WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Barack Obama spoke out Thursday about his religious transformation. The President's comments came at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Here's what Obama said, according to the prepared remarks.
"I was not raised in a particularly religious household. I had a father who was born a Muslim but became an atheist, grandparents who were non-practicing Methodists and Baptists, and a mother who was skeptical of organized religion, even as she was the kindest, most spiritual person I’ve ever known. She was the one who taught me as a child to love, and to understand, and to do unto others as I would want done.
I didn’t become a Christian until many years later, when I moved to the South Side of Chicago after college. It happened not because of indoctrination or a sudden revelation, but because I spent month after month working with church folks who simply wanted to help neighbors who were down on their luck – no matter what they looked like, or where they came from, or who they prayed to. It was on those streets, in those neighborhoods, that I first heard God’s spirit beckon me. It was there that I felt called to a higher purpose – His purpose. "
From CNN Politics
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I was raised very much like Obama. In a household with Catholic connections, but rarely, if ever, attending church. My mom was also suspicious of organized religion – and yet she taught me that kindness, generosity, love and goodness were virtues above all others.
I am not a "non-believer", but I don't go to church. Many of the things I practice – charity towards others, kindness & caring towards strangers and volunteerism – these are true human values that are in line with Christianity. I believe if one is full of hatred and judgement for their fellow man/woman, they are not following what Jesus taught.
Brother Ayers? Brother Rezko? Can I get an Amen on that?
It was on those streets, in those neighborhoods, that I first heard God’s spirit beckon me. It was there that I felt called to a higher purpose – His purpose. "
So I decided to find the most the most dangerous minister i could. Little did I know that I would have to disown him along with the black community.
a mother who was skeptical of organized religion
and yet you did not learn anything from her skepticism.
PRAISE GOD...............HE IS SO AWESOME AS TO HOW HE SPEAKS TO US AS INDIVIDUALS
That's my President. I am proud to be an American with this President. Atheists should be treated with respect, as should Jews, Christians, Muslims or any other religion in our society.
Then he met Jeremiah Wright and Louis Farrakan and the rest is history.
Yaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only religion this guy believes in is Socialism. The One worships at the altar of Big Gov't running every aspect of our lives. You idiots who voted for this tool deserve what he's about to do to this country, starting with this stimulus (LOLF!) package that is nuthin' but payback and handouts for every left-wing group in existence!
Praise God: Although we are Christians we are called love sinner as well as our brother and sisters in the faith... we are the hands and the heart of God in the earth... We are to pray and care for those who are lost and live by example not necessarily with our mouth although it is certainly that but most importantly by our lives so that they two can come to know the truth... Barack Obama I truly admire you for standing and in the love God has call for you to... in a true and real love for people and a true and real love for the truth... you are already the greatest president we've had- thanks
Wow, you could have put the name George W. Bush in front of this quote, and nobody would be surprised. I wonder if the far left will get as angry over these comments as they did for Bush.
Don't forget, Obama just expanded the much maligned and joked about Faith Based Initiative program.
If Obama has been called by God for any purpose, it is to destroy the world through arrogance and deceit, reference Judas. Obama believes in himself, not Him the Almighty God.
This man had better stop before people start sacrificing themselves in his name. I mean seriously he gets more and more inspirational everyday. His influence makes politics look small, and those who oppose him look bad.
NOW HE THINKS WE SHOULD BELIVE HIM ?.
WRIGHT !! , AFTER ALL THE LIES HE HAS TOLD.
SORRY , MEDIA CALLS IT FLIP FLOPPING.
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Obama was indoctrinated into his black liberation theology by Rev. Jeremiah Wright. If you have read Michelle Obama's Princeton thesis then you can see that it is possible that she also influenced him as well.
We are all free, at least for now, to believe whatever we want in America. It did upset me when people said Obama was Muslim, as if it were a negative. I believe their is more love and tolerance in the hearts of the believers in Islam than most black liberation theologists.
There's a big difference between faith, religion and spirituality. Me, I don't trust organized religion. Not one little bit. I grew up in a fundamentalist baptist school/home, and after doing some of my own research, I have my own belief system now because I don't follow organized religion.
That doesn't mean I don't have faith. I do. There's a huge difference between faith and religion.
GWB II?
The Dems learned their lessons in '00 and '04 and evolved from the party of atheists into the party of religion.
Dem candidates, including Obama and Clinton, virtually slathered themselves in Christianity. Many of them, who'd never darkened the door of a church, began to trip over themselves for opportunities to speak in churches (esp. when TV cameras were present). Christianity swept over the entire party in a religious revival that hasn't been seen since the 1920s.
This may have been the biggest Dem hypocrisy of the recent election.
Come 2012, they'll again put aside their tax-evading ways, stop taking contributions from lobbyists and start paying their illegal nannies a minimum wage and fill the churches again. It's a rip-snortin' joke on the American voter.
President Obama.......stay close to your faith. In the midst you can find your guidance.
This may have been his best speech!
Amen Mr. President!
You are called to this position, that is why you are being so vehemently opposed. You are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against old spirits that have etched their ideologies in Washington for years, and resent being challenged. They personify .........evil in high places.....Beloved President; Stay strong in the Lord!
