeah, working people not dependant on the Federal Gov't for everything.
Katrina was 2 years ago. Rebuild and get over it, like Mississippi, Kansas, OK, Florida, etc!

I hate to say it, but Katrina did a lot of good things for Louisiana. Shall I list them?

Get a JOB!

DUMBO should read the part of Christ's words where he said "If you love me you will keep my commands".This man does not believe in scholl prayer BUT getting GOD out of the public square as soon and as much of possible

Where's the gravitas ?

Edwards and Obama,
It is good thing that Edwards recently divested of his holdings in a comapny that profited from the misfortunes of Katrina victims

Edwards was paid $479,512 in 2006 for consulting work for Fortress and had $16 million invested with the firm.

His campaign said Edwards would divest any holdings tied to lenders trying to foreclose on victims of the devastating August 2005 hurricane, but gave no specific figure.

The working man's friend indeed!

The sure sign of someone who does not belive in global warming? Agreeability to rebuilding New Orleans…

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, the rock doesn't represent " a principle of church brotherhood" as Obama put it. It represents hearing and doing the word of God.

To the attention of DAvid powell and Rea of Sunnyvale.
I'm no religious expert but Obama preaching of not building our foundation on a rock meaning our faith was not built on christ or his values of considering your neighbour as yourself in moments of joy and sadness. that is why people could wait for days without assistance during those tragic days with our authorities showing no sense of empathy.
Rea, you just proof to me how ignorant and fanatic u are.The world is seriously divided because of extremist like u.Remember an extremist must not necessarily come from a muslim faith but he who can't accept someone else way of life. U should disagree with Obama's opinions than to criticise him because of his color or because he spent some years in Indonesia makes him a muslim. Remember Jesus was born of Jewish parents but he brought Christianity although the vast majority of Jews still practice Judaism,Christians or missionaries who brought christianity to Africa and change their Cultural worship latter contradicted the mission with Slavery. So we should just practice what we think is beneficial to enhance human potentials and dignity. Questions like is America ready for a black president still goes back to imply that a black man is a subhuman or not equitable to a human. Thank God most people don't think that way and we should enhance with productivity in our national debates than trivialities potraying how ignorant an uninformed we are.
Most children born in the Middle East stand a greater chance to be Muslim, Hindusim and Budhism from India, Orthodox from Russia just to name a few. Life could be bettter if we learn to disagree without being Disagreeable.
Thank, U

Abortion? What about war?

As far as I'm concerned, both of them are wrong–BOTH ARE KILLING.

Christians need to stop talking about abortion as if it's the only sin that God abhors. There are PLENTY OF OTHER SINS HE HATES ALSO.

Such as self-indulgent, hypocrites, phony religious people…like the Pharisees and Sadducees and scribes (and some posters on this board).

Many Christians today have lost their credibility by preaching against one form of sin (e.g., abortion), while indulging another (e.g., adultery, lying, theft, etc.)

Even more: Christ reminded us that WE ARE ALL IN NEED OF MERCY, so that our focus should not be on judging our brother, but on ourselves.

Also, where we judge others we condemn ourselves, because those of us who judge do the same things.

Look in the mirror, pal! There's your problem.

It's frightening that a political candidate would invoke one of the most well-known and beloved passages of the Bible and get it COMPLETELY wrong.

The rock Jesus was referring to was Himself…not some hokey "brotherhood." We are to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ alone…when brotherhood in the name of Christ will follow.

Obama is an inexperienced young man, that's all, and it shows. God help our country if that guy is the best we can produce to be President. I'd feel a lot better if he was running for Mayor of a small city.

Where is this guy getting his information? I work in N.O. and live in the metro. area, and there are more jobs available than ever.

Wow,

Glad to see there are lots of ppl out there who are literate and realize Obama took that parable WAY out of context. Even if you don't believe the Bible or at worst think that parable predates the Bible, its horrible that Obama uses for his own gain…

Even worse the church ate it up and took his words over Christ's…

I wonder if Americans United for Separation of Church and State will demand that the IRS take away that church's tax exempt status for such blatant political activity. Historically, they have done nothing when it comes to left-leaning churches getting into politics.

Carolina Dude, you're a little off.
A Barack-Edwards ticket would send the GOP into convulsions of laughter!
That would virtually guarantee a Republican presidency to continue, almost indefinitely! Bless you!
And where are the shrieks of "Separation of Church and State"?
If this were a Republican, speaking in a church, you know it would be the main story opening every newscast for the next three weeks!

