Religion should be a personal matter not a Presidential Podium. Campaigning in a Church…it just isn't right.

Where is the evidence that Obama is a Muslim? And isn't Islam just another form of monotheism? What does it matter?

To the person talking about Obama's position on gay marriage, I say this:

I've never seen him support the idea. Maybe I missed it. I've seen him against making it illegal, that's all.

So gay marriage is a sin. So what? That's irrelevant. Lots of sins are legal. Remarriage, alcohol, gambling, premarital sex, masturbation, anal and oral sex, profanity, nudity in art…

…would you have our government be so invasive as to criminalize all of that?

Admit it. What you want is a Christian theocracy. Theocracy tends to be totalitarian in nature. Where have we seen that before?

What is an Evangelical Christian? And how exactly are they different than anyone else that claims to follow Jesus??

Ali or God? The core beleif is the same. I am more worried about the his postion on key items and not where he goes to worship.

People who fear Obama being some sort of top-secret radical Muslim are beyond ignorant. Obama's father, while raised a Muslim as a youth in Kenya, was an atheist as an adult.

Or do some of you really think he was just PRE-TENDING to be a Muslim?

Smart move Obama. Of course, we'll see Hillary in a Black Church in South Carolina next week putting on her best southern accent.
Democrats are foolish to think they don't have to reach out to conservatives. The religious right actually votes come election day. Remember Ohio in 2004. For whatever reason, minorities and young people are not a reliable voting block, so Dems have to appeal to conservatives on some level.

Obama is a muslim pretending to be Christian…you don't change faiths to run in an election!! Give me a break on his so call christianity and values!!

Hussein Obama is a Muslim and always will be. He and Hillary are both phonies and the American people need to realize what will happen to this country if either are elected.

Ask Obama if he believes in abortion on demand or if he believes that there should be religion in public life. I bet he winks at the liberal left who supports abortion on demand and activist judges who want to strip all religion from public life whom Obama would nominated to the Supreme Court.

This should put the icing on Obama's failing campaign. "She who must be obeyed" will triumph. (Until next November!)

"The state campaign is in the midst of promoting Obama's values through a grassroots effort called "40 Days of Faith and Family," which is reaching out to primary voters through gospel concerts and a series of faith forums."

I think CNN needs to look up the definition of the term "grassroots".

It is a good thing Obama is a democrat, If he were a republican the democrats and the left wing media would send the IRS to this and any other church to take away their tax exemption status and yell about seperation of church and state.

Someone needs to remind Mr. Obama that the kingdom is already here , the church ,which christ purchased with his blood(Acts 20:28)

This nation is fortunate that someone like Barak Obama is even running for President. It seems so obvious to a LOT of people … many who are NOT being polled. I think the "talking heads" and "pollsters" are in for a surprise come election day … well at least I sure hope so!

pathetic….

Why is it that the Dem's use religion and houses of worship to campaign?

If I were a pastor there is no way in hell I'd let a politician use my pulpit for a stepping stone. It's a slap in the face of God.
It is amazing to me that these preachers sell-out to The Man for a little bit of publicity.

It's no suprise that both Obama and Hillary play the church for the religious angle, but frankly, it smacks of hypocrisy in the worst way, and is disgusting as hell.

It's funny how many of those who accuse others of being haters carry so much hate. I don't understand how a church-going christian who decides to attend or speak at a christian church is pandering. It seems antithetical to me that liberals/progressives/democrats would want to disenfranchise people (christians). I submit that people with such sentiments are neither liberal, progressive or democrat.

I have not read all the comments on this issue but I read just enough to be extremely frightened. In the church where I serve as the pastor we do not allow politicians to come and take the pulpit on a Sunday or any other time. The church of Jesus Christ is about the proclamation of the word and administration of the sacraments. we are not in the business of trying to create "a kingdom" here on earth. We are part of the Kingdom of Christ, a kingdom that is ours now by faith and at his return ours by sight. The church is not to hold the power of the government and the government is not to hold the power of the church. It is just as frightening to hear Obama talk about creating a kingdom here as it is James Dobson say that one canidate is not Christian enough for his taste.