Why does everyone in politics think they have to make this big show about their adherence to superstitious religious drivel? The Dark Ages ended a long time ago–isn't it time we got over the silly gods-and-devils nonsense?
And now he will impose his religion upon the rest of us and force us to pay taxes to support "faith-based initiatives" - programs that reimburse churches for doing what they claim to do anyway as a matter of conviction and duty. Thus, Obama is freeing up church funds so religious zealots can proselytize me with my own money.
The government is collecting taxes for the church, and I am being forced to support the church. So much for the Constitution and the secular state.
This was not what I voted for.
Great! God spoke to President Obama in when He was ready to receive what God had in store for him and to take President Obama higher. God comes to each of us in his own way and time.
i can relate. difference??? born southern illinois, white, educated family, republicans. MY WIFE was the influence that got me to accept Christ, her example. Note: the only area now is the belief on abortion, we have to stop that–all else, go obama go. you da man.
I think this is a beautiful expression of religious faith and spirituality. I'm glad Obama found a faith that works so well with his personal life and that he went to it with his heart open. He's Christian not for the doctrine, not for the "truth"... but for the people who he helped and who ended up helping him. Even as a Pagan, I put my wholehearted trust and faith into him to lead us right.
(Oops, I said "Pagan"... are you going to leave this comment out, CNN?)
Americans need a President to focus on the economy not our religion which is a private matter. I don't care what religion the President is. I do care that he shows leadership on the economy and foreign policy.
THIS is what Christianity is about. Not trying to convert anyone. But living your life as a Christ like as you can, so that other may see your good works and follow what you have been doing in Jesus. It's that simple.
Glad to hear it Mr. President!
That is something I can resonate with. If you see people behave in a way you admire over time, against adversity and with few resources, you will be attracted to many things about them, including their philosophy, rules, rhythms, appearance, etc. I have had a wide variety of experience with "formal" religion but the decency and positive outlook of small church, rural and poor church people is one of the most beautiful things I have encountered in America.
This I like; it is about time we place the right tone when it comes to faith. we need to understand and begin to draw people together through faith and find that common theme that binds us to one another. it is about taking responsibility to help others and fulfill the vision of God regardless of which God you believe in. I believe President Obama made a wonderful speech. I believe this has the potential to inspire people to help ans serve their communities and it should inspire the religious leaders to begin a different type of dialogue about how to bridge our divide. I notice that the Vatican again re-affirmed their believe in the Holocoust and I believe that helps in the healing process... the situations in the middle east most also have a religious undertone to help them bridge their divide. Excellent way to start the morning.
Obama has still never said if he has repented of his sins and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Going to church and being a community organizer doesn't make you a true Christian.
Hopefully he is just saying what he thinks folks out there want to hear, although it sure would be nice if someday a politician would just "come out of the closet".
His parents had it right. What we need is less superstition.
We just had a historic election. Someday we'll make history again by electing someone to high office who is not religious, and speaks openly about it.
America's needs are too great to be saddled with the burden of backwards beliefs. Especially after the last 8 years, it's time to get real!
I just love you president Obama. I can't believe we finally have a president that is down to earth and speaks the truth. God bless you for serving this nation that needed someone like you soooooo bad.
OR
Every politician says that kind of thing, or they can't get elected. But wait and see if they turn the other cheek or forgive their enemies....
Come on liberals where's the outrage?? Wheres the calls for seperation of church and state?? He's a christian and proud of it, where's your anger about him feeling he hears God's will?? I thought you hated Bush for that?
Double standard? I think so.
I didn't vote for you Mr. President but I commend you on your faith.
Pres. Obama keep strong in your faith and that will help you carry out your job for the american people.
Rev. Wright ushered Obama into this spiritual journey, why not thank him?
I'm glad Mr. Obama can show the dumb Christian-evangelical- extremists that a Moderate-Liberal can be just as pius and still respect gay rights! Who is more like Jesus here? Hello?
I feel bad for Obama. He's obvously not religious but he has to pretend that this stuff is important in order to appease middle America who place ridiculous value on such nonsense. I'm so thrilled that we have a president who embraces science over magic and superstition. Eight years of anti-intellectualism are over.
That's a very wise comment on what true Christianity looks like. Christians are not right wing nuts. A nut is a nut and does not need any particular viewpoint to be one. They were already a nut before they picked a cause.
This was a great speech!!! We are bless to have a man of faith with balance leading this country! It was on point.
Where is the part about accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior?
More politics, get the religion out of the White house. We have a separation of church and state. We have civilian control of the government over the generals and the lobby of the military industrial complex. If you actually believed that no God destroys Children, you would be against using government stimulus for abortions. America is paying attention which is why washington better start paying attention to all of us.
Like most politicians, I am guessing Obama realized he had an awakening and turned to Christianity when he realized he wanted to become a politician.
There's no way Obama could have come to Jesus in THAT "CHURCH" he attended in Chicago. That "church" was a social/political meeting place, as we can all hear on those awful tapes played last year (and forever forward).
Every time this Presdent speaks, he moves millions of people.
Yeah when he needed it to get into politics. He had failed at everything else in his life so might as well got to a church that preaches hate and racism! How can he claim to be religious and recommends the killing of unborn and born babies? What a joke this guy is. The Cathlic church has already denounce him. He will answer to God with all the blood on his hands. After all dont want to get punished with a babyyyy.