About Obama's Illinois Senate experience. He considers Sen. Emil Jones his "mentor". To those of you not familiar with Illinois politics- that's scary.

Creation is proof there is a Creator (see Romans 1), and our conscience bears witness to His Law (see Romans 2)… so every single human being will be without excuse when you face your Maker when you die (see Hebrews 9:27).

The Scripture passage Senator Obama quoted (Matthew 7:24,25) need to be taken in context… maybe at least read the whole chapter… maybe he should have quoted Matthew 7:15-23… nah, you won't hear politicians quoting that.

But the truth is that it depends not upon your "free will" to choose Jesus and "accept" Him… dear friends, the question is, "Has the Father given you to the Son?" For Jesus Christ said these words…

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." (John 6:37) and "… no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." (John 6:65)

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John 6:37)

Everybody knows John 3:16… but have you heard John 3:36… "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

The law drives us to Christ. Just check out the 10 Commandments? Have you kept them? Are you guilty of breaking God's Law? All you who have bad things to say about Christians… stop looking at us… and look to Christ! We are not saved by our righteousness… but His alone… we are saved by grace through faith… it is a gift of God (see Ephesians chapters 1 and 2).

And politicians should stop taking God's Word out of context to pander. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Senator Obama is a member of a heretical church that panders to the world. The "judge not lest ye be judged" crowd should again read Jesus' words, "You shall know them by their fruits."

"…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4)

You will die one day… it could be today… what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Has Christ removed the blinders for you to see the light of the gospel? Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Repent and believe the gospel, I implore you.

And I'm sure all this will make many of you VERY angry, for again Jesus said… "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19)

Why would you die in your sins? Eternity is a long time. Think about it when you lay your head on your pillow tonight.

Why is it these Dems also are speaking in churches? Don't they ever go there to LISTEN??

Sounds like he's endorsing faith-based initiatives. I can imagine what the outcry would be if Bush went to New Orleans and said that the problem with America was that we weren't built firmly enough on the "rock" of religious faith.

Our foundation WAS built upon a rock until goons like you, Billary, the ACLU to name a few came in and started chipping away at the rock foundation by killing unborn babies and taking God out of schools.

It is frightening how weak the Dems are with their potential presidential candidates. Obama is a flyweight, Hillary is a boor, and Edwards is a kook. What is also frightening is that there are enough dumb people in the US that maybe any one of these incompetents could actually be elected. Think of the bell curve and it relates to intelligence. Half the folks are to the left, or "dumb", and half the folks are to the right, or "intelligent". Of course, there are shadings in there, but most of my friends who are liberals are stunningly stupid. I assume all liberals are stupid, because of the liberals I can stand to converse with. I think it could boil down to just one more stupid person voting that an intelligent one. BANG! We have a true lightweight in the White House. We deserve it if it happens.

How many feet under sea level is the area got flooded. I am as sorry as the next person that some people have lost their homes. It is truly sad to see pictures and video of the areas. But let me ask any of you: Would you go invest money in an area that is likely to end up in the same condition the next time a major hurricane comes through? Use your heads – not your hearts. Find them a home some where else. It's just plain stupid to rebuild there. But then again, it's not your money that gets spent down there to rebuild. It's someone else's, isn't it?

If he were white christian and republican…the pastor would be in JAIL

So what if his record is "paper-thin"
Recall the record of our 16th President: a short stint in a state legislature, 1 term in the House of Rep and 2 failed Senate races, and then he saved this country

New Orleans LOCAL and LA STATE LEADERS need to be held accountable for not having an adequate plans to deal with the realities of a CAT 4 storm hitting NOLA. You all have known that this would happen for how many years? 20? 30? 40? Yet the gist of the plan was to tell these poor people to take 3 days of supplies and go to the super dome? how pitiful. These people were so poor many didnt have the money or means to buy the supplies. Your welfare system made them dependant on the government for everything, and then YOU left them to fend for themselves. Shame on you! But, its so much easier to blame Bush or someone else, so go right ahead. What is totally idiotic is that it will happen again if you rebuild those neighborhoods. I dont want New Orleans rebuilt like it was. that is a total waste of money and resources.

why would you want to live in a bowl surrounded by soup? it makes no sense. time to move on.