Good grief! You guys take everything so literal. Those of us who know, know what he means with that comment, from his perspective. I'm happy he had the "guts" to state where he's coming from and where he get's his strength from. He's definetly not failing to assemble If you know what I mean, then you know.

He's not going to be everything to everybody. He is who he is. Why do many of us want him for President? Because he's a breathe of fresh air for this country! And he's honest on all the issues; hence this discussion. Because he talks the talk and walks the walk.

He's not ashamed. If you know what I mean, then you know. Until I see different or better, he's got my vote!!!

Fired Up — Obama 08

laurinda, I agree with you. Obama likes to talk, he said he is pleased to be evangelical worker. I am sure he will be much successful as Pastor of the Church than political leader.
He used black's support, youngster's support now try Christians' support. I think Obama has no professional political view. Empty wagon makes a noise. Obama is a big noise.

What Obama and the other democrats need to understand is that people of faith (who follow Jesus as their Savior and Lord) will not vote for a candidate (or party) that believes in the killing of unborn babies.

This is a real quandary this 2008 election because those of us that believe in the sanctity of life will not vote for a candidate who approves of abortion, NO MATTER WHAT PARTY THEY ARE.

The democrats have other issues that believers do not approve of and the democratic candidates can't hide from their platform, no matter who the candidate is (ie; gay marriage, euthanasia, etc.).

It would be great if Obama could convince some of the Republican base in the evangelical community that health care, immigration and the economy are issues that need to be addressed too. These issuses impact more of American than abortion and gay rights.

To Adam in Plano–how did you become such an expert on Obama? Do you know any more about him than what is written in the news columns, etc? And do you know that all these "facts" are accurate??
And to others of you who know that his freshness is what we need (even if he doesn't have the experience) and I really don't see all the "charisma" etc that some talk about. I haven't seen him in person, only on TV, internet, etc, but he seems to stumble and fumble with most of his speech, it seems to me. He does have a charming smile, but I don't think that is going to cut it.

A Muslim in a Chrisitian house of worship?

This arguing back and forth is terrible. What is wrong with everybody? I am so annoyed that everyone is causing stress on everyone else! There are some very nasty people here who are upsetting everyone. Stop it. Everyone thinks that I am crazy? Well, it takes a crazy one to know a crazy one! You may be more well educated than some people, but, you sure don't sound like it.

My heart goes out Obama, but not my vote. I really feel sorry for him. A lot of people "have set him up" in my estimation to make him believe he really can be President of the United States. How sad. Maybe someday but I don't think it will happen in the 20 years. He is good looking, smart and I am sorry he fell for the idea of running for U.S. President. God knows, he is trying and he is working hard. Here is another wife of a politician that should keep her mouth shut. Don't these women know they are killing votes, not creating them.

Posted By Margaret Cahill, Princeton, WV : October 7, 2007 6:03 pm

Interesting!

So from your point of view:"He is good looking, smart"

But as smart as he may be, he gets only your sympathy,and not your vote.

Sad indeed!

But ss dumb as you may be, I have some respect for you. At least you are not beating around the "bush" as to why he is not getting your vot. That has its merit.

But how did America get to be so rich, providing the vast number of simpletons running around?

Rob G form Oakland, Obama never had your vote. You should borrow a page from Margret's book. Oh please don't!

Some of you fools are as old as dirt. And well on the way out. And the sad part is most of you will die never knowing how to live.

Mr Obama, you only half white. I don't want to say half black, that would be negative thinking. You're not qualified. The content of your character is unimportant. Your top notch education is irrelevant. Your good looks isn't good enough. Your wisdom is impotent. The sum of all your virtues falls short.

You have a major problem. And to solve your problem, you need to look for the value of X. X= the other white half- Impossible to slove.

Just don't pull a Michael Jackson,lol.

Margaret Cahill,

No one told Obama anything. He is very ambitious. It was his decision, and he is willing to face the consequences like a man, in the best sense of the word.

As Michelle says, though, running for president of the United States is about the best way to disrupt family life. He used to thrive in relative peace with money, power, a cushy job and a quiet family life.

He is making a sacrifice in running - especially as a black man who needs Secret Service protection far sooner than is customary for candidates.