WOW! This is great. I didn't vote for the president, but I am glad to hear him say these things. Faith is a very important part of my life, and I believe it is an important part of our country's heritage. Great job, Mr. President!
A famous Pastor (Cymbala) once said : We are God's only representatives on the planet and simply cannot take time to pick and chose who needs help. They all need help.
It appears that President Obama had his "David' moment....which is his gift from God. It's my prayer we all find our "David moments'.
He spoke well at this breakfast, a good testimony to his faith. Note he also stated 'thou shalt not kill'. As a man of faith he knows, regardless of any legislation, that one would not abort if ones faith in God is there.
Yes! That is why I voted for our President Obama. What he speaks of is the historical path of our country's spirituality. Freedom of religion fosters your own personal spirituality. No shame – no blame.
What a great leader
it's not about me ...but you attitude
keep up the good work
God said let them come unto me with a broken heart, and a contrite spirit in which I will lift their souls to mine. If any come with a faithful, and open mind they will fear not but find the for going and mentioned will be found that the one true and all filling gospel is his and is in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
These teaching are from the Lord of Lords, the great Jehovah, the Prince of Peace, and the Redeemer from Beginning to all Eternity, the son of the Father the only begotten even Jesus Christ.
Yeah, that's a nice story about church folks, but I don't buy it for a minute. The reason Barack is a great and grounded man is because his mother had the common sense to stay away from organized religion and his grandparents and father decided to non-practice. Out of the thousands of church-goers out there, I have yet to find one that truly talks the talk and walks the walk. The most spiritual people I know are the ones who think for the selves, are connected to nature and a higher being, and treat others with love and respect. Preaching into someone's face, casting judgement, and thinking you are better than everyone else because of your religion are sorry excuses for faith – sorry.
I have a hard time believing this. Nevermind that attributing the generosity and helpfulness of ordinary people to "God's spirit" diminishes the effort of each of those people. Human kindness needs not answer to a higher power. I believe that after years of living without religion, Mr. Obama decided that he'd better get some god if he wanted a political career.
Why live a life of rational thinking without the need of an invisible best friend/daddy then suddenly turn to superstition and mysticism?
I'm disappointed that he made this statement.
You go head on Obama, speak those words, its not religion that saves you or directs your paths. Its God and God alone.
wow! sure is hard to argue obamas' personal transformation. i'm sure many will try to discredit but in the end it won't change his experience with God. no one can take that away–especially not some 2 bit cnn news commenter. i mean really...really.
great story ... amen mr president
What a joke!!! You CANNOT be a christian and believe in evolution, be for abortion and for special rights for homosexuals. You can't even be for global warming(Genesis, 8-22). The bible is very clear on these matters.
too little, to late BHO!!!! You will tell people what they want to hear depending on who your audience is!! I hope people can see through your bull.
Hey, Obama, where is the repentance and confession of sin, and placing your faith in Christ for forgiveness of sin and eternal life? What to describe is a person that got impacted by good deeds, and that made him a sympathizer of Christianity. But a Christian himself... I don't see much of it in his recolection of events.
just nice now obama is confused, i am not SURPRISED
It comforts me to know that the spiritual transformation occurred where it is suppose to happen, in the heart and spirit of the individual.
I too was raised in a religious atmosphere and like President Obama
saw the contradictory life styles being exhibited. I found my way to
God thru Christ Jesus by realizing my own spiritual deprivation that was constantly nagging at me. Understand world, no matter how far we run our creator God has inserted a "measure of faith" in all of humanity and the thing that we all search for is him. Run, can't hide, be blind but you will soon see, that the imbalance in all of mankind will only come with the a return back to God, I guarantee that!!!!
three thing obama has done so far is not GOOD, what is coming up nest
what is coming up next
If George W. Bush had said that he heard "God's spirit beckon me" and that he "felt called to a higher purpose- His purpose," I wonder what the media reaction might have been. Probably very different from the reaction now, with Pres. Obama.
Why can't a president just leave his religion out of it?
The character of a man is not determined by how he relates to God but in how he relates to the physical world. President Obama has lived in the world of the lost and forgotten and he understands the suffering which this economic crisis forced upon millions of Americans. It will take an Army of healers to help us recover. We are all one.
Mr president l know you are the chosen one from God, and l know not everybody will agree with you. I hope you will be a good President May God bless you .
oh no! Please don't say things like this, Mr. President! I SO, SO hope we will not again have a blurring of the line between church and state.
President Obama has been chosen by God for this season to fulfill a universal destiny. What we are experiencing and will experience has already been written in the Book. He knows it and anyone who believes knows it as well. God had to use some one pure and not boged down in religious doctrines, beliefs and antics to begin this era of transition and Barack Obama is the one. Even if circumstances continue to get worst and the world begins to give itself over to its own demise it is all in the plan of God and those who believe in His Greatness will be sustained during this time of change
God bless your efforts. I do beleive that God has called you for this time and His purpose. Don't be afraid because God is going to lead you. Seek God for all answers and He will not let you be ashame. I am praying for you and have been for a long itme.
Love you in Christ,
Sandra
Yeah yeah, whatever. I want to hear what's up with the first puppy.