I dont want it rebuilt! And Obama is a sham.

As a resident of the New Orleans area, I'm pretty tired of the rhetoric against us trying to rebuild our city. How would people in earthquake prone areas feel if they were called "stupid" for rebuilding on top of an active fault line afetr a devastating earthquake? How about places that flood during many spring thaws time and again? What if you were told pack up, leave your roots and families and NEVER come back.

I agree that some areas may not be the best to re-populate, but please try to remember these are peoples homes and this isn't something that occurs year in and year out.

As we all saw with our levee failures, the bridge collapse in Minn and other catastrophic engineering failures/disasters many of our local, state and federal infrastructures are in poor shape, at best.

Instead of the usual bipartsan bickering, we need leaders that are going to address all the problems our country faces in the next four years and beyond.

To all of you in the Midwest you are in our thoughts and prayers during your floods. Been there, done it, still waiting for help. GOOD LUCK!

Obama — what a hippocrate…does he "invoke the Bible" when he signs legislation allowing for late term abortions? Does he invoke it when the helpless babies (yes, they're humans) are lying half dead on a table and his legislation in Illinois prevented the doctor from putting the helpless infant out of it's misery or giving it a chance to live by providing state-of-the-art medical care? Sorry, but folksy sayings on the anniversary of a tragedy like Katrina is one thing but killing babies is another. Obama…God is watching you man…he is watching.

I GUESS MR HUSSEIN OBAMA BELIEVES HE IS THE SECOND COMING. HE IS A JOKE!!!

U CROCK OBAMA!!!

See what happens when you don't wait for the government handouts.
"The Vietnamese have done a good job of rebuilding their community because they are self-reliant, according to the Louisiana Weekly. About 12,000 Vietnamese lived in New Orleans.

Their rebuilding efforts were led by Father Vien Nguyen of Queen Mary of Vietnam Church, who negotiated with the city not to cut their water and electricity. He and the community organized a petition drive to show that the community was sincere in returning and rebuilding. And they did."

To Robert, Linden, VA:

*Whose* religion are you referring to exactly? Last I checked, Americans are made up of a wide variety of religions and beliefs, which is exactly why there should be a separation of church and state.

Being an American also includes acceptance of the Constitution, but it seems a lot of people have forgotten that "little" part.

So, again I ask, whose religion are you referring to?

And another thing. Aren't there IRS statutes that say a church can lose it's 501c(3) tax status if they allow campaigning or electioneering on church property? After all, the church leadership here must approve of Obama and his message if they allowed him to speak today. Would they allow Guiliani or Thompson the same latitude in speaking. After all, democrats are pushing for the return of the Fairness doctrine in the media, so why should there not be the same kind of laws when it comes to a non-profit organization participating in political campaigns?

Hey, Scott Smith,
"When was the last time a poor person gave someone a job." Well, plenty of ordinary Mom & Pop people like me give other people jobs, until a Walmart wipes us out. Maybe we'd have a lot more good jobs if so many of us weren't being peonized by international corporations.

Yes Jesus said to build your foundation upon the and the rock is God almighty not the goverment. So the church is the best place to build your foundation, don't you think.

Douglass Babb, you know not what you speak of. What are your credentials? Mine are a BS., MDIV., and a PHD. You are ignorant of the truth, Doug.

If this was a Republican candidate CNN and the other mainstream media outlets would be ridiculing this event as pandering to the religious right.

Pity the fools who believe that there is a difference between the Republicans andthe Democrats. Put the koolaid down kiddies. Your losing your country, your Constitution and your sanity. Quit thinking your government is going to fix things. Ask this: do ANY in this sloppy heard of lying candidates have a solution to our impending fiscal suicide?

Applying that parable to FEMA's incompetency is not "invoking the Bible," it's bastardizing the Bible.

What we have here is political pandering, plain and simple. I can't wait to see who panderers to a church next week. Will it be Hillary? Or Edwards? I guess time will tell.
Just remember one important thing Mr. Obama: God says He will not be mocked. Take it for what it worth.

Jesus was referring to building a spiritual foundation … it was a parable, not a construction guide for building housing. I pray Barak has built his spiritual house on the rock of Jesus Christ.

This is incredibly hypocritical of the liberal Democrats who post on the cnn blogs.

When it's to your advantage, and when you want to discredit conservative candidates, you call for separation of church and state. When conservative candidates DARE to evoke God in a speech, you call for separation of church and state; but when Barack Obama quotes the Bible and does a CAMPAIGN STOP in a church, it's perfectly OK with you.