He is also running because he believes he can do the job better than anyone else - he is right about that! His vision, specific policy proposals and courage are what this country sorely needs.

If he were, say 20 years older, he would lose his freshness. There is a certain amount of idealism that is necessary in order to willingly submit oneself to the presidency at such a raucous political time. Idealism is also the backbone of a great leader.

That freshness, which some people mistake as a weakness (particularly the tired, inertia-drive pundits) is actually a huge asset.

Don't mistake freshness for naivete either - this man is tough as nails and wise beyond his years. He didn't get to where he is by being a wimp, as some posters here are suggesting.

Like a great many indigestible substances that enter the body, Jesus will pass through the great rectum of life to be deposited where he belongs. He does not belong in political discourse.

My heart goes out Obama, but not my vote. I really feel sorry for him. A lot of people "have set him up" in my estimation to make him believe he really can be President of the United States. How sad. Maybe someday but I don't think it will happen in the 20 years. He is good looking, smart and I am sorry he fell for the idea of running for U.S. President. God knows, he is trying and he is working hard. Here is another wife of a politician that should keep her mouth shut. Don't these women know they are killing votes, not creating them.

I first thought Obama would be a great President after I heard his speech at Sojourners in July 2006. He has a way of talking about religion and politics that respects both. I think religion and politics have been taken a beating over the past eight years. It takes someone who understands why religion and politics matter in America to restore them to their rightful place. Sorry, but I really don't see the hypocrisy here at all.

Interesting. Good strategy by Obama. This man has an incredible capacity to tap into what matters most to individual people, no matter what the context or the issue.

He has a passionate love of country - and he is also an astute politician. Both qualities necessary for a good leader.

Like Obama said at the 2004 Democratic convention "We worship and awesome God in the blue states". Obama has always peppered his speechs with faith, that we are interconnected and are our brothers keeper. Many of the founding fathers were deeply religious. I only have a problems when one religion tries to dominate the public discourse and you have a president who believes he is receiving messages from God. Religion is good for self betterment not dogmatic pratices. Fellow democrats, get use to the idea of a canidate that is comfortable speaking about his faith. Let's not go back to Kerry's uncomfortable stance, and not look condensingly towards the majority of americans who believe in God.

As for the muslism attack, Barack wasn't raised by his father and only met his once. So stop with your racial hatred.

I hope Obama is the Christian he says he is, rather than the Muslim his father and step-father were. Religion instilled in a child usually lasts a lifetime. And a radical Muslim (posing as a Christian) making it to President of the US would just about be the end of our beloved US, and our freedoms.
Posted By J. McKinney SW MO : October 7, 2007 9:45 am

you obviously know NOTHING about Obama, his step father and father were muslim, but his mother did not raise him ANY religion, she gave him even exposure to all the major religions, to allow him to make his own choices in life. he CHOSE christianity, he wasn't raised it, or muslim. please, if you're going to spread crap, at least make it believeable crap, and pretty please, educate yourself on the candidates in this election, its obvious you are completely ignorant on that subject, and cannot possibly make an informed decision come election time.

Wow!, too many stupid comments on this board.

I think Mr Obama is very astute. I think the reason he is speaking at this Church is because it's large and he may see them as the easiest people to capture and influence. No disrespect implied. Just an observation. Remember how our current leader pandered to the Conservative Christians and then laughed at them behind there backs?
Hopefully Obama is more sincere.

This hypocrite is spinning again. This time, unfortunately, is using religion for his gain.

I am just at loss why so many people don't seem to be bothered by what they see and hear from this guy. Are we Americans really stupid or what?

Anybody who doubts what I said about Obama betraying his pastor, I invite you to check with the Chicago Sun Times or Tribune on the day he announced for President. Obma & I belong to the same church & I can tell you his slight of Rev. Wright did not go unnoticed in fact Rev. Wright fully expected because he knew Obama would do what politics dictated. The next time you disagree with me on a post do some research first. Just because I'm not addicted to the Obama kool-aid doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking.
For your information a lot of times people have their ministers in the VIP section. He didn't even allow him there he was back stage. Weak as water, weak as water

The guy's just trying to get some votes. This is no different than attending a barbecue, or a country fair. Just leave him alone.