I am elated, however, that Obama subconsciously acknowledged that many religious people receive their beliefs through indoctrination.
With that background, I believe President Obama is able to be open-minded on the views of people of all faiths as well as atheists. I am a firm believe in separation of church and state. This is a welcome change from having powerful politicians who claim to have close connection with God. I am simply intolerant to religious hipocrites.
Excellent. If we beleive and Jesus Christ, we should always be confident in our beleif and never fall subject to the world's resistence to God. Utilimately, God will deal with all of mankind, no matter your belief. Ther will come a time to account for SIN. President Obama's story is similar to many christians who have excepted Jesus Christ. God inspires and provides meaningful purpose in life, not man.
GREAT JOB OBAMA
Dave – you sound like one of those cynical republicans. Go buy some houses.
I agree with Dave above. I think he found religion for political purposes. Not saying that's a terrible thing, but I just think that's how it is.
Virtually everything Obama has done has been carefully calculated to put him in the position he's in. I do not believe most of it has been genuine.
His relationship with deity is a person thing. But Rev. Wright??? Should we be surprised a lot of his cabinet picks are crap with Obama's past relationships?
My favorite part is how Obama pre-arranged to distance himself from Wright should he make it far enough on the campaign trail. What a joke! Sincere: my donkey's behind!
some people play church every sunday – Obama experienced the real church on those streets – the church that does something – that makes a difference – faith in action
Keep god out of this please... Just govern, and govern well.
I'm skeptical of his religion still. He didn't become a Christian because of indoctrination or a sudden revelation? Well if there was no revelation within him, then he obviously hasn't found God.
Any reasonable person knows that there is a higher purpose, that is a given, and the primary reason for human existence: to move up the ladder morally and serve God.
It sounds to me like he was persuaded into serving in the church. Something just doesn't add up about this guy, our President. Promises and vows have already been broken, and he is spending a lot of time on some pretty petty stuff, rather than working on serious issues. But hey, it looks good doesn't it? He stays busy in the office and looks important.
It's too bad that someone as great as Obama has to pander to religion in order to take office. If you are not a Christian, you can not become President. Freedom of Religion does not exist. If he were a practicing Muslim, he would never get voted in, even if he ran the same campaign. And if he did make it, just think of the scandal if he wanted to place his hand on the Koran when taking the oath. Our country has a lot of growing up to do. Amen
Call it "God", "Almighty", "Supravital Force", "The One", or the "Ultimate Savior", my take is that a strong rule of law, fairness, prosperity, and health for every one, alone can salvage the downtrodden, considerably. Let us constantly remind ourselves about the imperfectness of the whole universe. Folks, how about getting rid of egotistic and megalomaniacal behaviors, for once? Egad! That is so spiritualistic.
If there is such a thing as a god it is sadistic, perverted and merciless.
God bless and keep you, Mr. President Barack Obama. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers daily. You are proving to be an excellent steward of the country during this trying time and crisis.
This story made me cry.
I am so happy that President Obama got the call from God.
Many of us Christians don't believe in the majority of doctrines that churches preach, and many of us have stopped going to church because of that. When religion is politiced in the churches, and preachers resort to the airwaves selling promises from God, then is when we stop attending church services and start living without the church in our lives.
We still have our christian beliefs and ways, but we don't go to church.
Gag me – but this is what the idiotic minions of this country need to hear. I doubt very many politicians really believe in a deity at all – they just know they won't get elected without pandering to stupidity and nonsensical ideas.
No walls, no mind, and no group can ever dissect the phenomenon of God changing lives. Once transformation occurs we have been conditioned to expect the new form alone, rejecting the old. However, no human will go without temptation to re-explore the old self after being transformed by the Spirit of God, which tends to remind us of our need for God. A strengthening of relationships and an understanding of covenant will keep the divine unction in forethought.
Celebration of Disciplines, By Richard Foster, is a great read on spiritual transformation.
@ Dave, You disappoint me. You should be happy when a person gives their life to Christ. But his salvation isn't between you and him. Obama's salvation is between him and God.
I take President Obama at his word. I thank God for touching him and giving him the mind to accept God in his life. I for one am very happy.
CNN please post this one.
Did that same spirit of God tell the president to fund the murder of children in abortion clinics with tax payer dollars and call good evil and evil good by lifting sexually immoral actions to the status of civil rights? I think not. If he is a christian he has been badly discipled and has been misled as to what is required of a disciple of Christ. The first requirement is to obey His Word and not make light of it by supporting agendas that are not that of Christ. The Word says that He hates hands that shed innocent blood. The Word says that neither liars, thieves, adulters, fornicators ans homosexuals will inhert the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said, " “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”
@ Dave,
What Obama has that you, and many other anti-religion folks lack, is the degree of humility required in admitting that you don't know everything about the world.
God isn't something you're likely to find through study or logic, but something that you have to experience. Once you do, Obama's words will make a bit more sense.
God bless you President Obama.
This is a great man.
Translation: "I only became religious when it benefited me politically." Kind of like when he ditched he racist pastor. And since when do the libs on here give a lick about religion at all? I guess it is cool now to be a Christian now that their President is.
This man has no substance or core values. God help the country.