Why should we be afraid Mitt Romney would impose his religion on anyone or let his religion influence his decisions as potential President, when Barack Obama is going around pointing up his Christianity? Where are all the Christian bashers NOW?

If a Republican spoke in any church as Mr. Obama, let me tell you . .the press would wet themselves just getting the story out . . .separation of church and state . . .yea, only for Republicans.

Katrina . . the city and state have been given billions of dollars . . .the problem is there is not a literate around to be creative in the entire bunch . . .but, they whine like a small child . . .constantly and the press and you, CNN. love that kind of mess.

Oh, well, I know you will not print this, but it was nice to vent.

"Something was wrong in America. Our foundation wasn't built on the rock," he said.

The problem is that America WAS built on the rock. Only now liberals are chipping away at it and taking religion out in every public arena they can.

it is a shame that he is misinterpreting the scripture. he should know as a "self-proclaimed" Christian that scripture should not be misinterpreted.
also – can a republican get equal time in this church? my guess is no. the african-american churches seem to dangerously straddle the line of the seperation of church and state.

I agree w/ "Jeff Spangler" and anyone else who calls for common sense when it comes to N.O.

When NO was founded, it was back in a century in which they didn't have technical knowledge, didn't know that towns cannot survive forever if they are built BELOW SEA LEVEL. Katrina was a rare occurance, but COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. What're we gonna do? Bail them out over and over again?

Im sorry, but New Orleans is an antiquated idea that CANNOT survive. It's from a time that is dead. From a people that were not as smart as we are now.

Scott Smith, shame on you for asking if a poor person every gave anyone a job.

Actually, the poor are consumers too. They help business too. They are parents too.

Are you suggesting that they deserve no consideration? Maybe you need to attend a poor "boot camp." I am sure you will see the world differently.

Having no compassion or care for others, many of whom contribute greatly to society, smacks of psychopathic thinking – hardly a "family value."

obama is too biased/sarcastic/chauvenistic/complaceny/dogmatic/nagger/easily agited/eccentric/hot-tempered/stubborn/phony/selfish and greddy-thats my reading about him-hes an ox year born-this is a phsychic lady commneting his real triats- eside america is not ready for black american like him-besides ehs muslim
guy. its hard for him to convince 5oth state all over america to accept him as black muslim pres, BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA.POLE WAS INFANTUATED BY HIM NOT ANYMORE THEY FINALLY WAKIGN UP.HE AHS TO GO BACK TO THESENATE AND HAVE EXPERIENCE.THANKS FOR READING YM COMMNET-UR PHYCHIC LADY

What a joke. Barack Obama is NOT a Muslim. He is a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Your "psychic" (or is it "phychic"?) reading of him is not based on facts. It is not based on research. This is a joke. You are a joke.

obama is too biased/sarcastic/chauvenistic/complaceny/dogmatic/nagger/easily agited/eccentric/hot-tempered/stubborn/phony/selfish and greddy-thats my reading about him-hes an ox year born-this is a phsychic lady commneting his real triats- eside america is not ready for black american like him-besides ehs muslim
guy. its hard for him to convince 5oth state all over america to accept him as black muslim pres, BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA.POLE WAS INFANTUATED BY HIM NOT ANYMORE THEY FINALLY WAKIGN UP.HE AHS TO GO BACK TO THESENATE AND HAVE EXPERIENCE.THANKS FOR READING YM COMMNET-UR PHYCHIC LADY

It’s ironic to read the same false rumors about Barack Obama being a Muslim under a story in which he’s quoting the Sermon on the Mount in a Christian church. For the record, Senator Obama, his wife Michelle, and his daughters Malia and Sasha are all members of the Trinity United Church of Christ.

You can find out more about Senator Obama on his web site:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Whether or not we accept the literal interpretation of the Scriptures will be the only thing that matters in the end.

You have the right to choose what you believe, but when the end for you is here and you would it be better for you to find that what you believed in was correct or wrong?

Wouldn't it be better to believe and find in the end that you have made the right decision, than to not believe and find in the end that you were wrong. Because once you're gone there is no coming back.

About the Scripture and it's interpretation, one thing is true, the Word has many applications. We cannot limit the Scriptures. We know that all of it was not revealed at once and the depth of it is still being unveiled.