If people are worried about Barack using his religion in his politics, I can point to the fact that he is pro-choice and does not believe in a constitutional amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman.

Seeing as these are two of the most controversial issues where politics and religion meet, I'd say he does a pretty good job of keeping his personal faith (even though he cites his faith as the reason he does not believe in gay marriage) out of politics.

Vote for a man / woman for his or her policies and vision, not whether he or she attends a party, barbecue, or church service.

Fredom of religion is not freedom from religion? Freedom of speech is not freedom from speech? No right to remain silent? Freedom of movement is not freedom from movement? Travelers are not permitted permanent residency? Fredom of thought is not freedom from thought? No meditation? Faulty logic is as bad as the poster that said monkeys can read.

"Religion is the opiate of the masses"

"As someone put it, if you start to believe things and don't ask proper questions, it starts to become a religion."

Paul,

I like that, I might have to use it and replace religion with government. Works just as well.

I would be completely fine Obama speaking at a church if he then proceeded to speak at a mosque,cathedral, and other holy places of the many religions. He will not though because he is merely pandering to the majority.

Just a little understanding please,

You should do justa little fact checking please. Karl Marx:"Religion is the opiate of the masses". This was the one reasonable idea amidst a plethora of insanity.

I hate to see politicians sucking up to church people. Remember, in the Bible we are told not to mix God and mamon, mamon being all the lobbiest money for one.

From what I hear about Redemption, it is pretty conservative theologically, but does excellent community social work, and is completely integrated which is rare for a church around here. For those of you who don't know SC well, stay off of Obama. If we want to build an enduring progressive majority, we have to engage religious folks as well as secular. Most of the progressive reforms of the 19th and early 20th century came from evangelicals. Kudos to Obama and any politician who engages the best in our religious traditions, as opposed to playing on fear and intolerance as has been done in the past.

REPEATING: Kohime, Columbus, OH

A Church that allows a political leader to speak at their religious service has forgotten the real meaning of religion. And they have certainly forgotten the values which this country was built on. Such things fly in the face of church and state separation as dictated by such great deists as Thomas JeffersoN.

Excellent observation, Kohime.

This is news because??????????????
Obama is just like Edwards, they are feeling the pressure. He attends all these churches but when he announced he was running for President he was too cowardly to allow his own minister to be onstage with him & others. That's when I lost respect for Obama. He showed his "Peter" moment of denying his spiritual leader. He asked him to come to Springfield & pray with him before the announcement & then asked him to stay behind the curtain because of what some in his campaign considered controversial cooments (he has muslim friends).
In essence he told his minister I want you to pray for me & then I want you to go & hide until it's all over. Yet this is the man who Obama said he gives credit for helping him find himself.
If you will do that to your minister who helped save you how strong is your backbone standing up the despots of the world? Weak as water, weak as water.

Posted By Caren : October 7, 2007 10:50 am

Please name any american political candidate who has ever announced their candidacy with his pastor on stage.
You will need be on google for hours with that one.

I pay a lot of attention to news and have never heard of that one. You must have been looking long and hard for that news which indicates that you never had "respect" for the best candidate in the race.

I'm sure that there was no specific point in time that you lost respect for Barack, you are either rooting for hilliar or one of the other republicans. Trying to steal some of the steam barack is gaining among the faithful.

And please show some evidence of your comment.

Obama will never get my vote. He is just another religious zealot and, I have had enough of that foolishness. I am a democrat, but will not support any candidate who brings religion to politics. Separation of church and state at all costs.

H…H. There was a time when religion united people. And probably another chance will come along–at some point–in the as yet unforeseable future.
Mr Obama is late for the previous time, and too early for the next round.

Obama should join the ranks with Sharpton and Jackson. He would be much better at it. A potential president he is not.

Posted By laurinda,ny : October 7, 2007 9:07 am

What exactly are you do you imply by this statement?

You fail to realize that Barack is not attempting to carve out a political constituancy like hilliar and the aforementioned would do.

He wants to bring everyone together. Please read a book before you comment again. You make people sad to be democtats.