Because rational and logical thinking cannot explain WHY humans have a driving force to do good deeds and works. You might say "it's coded into our DNA"...sure..maybe it is. But every design has a designer. I pray that he's genuine in his remarks.
I would rather not have federal or state politics mixed in with pseudo religion, look at the global condition and it's God that is the foundation for ignorance, and genocide. It's time to flush religion, the time is now.
MR. PRESIDENT, ITS GOOD THAT YOU ARE OPEN TO THE WORD AND WORKS OF GOD, THATS A GOOD THING. HOWEVER, WE ARE A FREE PEOPLE FIRST AND OF A DENOMINATION SECOND. IN OTHER WORDS I AM A FREE MAN THAT CHOOSES TO BELIEVE IN A SUPREME BEING AND A DEVINE HAND IN MY LIFE. YOU CAN BE THAT ALSO BUT, REMEMBER YOU ARE THE LEADER OF A NATION NOW THAT IS YOUR MISSION NOW AND FOR THE NEXT 4-8 YRS. DO NOT PUT ANY RELIGION ABOVE YOUR POSITION FOR THAT TIME FRAME. BEST OF LUCK AND KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN NOT HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE WHETHER IT IS THEIR FATE OR CHOICE TOBE LESS FINANCIALLY WEALTHY. OUR FATE AS A NATION IS IN THE HANDS OF MANY NOT JUST THE LEAST OF US.
So the logic here is thus:
Obama found God by working with people who were willing to help others, regardless of what they looked like, who they prayed to and where they were from. This caused him to join a Black Liberation Theology church that preaches "God D@mn America", US of KKKA, and Africa first?
Riiiiiiggggghhhtttt!
He felt called to God's purpose? But he's willing to help abort babies domestically and abroad...with taxpayers money? No one is perfect and I will not question his devotion to God. But of all the things to do in the world, if you want to follow God, I think he should at least make a minor attempt to not kill babies. But hey, that's just me.
Praise be to God, and The One who died for MY sins, for he saw fit to touch your heart, and put you on the pathe of righteousness. I see His works through you, just from the policies that you are righting and Executive Orders that you are signing. Keep up the excellent work.
ah Dave sunday school starts at 9 AM
For those of you judging this man, you will be judged one day as well. You critize him for not talking about his faith and then when he does, you are negative and nasty.
I grew up the same way, you want to judge me, too?
The most interesting aspect of Obamas' speech is that he seems blind to any good done by people who don't subscribe to a religious denomination. The idea he posits that the church goers were less bigoted, "no matter what they looked like, or where they came from" is simply insulting to anyone who does not believe. Did Lincoln not do as much good in our country because he was a non-theist?
This guy is so full of it it is sickening. You people need to stop putting your faith in these lousy politicians and look to god for yourselves.
where can I get a hard copy of Obama's speech?
@ Randy-
How do you figure he failed at everything else in life?
Wow.
Try listening to the 'contovertial' Reverend's entire sermons, not just the out of context snippets played and replayed on Faux news.
As for the rest of your babble, well, that's exactly what it is. Babble.
@Randy
Yeah you're right, it's much better to be like George Bush, who turned to evangelism to save him from his drunkenness. Why don't you move to some niche corner of Germany where they're very accomodating to hypocritical bigots just like you.
What a shame that some people feel the need to invoke 'God' in everything. Can't people just be good people??? I think it's a shame that people would only do charitable works because they think it's what 'God' would want.
I am an atheist who volunteers for 3 different organizations. Not because any god tells me to, but because it's the right thing to do. It feels good and it helps out my fellow human beings.
Funny that people who call the Bible a good moral guide usually haven't read it. Or maybe you think that stoning your children is a just punishment for when they talk back to you? If so, Leviticus and Exodus have you covered! Haven't read them? Well I have and they are heinous and disgusting.
Yo no se. Galatian's clearly informs us who's walking in the spirit, and the flesh. I'll use the word of God as an way to determine as person's stature.
Great story. Now if he didn't support the murder of innocent babies and cut funding to religious schools, I'd belive him
Don't believe you can be a honest Christian and believe in abortion. Especially along with that partial birth abortion as Pre Obama does.
The Lord works in mysterious ways......who are we to judge ???
Hear hear Jeff W.!
Free science!
Such words make you contemplate the wisdom of those catholics who would have you believe that voting for this man would require reconciliation/confession. It just highlights how rediculous it is for and when Catholics bash Christians.
I listened to Pres. Obama's speech which was far reaching across all faiths...and this is what CNN chose to highlight? What a joke you are becoming.
BO's religious point of view is his business, not ours.
I am only interested in how he does his job, and whether he will slither around more campaign promises.
Randy, your comments are ridiculous.
"How can he claim to be religious and recommends the killing of unborn and born babies? What a joke this guy is. The Catholic church has already denounce him." The same Catholic Church that is responsible for destroying so many children's lives by creating and perpetuating environment in which Priests sexually abused children is denouncing Obama? Ha.
These are waters you should not be treading in. The Bible says, "Let he that is without sin cast the first stone." It also says judge not lest you be judged." It gets me when believers are more concerned with a church's position rather than actualy living by the word of God.
To all you "separation-of-church-and-state" people:
There is NOTHING in the Constitution that demands such a thing.
The 1st amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"
All those who want to keep religion out of public places are "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion and are therefore in violation of the Constitution.