Obama's experience in the Illinois State senate is worthless. The world is far too dangerous for a naive amateur like Obama. By contrast, Hillary has eight years as co-President of the US. No one in this race has more experience.

Hey Van your a poet, did you know it?!

Tim I just have to say since everyone has corrected you so far and you are probably a Hillary fan or a republican… you're an idiot who we shouldn't even take the time to explain Obama's record to.

AMEN OBAMA AMEN!!!

Preach it!!

OBAMA 08!!!

p.s. And to PL at the UN: We got it — you're not an American and you can't vote. Thanks. It is obvious though that you need to do a little more research and lay off the Islam-bashing. Michelle Obama is very public and instrumental in Barack's campaign. Just because she is not making rude remarks like Mrs. Edwards doesn't mean she is not around.

And AMEN again.

New Orleans still has no leadership.
Incredible. In a supposedly 1st
world country. Why should people return? The city has no mayor.

The lack of knowledge some commentors show by their posts criticizing Senator Obama is pretty sad.

Perhaps everyone, cozy in their homes with very short memories, forgets watching days and days of our fellow human beings squandering in sewage, bodies afloat everywhere, while the president was strumming a guitar somewhere, and Condi was off buying shoes..and cheney was off, who knows where. It was BEYOND a national disgrace. That the city STILL is not put back together in some form of normalcy is an abomination considering we spend $275,000 a minute in a trumped up war in Iraq that is doing nothing more than causing more suffering, death and destruction. Yes, there is something absolutely wrong with our 'foundation' when we see where our president's priorities lie.

The words from the Sermon on the Mount were entirely appropriate regarding Katrina's aftermath. He was, after all at a church, and everyone understood the appropriateness. Wise words are wise words regardless of where they come from. Give me a break with the 'separation of Church and State' nonsense. It's YOUR Constitution, and I suggest you might try actually reading it before making such ridiculous statements.

Oh, and to the person who stated Obama studied Islam for 5 years, and that his wife is invisible, apparently you haven't bothered to do even the slightest research on either. Both statements are false. I'd suggest a visit to his website for the facts rather than continuing to spread misinformation.

Some people may have to re read the Sermon on the Mount. Obama is correct. The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus teaching Christians not only how to behave but the attitude or spirit one must convey to live righteously. We are our brothers keeper.

Obama is an admirable American. He should be president and unify our country. Bring us all together as one. A people working together for the common good of all in a democratic way, Blacks and Whites. And of course all others under the American umbrella. Let's shame the powers that be by voting him the next President of the United States. He has the tools to do what he was placed on this earth to do. "GOOD" The world will then see America in the light of GOODNESS as a new beginning in this relatively new century. Amen….can't hear you…..Amen? That's the American way….Right? Let me hear you sa: Obama…Obama!

obama is too biased/sarcastic/chauvenistic/complaceny/dogmatic/nagger/easily agited/eccentric/hot-tempered/stubborn/phony/selfish and greddy-thats my reading about him-hes an ox year born-this is a phsychic lady commneting his real triats- eside america is not ready for black american like him-besides ehs muslim
guy. its hard for him to convince 5oth state all over america to accept him as black muslim pres, BARACK HUSSIEN OBAMA.POLE WAS INFANTUATED BY HIM NOT ANYMORE THEY FINALLY WAKIGN UP.HE AHS TO GO BACK TO THESENATE AND HAVE EXPERIENCE.THANKS FOR READING YM COMMNET-UR PHYCHIC LADY

All the praying in the world to god didn't do New Orleans a bit of good. The "church" is far from being a rock. Christianity and Islam are scams perpetrated by con artists on deluded people.There is no god and prayer does nothing. Who or what are people praying to? 200 years before Christ, Epicurus said: "Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
Show me any evidence that there is a god at all and I'll consider beliieving. Until then there is no god. Period. Same goes for Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. They worked when we were three but no more so get real and grow up! There is no god!