All the leading candidates go to churches to speak, so should they all be excluded from running for office as some here claim. And Obama is a man of faith, but also a constitutional lawyer who believes in the the separation of powers. And he is a man of faith who is actually trying to create a politics of conscience, by changing the attitude in this country that politics is a fight. He believes all people regardless of faith or non-faith or political party must be called to the table to solve problems. Only by talking to our enemies, whether domestic or international, can we get anything done beyond endless battling. I'm tired of the fighting. I want action… and that means Obama.

Why is it that the angriest, least reasonable people here seem to all be supporters of the candidate they say can bring us all together?

There is NOTHING wrong with Obama visiting churches.

This is a free country and people need to learn how to respect one another.

I am not religious, but I repsect people that are religious — all loving religions — be they Christian, Muslim, Hindhu, etc..

I realize we all are not the same — but we NEED the same things to thrive as human beings.

Mr. Obama is a very decent human being. He deserves a chance to show us what he can do. Let's give him a chance. Vote Obama in your primary.

I do believe in God. I believe God has sent to us a wonderful gift — Mr. Obama. Now we must accept the gift and move on.

Let's take advantage of an opportunity for real growth and change in America. Let's vote Obama!

You would think that a nation as divided as the United States to the point of getting nothing done internally or externally would rally around a person who is speaking to everyone in an attempt to unite rather than diviide…go figure.

While I understand religion as beacon of hope for many, religion should not play into politics because most religions don't ask questions of themselves. As someone put it, if you start to believe things and don't ask proper questions, it starts to become a religion.

I would like to ask all people calling Obama a "radical Muslim" to go to their local mosque and give Islam a try. I think you'll be surprised that not all Muslims believe in the jihad. What you believe is just the fact that terrorists coincedently happen to be Muslims. To say "all Muslims are suicidal jihadists seeking to advance their cause" is an untrue stereotype.

lmao…looks like all the Neo-Conservatives came out yet again to be the first to post on a Barack Obama article! Man you guys never fail to show your bias!

I hope Obama is the Christian he says he is, rather than the Muslim his father and step-father were. Religion instilled in a child usually lasts a lifetime. And a radical Muslim (posing as a Christian) making it to President of the US would just about be the end of our beloved US, and our freedoms.

Posted By J. McKinney SW MO : October 7, 2007 9:45 am

You suggest that people of other faiths cannot be saved. Christ can find any heart. Thats what I have learned of christianity. I was raised without any religion and went to a liberal college where most of my friends, colleagues and professors were agnostic, aetheist and even buddist or hindu. I have a lot of respect for all of their beliefs and ways of life.

I found christ years after graduating. I do not believe that this is an excusively Christian nation because that would negate the freedom of religion expressed in the Constitution. I do believe however that most christians who I know are good people and that the core principles of Christianity that I have learned, forgiveness, compassion, fairness, family, generosity, humanitarianism and honesty are in direct parallel with much of the founding fathers vision of America.

So through reaching out to people who share his faith Barack is not doing any harm to America. He reaches out to all kinds of people.

The politics of religion become detremental to america when leaders implement policy or funding based on religion, or when they prey on the faith of others by telling people that god told them how to make their political and administrative descisions.

I am a democrat so I understand how some of us are turned off by seing a candidate talk about faith. Realize though that the majority of BOTH political parties are christian so it will always appear that much of the attention goes to christians. Don't let religion divide us because we need eachother to win.

Quit bashing our republican brothers and sisters and try to see their point of view. In doing so you can try to help them see yours.

Anyone who thinks all republicans or all democrats are bad or dumb people is an idiot. There are good people and ideas on both sides. As bad as the extreme right bush regime has been democrats and republicans are still in this together.

Obama is reaching out and uniting. That is the only way to change america. Not by blaming the republicans.

Interesting how very different the States and Canada are in this regard. If a candidate here even mentions a religious affiliation in an election it is the kiss of death. If he/she DOESN'T mention it down there, it is the kiss of death!

Here is a scene of Bill Clinton going into one of the largest black church organizations in the country. Now Look at who is pandering.

I trust Obma 100%

Religion has no place in politics. Obama has lost my vote now.