Keep Speaking nut-job!
Thou shalt not kill is not only applicable to abortion, but also to war. Killing is killing, even if those we kill have different beliefs.
Many "Christians" should spend as much time spreading the word and healing of God to those in need as they seem to spend condemning those they disagree with. If more Americans could accept Christ as their savior and we Christians truly lived in His image, then abortions would be dramatically reduced. And, hopefully, this war would end as well.
Also, in the Bible it says to pray for our leaders, so for all those who read this article and attack our President, maybe you should be reading other words (or The Word).
To the doubters of Obama and his faith....
YOUR approval is not what he seeks....
please know that when you spin your hate.
"Folks who simply wanted to help neighbors who were down on their luck. No matter what they looked like, or where they came from, or who they prayed to."
If every American followed Obama's words, then America and the World would be a better place! There wouldn't be the religious fighting that we see today in our Congress, or the religious fighting that we see in nation vs nation. Then America would truely be what our Forefathers wanted, a Nation of Believers but Believers that don't condemn others for not believing and that don't push their beliefs onto others.
I personally don't think he "needs" to be a Christian to be President.
I also think that Christians need to keep their preaching for themselves, especially the 99.9% of them that: smoke,cus,lie and drink among other things. Don't preach to others how it's wrong when you yourself need to work on your yourself first.
Most of you Christians that posted above, say you are Christians and don't judge, but you all just did Judge.. what a joke. Leave Obama alone and let him believe what he wants to believe in.
He became a "christian" because he wanted to get into politics and he knew he needed some "religious credentials" before the black community would support him. With B.O., religion is just a political tool–like the way he used the bible for his first swearing-in, but then did not bother with the bible for the second swearing-in in the Oval Office because THERE WERE NO CAMERAS. There is a politically strategic reason for EVERYTHING this phony charlatan does.......but then again, he is a democrat. What do you expect?
I am glad that he is open about his religious background. I could care less if he was an atheist, but this nation would not have voted for him because so many people are deluded into believing that you have to be of a certain religion to hold political office, which is not true at all. There is a reason that a seperation of church and state has been on the books, but no one truely follows that path.
Had President Obama been this forthcoming about his faith during the campaign, he might have avoided some of the ridiculous rumors that were flying around. Nevertheless I am impressed. His faith journey shows evidence of thought and reflection. A marked contrast to the comments of many, who obviously have never grasped the fact that humanity is but an infection on a dustball in a corner of the cosmos, and instead cling to the "fact" (hope) that we are the absolute pinnacle of consciousness, leaving no room in the universe for anything higher than ourselves. I never encounter atheism but what I am overwhelmed by its egocentrism and awed by its blind faith in nonexistence.
Randy February 5th, 2009 9:58 am ET
Yeah when he needed it to get into politics. He had failed at everything else in his life so might as well got to a church that preaches hate and racism! How can he claim to be religious and recommends the killing of unborn and born babies? What a joke this guy is. The Cathlic church has already denounce him. He will answer to God with all the blood on his hands. After all dont want to get punished with a babyyyy.
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wow Randy .. you sure sound bitter. What a great way to spread the word. You sure do listen in Church.
Ilike the fact he is not trying to convert but rather speaking of his own transformation. I as an atheist respect his beliefs as he does mine.
You know President Obama earned even more points today.... I truly believe he found God and hope his walk with him is joyful, soulful and respectful.. PRAY FOR OUR PRESIDENT AMERICA!! He needs our prayers.. He needs to be delivered from those who will persecute him because "their guy" lost. TO ANYONE THAT WOULD TRY TO NEGATE THE PRESIDENT'S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: S H A ME O N Y O U!! You do not know the inner struggles that have plagued our President.... An old indian saying, "Don't judge a man till you have walked a mile in his moccasins (sp)" surely applies.. RESPECT him and in all things.. PRAY FOR HIM !!! ... If there was ever a time for Christians to come together.. IT IS NOW... Hit your knees brothers and sisters and PRAY FOR AMERICA.. AND PRAY FOR OUR PRESIDENT.... He is going to make mistakes.. But, at least he has the humility to ADMIT HE MADE AND WILL MAKE MISTAKES.. He showed us this the other day when he admitted, "He screwed up!" WOW!! WHAT A CONCEPT AN HONEST AND TRANSPARENT PRESIDENT!! Go to whitehouse.gov and see how transparent your President is and shall continue... PRAY
How sad that no matter what Pres. Obama says or does, there are so many just waiting to criticize and mock him. Give the man a chance. We've been thru eight years of lies and deception. We finally have someone who wants a better life for all of us. Either work with him or keep quiet and get out of the way! He's only been in office for 2 weeks.
This is why I voted for Presient Obama. For once, we have a President who doesn't stuff his religious ideologies down everyone's throat but respects that their are diverse religious views in America. Just another reason why I will never vote Republican again (that and the fact I believe they are praying for another terrorist attack in America to throw in the Democrats faces but I digress...). Great job, PO.
@Tracy February 5th, 2009 9:54 am ET
"A nut is a nut and does not need any particular viewpoint to be one. They were already a nut before they picked a cause."
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Very astute observation.