Wiley, you are an idiot. He pointed out the obvious, and all he was saying was that during their time of struggle more could've been done (at all levels, local, state, and federal), but wasn't. Let's not miss the major point here. People's lives were destroyed, and regardless of whether or not you believe it we are all citizens of America so we "owe" it to each other to help those less fortunate than ourselves, especially in the time of need. When the Tsunami's came and killed all those people overseas (God rest their souls) we couldn't have rendered aid faster, but in the middle of what could be considered the greatest natural disaster to hit American soil we couldn't even get water to the Superdome. C'mon man, use common sense! Obama is a very smart man, and he was metaphorically speaking when he said what he said about the rock. That comment in no way, shape, or form was a sign of disrespect to Jesus Christ. Use your brains people. Use your brains! Do you honestly think that Iraq is better off today than itt was before we invaded? Do you honestly think that the billions that we invest in fighting this war for oil could not be better spent on improving our own country? But yet, we sit here and post meaningless comments on this obviously biased blog and wonder why countries like England consider us to be idiots?

Like many Americans I don’t accept a literal interpretation of anyone’s creation myths, but I do have great admiration for the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. As I read those teachings, the emphasis is on loving our neighbors, helping the sick, the poor and the afflicted, judging not lest we be judged, being our brother’s keeper, and turning the other cheek.

It looks to me as if Senator Obama (and Senator Clinton as well) have political positions more in keeping with their professed faiths than our current President.

I’d like to know how Christians reading this blog can reconcile their beliefs with the actions of the current Republican administration in regards to uninsured Americans, Katrina victims, civil rights, environmental destruction and the wholesale slaughter of innocents excused as collateral damage.

I’ve come to the opinion that many members of the so-called Christian right are neither right nor particularly Christian.

With Barak displaying his lack of knowledge of God's Word, and his lack of respect for what is "the absolute truth".., he's given me every reason NOT to listen to him at all.

Oh Emil, care to enlighten us since you are such an expert?

Don't Hate.

Paper thin record? Are we only talking about bills that have been passed? You can't base someone's record on how many bills have passed; that shows a fundamental ignorance of how the legislative body works. Furthermore, his bills have consistently been aimed at helping the common people, not just bills to name a highway after himself, as other Senators are keen on doing. Just a few of the 152 bills he's sponsored and 427 he's cosponsored:

-Higher Education Opportunity through Pell Grant Expansion Act
-Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act
-Amended the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
-Secure Fense Act
-Lugar-Obama cooperative threat reduction expansion
-Coburn-Obama Transparency Act
-Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act
-Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act
-Iraq War De-Escalation Act

By the way, for any of you who rail on Obama for "not having enough experience," please remember that both Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld (until his resignation) have been in major governmental positions since the Nixon era. Boy, that "experience" sure worked well, didn't it?

Mr. Obama needs help with Biblical interpretation as well as foreign policy.

Dear Clara from France,

Rest assured that I take no position with regard to American candidates in American elections. I only observe and describe. I don't fool myself about righteous ethics. That is the field for now appropriated by "metaethics".

I did not ask for exceptions, only for an even playing field–which will be forced on all candidates sooner or later.

I no longer log in to Youtube because is too politically exploited to engross or unfairly belittle. I do not find the helpful. I prefer basing my opinion simply on my own instinct of where to pigeonhole the populistic ethics of what I see and read.

This morning, at church, Mr Obama ascended the pulpit and 'sermonized' the nation (this blog is the proof).

If I recall well, Mr Obama has already been indicted, several times on this blog, of taking an "holier than thou" attitude.

As a spectator, an observer, and a reader, my simple reflex is: "On the basis of what moral or metaethical endowment do you base your preaching?"

I think Eric (Huntington Beach, CA) and Matt (Paris, Illinois) have had the best points so far.

Eric in Cali,

I am an evangelical Christian and I must say that I couldn't agree more with your comment. I think your opinions represent an open-mindedness that is desperately needed in our public dialogue. I think your understandings of the teachings of Jesus are accurate and all of us, whether or not we choose him as Savior, can benefit from his Word. This doesn't give us an excuse to force it upon others. Peace to you.

…Creeeeeepyyyy…

Mark,
Being a liberal atheist, I feel I can address your accusation of there being a double standard. I feel that the evangelical Christian right is eager to push its faith onto others, to legislate its articles of faith onto others, and otherwise generally take over the country. I also don't think that the political issues it represents are the ones that Jesus (in my understanding of his teachings) would really like to be followed. Peace, understanding, turning the other cheek, helping those in need, personal sacrifice – these are the true Christian values. Denying gay people their rights, fighting wars, and tax breaks for the rich are not true Christian values.