Some of these groups are so geared to the subversion of the government to the benefit of their faith that I have little hope that any amount of logic and reason could shake them of their self-defeating agendas.That said,Barack has balls going into such intellectually hostile ground. I hope he comes out with his sanity.

It is comments like this one that make me quite fearful for the future of this country. Really? REALLY? This person is so uneducated, so biased, so full of hate they would write this? While I believe we all have a right to our opinion, I must say this is one caucasian Christian who hopes to never have to be your neighbor–you are NOT the type of person I want to associate with or even really want to be around. REALLY? REALLY you thought this was a response someone else would agree with? REALLY? Yikes!

"I hope Obama is the Christian he says he is, rather than the Muslim his father and step-father were. Religion instilled in a child usually lasts a lifetime. And a radical Muslim (posing as a Christian) making it to President of the US would just about be the end of our beloved US, and our freedoms.

Posted By J. McKinney SW MO : October 7, 2007 9:45 am "

See, this just proves that Obama isn't as naive as people keep saying. He needs to win South Carolina, and the way to win is to speak with all different sorts of people who live there. You can't write off any group of voters. He's in it to win it, and this is how you do it!

GObama!

A new poll has just come out in Iowa, and has Obama third, 7 points behind Clinton. Poll link here!

Hey… Get over it people! Yes Obama came to Greenville to speak at a church and I were there. This is what candidates do for people to get to know them. What do you think every other candidate is doing? Is he supposed to just sit at home?

Obama could turn his comfortable relationship with religion into a huge plus come the general. Dems are looking for electability, so he could bridge that gap with select voters.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Jeff,

Respect for others' beliefs is one of the pillars of our democracy. The Constitution refers to freedom "of" not "from" religion.

May I respectfully suggest that if you're going to quote Karl Marx then do it correctly and identify him. The actual quote is "Religion is the opium of the people", not opiate. See Wikipedia or any quotations site.

No one is forcing you to believe anything and nor should you condemn those who do.

I really like Obama and his stance on most issues. He really is a man of faith. I just wish he wasn't a gun control freak. I cannot bring myself to vote for someone who takes the 2nd Amendment lightly, or, in the case of the Bush Whitehouse, the 1st and 5th Amendments.

I'm not for the Idea of visisting and speaking at mega churches. I am GLAD though that Obama is going into republican territory.

He needs to do this more so than the other because the opposing party as repeatedly demonized him with these people. They've called him, muslim. they've called him oSama, they've called him "intelectually lazy" (that last one is laughabale being that is came for a Bush mouthpeice)

Anyway these people need to seem and hear him. Maybe when they do, they will realize that they have been lied to yet again and he's not the monster they've been told he is

I'm sure some will criticize him for reaching out to evangelicals in this way, but it is an important constituency.

Barack's positive Christian values are evident in the work he has done over the last 20 years to make this country a better place.

Vote Obama!!!

I am so glad to see Senator Obama going into this church! I belong to a Charismatic congregation and I have been a supporter of the Senator since he announced he was running.
He wants to reach ALL Americans-end the divisions that have been created and move forward in Unity!

Got Hope? OBAMA 08!

Christianity is the "opiate of the people" and Obama's pandering to these addicts disqualifies him from any office, including the one he holds.

It's high time the Democrats went after the GOP on faith issues. Senator Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ (Congregational) which prides itself on its openness and social action.

While strongly supporting the idea of separation of church and state that have kept this country going for 231 years, faith, so long as it isn't used improperly, is certainly germane to the process.

Contrast Senator Obama with some of the right wing "holier than thou" folks who, in far too many numbers, seem to end up disgraced for moral and fiancial transgression.

Senator Obama is to be commended for having a "big tent" of supporters.

Another example of how little coverage CNN gives Barack. lol

The latest SC poll has Obama trailing Clinton by 7, but finally beating her among black voters. Poll link here.

Why is he catering to these people?