Yeah, he states that he is "religious", but not born again through Jesus Christ. "Religion" is an invention of mankind – it is not a relationship with God. "Religion" is a set of practices and a long "to do list" that "must be completed so we can earn our way to heaven". Salvation, on the other hand, is the free gift of God, comes only from God, through faith, so that no man can boast ("My good deeds are better than your good deeds!)
It's apparent that obama's religious practices did not teach him that he should not lie, should not go back on his word – his religious practices and choice of place to worship for 20 years did teach him to embrace the hatred of his anglo neighbors and to embrace socilism. It is apparent in what we see him doing now.
Impeach Obama – save the USA
Randy – you too will answer to God for your hate against President Obama
religion is for the weak minded sheep
Religious is not anti-intellectualism. Some of the smartest, most intelectual people that I know are religious.
GOPers trying to discredit this and get in a jab in about abortion 3..2..1...
Randy, the moron and looser. What did you suceed at but being hate full and stupid.
As I am only 3 months younger than the President, I can understand his religious conundrum as our generation was raised in an era of asking questions particularly on long standing beliefs and practices. Religious questions are paramount among other issues since religion has been manipulated and slanted to match those who practice its worship. Before our generation people simply accepted our parents teachings yet our generation asked questions such as what is the best religion? Why are there so many? Which religion is the right religion? etc... Mankind will debate religion along with abortion till the end of time yet William Shakespeare's words remain the only truth, To Thine Own Self Be True!!!
you are a BEAUTIFUL person President Obama.
Fully agree with Randy!!! You can't be for God and for killing babies at the same time! The two completely don't go together. And on top of that, Obama is not giving stimulus money to schools who have any religious activities on campus!
Phil Haselton – I see from your comment that you don’t know who Christ is.
Randy you're full of hate not solutions.
God Bless and keep you and your family out of harm's way, President Obama sir I do believe god has his hands on you and will help you lead us out of this ditch!!!! Thank you!!!
Lets give the guy a break!!!
FOUR YEARS AGO, ON HIS SENATE OATH – HE SWORE ON THE KORAN – REMEMBER? (STRANGE THING TO DO FOR A CHRISTIAN)
BUT WHO LOOKS BACK ANYWAY, RIGHT?
CHARMELION OF DECIET
Awesome. That's how it should be.
As someone once said, "Go spread the gospel. Use words if necessary."
In the early years of the church, before it became the religion of Imperial Rome, it was the kindness and generosity of believers that brought in new believers. What happened in this man's life is a modern example of that. And now he has been given great authority and the opportunity to speak about faith in this way. Just awesome.
Honey, you bet God has a purpose for you. If you dont make it to the rapture, do NOT take the mark of the beast, 666.
Matt – you need to grow up and figure out what you want out of life. Or, do wish to gain the world and lose your soul.
ask your Congress if each has paid their Taxes. that way it would all be done before they are appointed cabinet. sort of funny how they wate till then to pay their taxes.
Hey Phil, you heard 2 clips from his old church. Big deal. Get a life.
ALL religion is a waste of time. It's an archaic means of governing and helping people deal with their mortality. I'm shocked and amazed it's still around. If you like it and it helps you, fine. My opinion is my own.
I love Obama, but could care less what religion he is. Religion is NOT the word of God. No one knows anything about God...certainly not the primative scrubs 2000 years ago that today would be locked up in looney bins.
@ Matt
unfortunately in the Christian Republic of America you have to as President!
I am happy to be from the "Old Europe" where the separation of State and Church is reality.
Nobody knows Sarkozy's or Merkel' religion. Only their work is important and it is good so.
Well for a man of God, he sure speaks out both sides of his mouth... this is the man that plans to use federal money to fund ABORTIONS. This man is a fraud, willing to let babies die so that he can collect the liberal votes. Last time I checked the bible was pretty clear that murder is wrong, and aborting babies is clearly planned and premeditated murder.
The idea of someone, anyone, finding their faith in helping everyone who needs it, is heartwarming. It wasn't in a building, and it wasn't in a book. Mr. Obama found God by helping the least of his brothers.
I grew up in a non-religious family as well so I can totally appreciate what he's saying. As an adult, I still do not subscribe to any organized religion, but I really respect his own personal transformation. Even moreso, I really appreciate, although he has his personal beliefs, he is not trying to shove them down the throat of America like so many other politicians try to do. He seems to have so much respect for all different points of view and an understanding that part of what makes our country so great is that we have the freedom to practice whatever religion we please.
There is no RIGHT way. It's all about a personal choice. Kudos to you, Mr. President.
Its best to keep faith out of religion. If you start mixing it up, then you have to include all faiths. Why should Jesus be the only player on the field? MY GOD IS TOO BIG TO FIT IN ANY ONE RELIGION. Remember it is the EXTEMES whether Christian extremism, or Muslim extremism that gets us all in conflict.
Whats unique about Obama is that he is INCLUSIVE, just as Jesus or Buddha is INCLUSIVE..There are many ways to get to the same goal.
Someday in the distant future, people will stand without the crutch called Religion. Fanaticism and extremists and religious zealots will all be a part of the past. Babies will no longer be murdered on a daily basis without a care or a thought of the baby and people will no longer die in the name of God, whether it be a Christian God or a Muslim God or some other God belonging to some other religion.