I'm comfortable with Obama invoking the Sermon on the Mount because I like the underlying message, I don't think Obama takes the Bible literally (eg he doesn't believe the Earth is only 6,000 years old), he doesn't let religion dissuade him from critical thinking when it is necessary, and I don't feel that he thinks I am "less of an American" if I myself am not religious like he is.

The "rock" is Christ not brotherhood. Hope is lost if we hope in brotherhood. But Obama is right…"Our foundation wasn't built on the rock." How great it would be to build our foundation on The Solid Rock!!

It's good to see that some candidates are willing to talk about the Bible in their efforts to win the election… perhaps religion in America can survive the attacks being made by people who are more concerned with political correctness than anything else…

Mark, you republicans quote from the bible all the time…too bad your actions never back up your words though.

Does Obama realize that "the Rock" is Jesus Christ? If the senator laments not building our foundation on the Rock….will he takes steps to rebuild the foundation of America? Makes me wonder…

Imagine the outrage if a Republican candidate quoted the Bible. Double standard.

Dear PL at UN,

You are missguided on Michelle Obama. Just go to youtube.com and trype Michelle Obama and you will see the wonder of Mrs. Obama speaking. They have two children and both she and Barack have been focused on them.

I am not American. I cannot vote. I believe in Christ; I also believe in Mohammad.

I note that the comments so far here are, strangely, all over the proverbial map.

But Obama a prophet? He studied Islam for five years. Is that why his wife is invisible? Or is it because as a Christian observer he is taking Paul's Romans-II-8 literally?

Can anyone please explain to the rest of baffled us what in the world was he trying to accomplish with those remarks?

And I want to see his spouse on the campaign trail, just like the other spouses.

Keep doing your thing Obama i think you just turned the corner. Not so often great people come around and put the masses in awe. You are doing just that. There are greats in everything in this world.You may not be the greatest president ever. But he will be a great president for this country.

Tim in Cincinnati:

Obama has more experience as an elected official than Hillary or Edwards. Why don't get take a minute or two, since you are really interested in knowing Obama's public record, and actually look it up? i mean…all it takes it doing a Google search on Obama's record in the State Senate or the US Senate.

I suspect you actually don't really want to know, that way your willfull ignorance will allow you to attack him.

Obama is totally right to rail on the powers that be about what happened and what is still happening because of Katrina. There are still maybe 70,000 people living in crappy trailers in sight of an oil refinery, it stinks, both literally and figuratively.

Greg Palast talks about going there to shoot the camp called "cancer alley." in his book Armed Madhouse. They don't allow anyone to shoot video there because supposedly the refinery is a high value terrorist target. Yet you can see it clearly on google earth. Pretty damn convienent place for a refugee camp you don't want to see in the news.

After Palast shot video there, they tried to press charges under the patriot act, as if he was a terrorist.

The charges didn't stick, but interesting to note that even though he's a BBC reporter on the news every night, it took them two weeks to hunt him down.

He also notes that New Orleans was a democratic party bastion in the south. I'm sure that George Bush loves seeing all those black voters disbursed to a whole bunch of Republican districts where he doesn't have to hear from them as a voter block anymore.

It is ridiculous, insane, nearly pornographic that more progress hasn't been made in restoring these people to there homes in TWO YEARS!!!

This is what the richest country on the planet does for its citizens? Stick them in a trailer, put some barbed wire around the camp and make sure they get a good view of that stinky refinery until they get fed up enough to leave and go live with relatives elsewhere, is that it?

Did you hear about the couple hundred homes in New Orleans "accidentally" scheduled for demolition and torn down?

Hmn… makes sense. At the rate the idiots in charge are going they might as well demolish what they already haven't of the constitution and our whole country, I hear the rest has been scheduled too.

Barack Obama represents the best hope the middle class of this country has. He would bring back some semblance of fiscal responsibility and some sense of our responsibility to our own citizens.

I am tired of a government that puts international corporations ahead of our own citizens. I want a leader that will turn a camera, not away from the problems of our country, but TOWARD them. Day, after day, after day, Barack Obama proves himself to be that man.

Day before yesterday he was in a school in the south where it sweltered over a hundred degrees in their gym, yet that is where the children were expected to play.

Barack made a free throw shot in that gym, without a warm up. He then pointed out that it is a very sad thing indeed to have a school swelter with an air conditioner broken for months without funds to fix it.

The basketball was not the slam dunk, he is.

Obama 08

Tim,nice try!