This is news because??????????????
Obama is just like Edwards, they are feeling the pressure. He attends all these churches but when he announced he was running for President he was too cowardly to allow his own minister to be onstage with him & others. That's when I lost respect for Obama. He showed his "Peter" moment of denying his spiritual leader. He asked him to come to Springfield & pray with him before the announcement & then asked him to stay behind the curtain because of what some in his campaign considered controversial cooments (he has muslim friends).
In essence he told his minister I want you to pray for me & then I want you to go & hide until it's all over. Yet this is the man who Obama said he gives credit for helping him find himself.
If you will do that to your minister who helped save you how strong is your backbone standing up the despots of the world? Weak as water, weak as water.

I just think that this could backfire. While it's fine for someone to have their own religious beliefs, I've had enough of our president forcing his beliefs on me. And the more Obama preaches, the more nervous it makes me.

Invoking religion is one thing, but many of these mega-churches preach hate, intolerance, and a dominionist philosophy. I hope Obama is keeping that in mind when deciding which churches to visit, because speaking at some of them would be no different than speaking at a "Wahhabist" madressa or a KKK rally.

A complete human being, Obama. Whatever people will say against this man is just nonsense!

We must leave the era of darkness and take the right track with Obama as our leader. Don't be afraid of the man because he is what you can see. He does not pretend like the others with their leopard spotted skin hidden under the fake picture nicely painted my biased MSM. What a shame. You can make someone president but never a good president. The worst is that we are unable to learn from our mistakes.

Finally, a political candidate of immense dimensions - you can secure the democratic principles of a citizenry, while espousing the general morality of faith, promoting doctrines that keep our society safe, hopeful and appreciative of the intrinsic human worth of our fellow citizen. All these values could not be more politically consistent. What a leader!

I'm concerned that some people will say that it's a bad thing that Obama talks about faith so often.

I do not believe that it's a bad thing in the least. It's a smart thing, and it shows his sensitivity to the values and culture of the voters he's reaching out to. He has demonstrated that he's not a fanatic of any kind, and so it's good for him to be confident in his Christian faith that is a part of who he is. Faith, of some kind or another, is also a part of what America is.

If Christianity is the predominant "opiate of the people" in America, then Obama's preaching to these junkies is the sort of pimping that presumptively disqualifies him from holding any office, including the one he holds.

No Barack, don't do it! Don't conform to the stereotypical political candidate profile of spewing religious jargon and pandering to the God-fearing hypocrites who rally around issues that has nothing to do with solving America's core problems! If you continue to do this, I'll label you as "ONE OF THEM" and you may not get my vote.

I hope Obama is the Christian he says he is, rather than the Muslim his father and step-father were. Religion instilled in a child usually lasts a lifetime. And a radical Muslim (posing as a Christian) making it to President of the US would just about be the end of our beloved US, and our freedoms.

Hey CNN, Why do you post an article every time one of your favorite candidates sneezes near a crowd yet almost never post an article about Congressman Ron Paul? He spoke to a crowd of approximately 1500 yesterday in Nashville. Yea, Thompson's stomping grounds. He didn't have to ask for appluase either. From what I understand, the crowd was on fire and cheered him throughout the speech. This wasn't some group that had to be told months in advance either. Ron Paul didn't invite them, they all got togeather and invited HIM! You need to start covering this top-tier candidate. If you don't, after he wins the primaries you're going to look very foolish trying to explain why it was such a suprise to the "experts".

As a Republican, I'm unlikely to vote for Obama, but it's wonderful to know that he's motivated by his faith in God and Christ.

A Church that allows a political leader to speak at their religious service has forgotten the real meaning of religion. And they have certainly forgotten the values which this country was built on. Such things fly in the face of church and state separation as dictated by such great deists as Thomas Jefferson.

If he was Republican the very people who worship this empty suit would be screaming about pandering to the right wing! Funny how you can find justifications when its your guy.

Obama is not increasingly talking about his faith. CNN is just increasingly talking about Obama talking about his faith. Didn't you guys do a faith forum with solidad o'brien?

If we leave our troops in Iraq this ridiculous war will never end. We need our troops home to protect our own country. Bush really wanted the oil, but they are fighting him for it. He will not stop his madness until he has accomplished his missiom impossible.

Obama should join the ranks with Sharpton and Jackson. He would be much better at it. A potential president he is not.