Think its possible?
I'm religious and I also praise science. Just because some have been jaded by religion does not mean it is evil. Unfortunately, just like there are good and bad people, you will find individuals that abuse their power in religion. The same could be said about teachers. Religion has made me a much better person and it helps to know that the world does not revolve around our vanity all the time. The majority of Americans are religious. In terms of separation of church and state – the constitution states that a state cannot force its citizens to follow a particular religion as the Church of England did centuries ago. It doesn't mean the people of faith (these people pay taxes too) should not have their voice heard. We're not in a Marxist country!!! The faithful have done so much good in this world – reports show that faith-based organizations did more to help the citizens of New Orleans than the government. Let's all get along!
Need I say "Bullsh!t?"
But as I see, many people on this blog will worship anything he says as great no matter what it is. I bet if he accidently reread one of Bush's speeches, these same people would rave about it.
In all my years, (and there are many), I have never seen so many people blindly follow someone and spout out information that is not based in facts or truth but rhetoric. It's like watching "Charlie McCarthy".
Please people read and be informed. Not just about his policies but the same policies and results from history. Why the banking system is crashing, why trickle down economics doesn't work with high government involvement, why history shows this spending stimulus will not work, etc, etc, etc. It will change your mind about the self proclaimed great Obama.
Reverend Wright would be proud. A wolf in sheep's clothing! And on and on and on, please, go to your office and start working and stop the daily speeches.
Denine – You are still lost in the wilderness. You need to seek Christ fast.
For the people posting that Obama advocates killing babies, you need to take your blinders off. Obama wants to reduce the number of abortions in this country but he believes, correctly, that it is not the government's place to prohibit you. That choice is personal and it is you that will ultimately be responsible for your decision. Not the government. The government should not be a moral authority. That's what the church is for.
Why republicans always think that the world must bend to their views is beyond me.
He is clearly an atheist.
I'm loving it!
*sigh*
Adults with imaginary friends...
"I have a hard time believing this. Nevermind that attributing the generosity and helpfulness of ordinary people to "God's spirit" diminishes the effort of each of those people. Human kindness needs not answer to a higher power. " Dave
The Bible speaks of man having a natural affection with or without God and of man being able to possess agape love which only comes from God. Obama attributing those church folks love and service to Gods spirit was correct and diminished nothing. Only thing I disagree with from what he said was it didn`t matter who they prayed to.....
YOU ARE WRIGHT Mr. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. [("JUST KEEP GOING !!!.")]
randy – i am a catholic who fully supports Obama, i do not however, fully believe in everything the catholic religion preaches – no one is perfect and i am sure everyone makes mistakes or sin every day of their life – i am sure you do too...does the catholic church promote war like your buddy GWB? i didn't think so – i am sure GWB will be answering to God with all the blood on his hands when he left the white house, i.e. Iraq and so forth – please think before you write such nonsense.
I dont know what favortism he is talking about. I hope its not us defendng ourselves against terrorism.
Here we go. We have nut jobs coming out to nitpick Obama’s testimony, not realizing how hypocritical they sound in addition to bundle of contradiction they become since Obama didn’t use their scripted version of a testimony. Some may go to the extent of saying it doesn’t sound genuine, guess what, my testimony too is not based on some template and its most hallowed to me. Nuff said.
I take Obama at his word and applaud his simple and elequent statements on his evolving faith. Taking to the streets to do community service has never been the preferred road to take to be successful. Obama had to have felt a higher calling, not just his own ambitions.
It is scary to review the emails on this matter. Everyone reads into the President's words what they believe about him, for good or ill. I support Obama, but I will admit that former President Bush is a genuine Christian–misguided in how his applied it, of course, but his motivation has never been in doubt. We should give President Obama the benefit of the doubt on his Christian authenticity, as well.
President Obama professed Christ as his personal savior on many occasions – I guess only people who actually listen have heard him.
God will continue to bless this man.
Such hateful people. Let the man go to church.
The skeptical "Christians" that don't believe Obama are certainly judgemental. It's not for you to judge. God knows what's in his heart. Judge not lest thee be judged.
This is laughable...not the article, but the responses. Bush got trashed for talking about his relationship with God and was ridiculed for "hearing" God. Now Obama talks about hearing God's spirit and the Obama desciples (the same ones that would have ripped GWB) are falling in line and singing Hallelujia. Thanks for the laugh Obama democrats.
I hope Obama starts talking about the importance of life and the family. Instead he is tearing it down piece by piece with his pro-abortion status and wanting to ruin all the pro-life laws in this country. A country that does not respect it's unborn, it's children, elderly and the traditional family will harm itself. Obama's decision to take money that America needs right now to fund organizations that support abortion (possibly forced abortions!) is cruel and against religion.
Exceptional speech, I saw all of it. Now, the right-wingers are going to feed it to him along with conspiracy theorists on the web who "just know that Obama is a Muslim extremist!"
At least Obama was candid enough to admit that he didn't "get religion" until after college and as a result of observing other people in service to their communities.
Bush "got religion" to appeal to the extremist portion of the GOP – period!!! Remember the famous film footage and picture of Bush in the Naional Cathedral where the Bible is upside down?!
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
“Seek peace, and pursue it."
Stop hating on the man!!!!!!!!!