Barack (promise them everything) Obama

1. Obama
2. Biden
3. Clinton
4. Edwards
5 Richardson

My opinion based on what I've learned so far.

"It's easy to criticize others when your own public record is paper-thin.

Posted By Tim, Cincinnati : August 26, 2007 11:56 am"

Yes, paper-thin. 8 years in the Illinois Statehouse and more than 2 in the Senate. Yeah, ten years+, what a political rookie. I mean, that's a longer record than more than 50% of the candidates, but yeah, what a rookie.

And since we're talking about records, when will America realize that a politician with a 15-0 record is better than one with a 1-100 record? Being intelligent and correct is more important than being experienced. Way more.

How ironic Tim from Cincinnati, I'm pretty sure you are talking about yourself!

Obama's record is far from paper thin. I love the laziness of those who will criticize a candidate and say, "What have you done in the Senate?" when they can just easily look it up themselves.

They just want to hear the candidate say it because in reality, they're not committed to being an informed voter. They lack the intellectual motivation to research candidates themselves.

Yes, I think Obama is the bestest candidatte and we shall all voute for him soone iseult72@hotmail.com

This is truly frightening. Whatever happened to "separation of church and state?"

Government is not "the rock" Jesus is the rock. "Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock.
Government is not and never will be the solution to man's problems. Solomon says in ECC 3:16 And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment –wickedness was there,
in the place of justice wickedness was there.

We are not to have our faith in government, or any political candidate or even the President no matter who he or she is. Want another example go back and reread how Rome treated Jesus. Pilate was a true politician. Government will always fail no matter who is in charge, because we are humans and we all have impure motivations.

And to this comment give me a break:
"Together, they would bring brink back something to the presidency that it hasn't seen in a long time: a focus on the average American, instead of large corporations"

When the last time a poor person gave someone a job.

Whoever hears those sayings and does them, I will liken him to a person who builds their house in a depression by the sea.
The rains will descend, the floods will come and the winds will blow and beat on that house. It will flood and they will drown because water flows downhill.

It's easy to criticize others when your own public record is paper-thin.

Yes, Edwards GUARANTEES a win in 2008
Except that Edwards Couldn't even win his home state, and Cheney in debating, used him to mop the floor, he can't help the dems win, not now, not before, just look at what happened in 2004.

Van

I'd like to travel to Cuba. God gave us this world to explore and enjoy.

Who writes these headlines on CNN??? Obama invokes Bible? Well God forbid! I mean, he was only speaking in a CHURCH of all places, so wow…he invoked a passage from the Bible…what on earth was he thinking?
Sheesh!
Obama spoke to the concerns of people struggling in New Orleans 2 years after Katrina, and focused on solutions and proposals to help move the recovery forward. This dumb headline is so off-base and does not do justice to what Senator Obama was talking about today.

CNN…c'mon…you have to do better.

I saw the video of Obma's speech, and was glad to see him level his criticism to the local and state people as well. So many people rightfully blame the feds for their slow response to Katrina, but not enough people call out the local and state authorities, who also dropped the ball miserably.

Well done Obama.

U ROCK OBAMA!!!

I’m looking forward to President Bush’s triumphant return to New Orleans. I’m sure he’ll get a warm reception. Perhaps he can stay in a FEMA trailer.

The main lesson to be learned from Katrina is not to rebuild in areas that are _certain_ to be devastated again within our lifetimes unless you can afford it on your own. All the hope and prayer you like won't change that fact. Wake up.

The wise man may build his house on a rock, but the foolish man builds his house 16′ below sea level in an area surrounded by lakes and rivers, and is then greatly astonished when a hurricane floods the city.

There's not enough government in the world to fix dumb.

Obama/Edwards OR Edwards/Obama, that's the TICKET !!

A combination of these two candidates would send the repub candidates running for cover, and clean the WhiteHouse of the status quo.

Together, they would bring brink back something to the presidency that it hasn't seen in a long time: a focus on the average American, instead of large corporations, special interests, and war-mongers.

America needs a CHANGE in the worst way, NOT more of the Republican (or Hillary’s) rhetoric.

Ba-ROCK the Vote, and get aboard John’s Lifeboat !!
THAT’s the ticket that will save America’s sinking ship !

Studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls indicate that the passage in the Bible known as the Sermon on the Mount is actually an ancient Essene prayer dating to hundres of years before the birt of Christ.

[...] Read more. [...]