The American Spectator

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The Gospel of Politics

7.8.08 @ 12:01AM

PLEASE, GOD, MAKE ME PRESIDENT
Re: The Prowler's Faith of Our Senators:

Are people so naive that just hearing a man say "Jesus" can convince them he is a Christian? Are Christians so silly that they are more impressed by a man knowing and using certain phrases in their presence than in how that man defines his faith? Barack Obama is a "Christian" who cannot say that Jesus is the only way to heaven, that salvation lies only in Christ and his sacrifice, and who seeks to redefine Christianity as "just another path" to God!

The Bible tells us that even the demons know who Christ is, and even they know He is Lord! Not to say that Obama is a demon or anything (because you just know some Obama supporter will try to twist it that way), but just saying certain words and phrases means nothing in the bigger picture. It is what you believe that defines your faith, not what you say. Remember, not everyone who cries Lord, Lord is going to make it into the Kingdom of Heaven.
-- Eric Edwards
Walnut Cove, North Carolina

Has anyone asked Obama about separation of church and state? Where are the ACLU and Barry Lynn to complain about Obama bring religion into the political realm? One word best describes the new age messiah who thinks to rewrite scripture -- hypocrite.
-- Michael Tomlinson
Jacksonville, North Carolina

Let's do a thought experiment:

I'm a non-Christian, but I decide to study the topic. After I study, I remain a non-Christian. Can I truthfully say the following:

"... I let Jesus Christ into my life. I learned that my sins could be redeemed and that if I placed my trust in Christ, that he could set me on the path to eternal life when I submitted myself to his will and I dedicated myself to discovering his truth and carrying out his works."

This was said July 5 by Sen. Obama. In my opinion it says that he did an academic study, but says nothing about the outcome in terms of faith at the time, nor what is his present faith.

"... I let Jesus Christ into my life." can easily mean that he spent time to read about and hear about Jesus' life and teaching. When I read Moby Dick, I let Ishmael, Ahab, Melville, and even the whale into my life.

"I learned" is an academic statement that says nothing about emotions, about faith, or about belief. The sentence in its form is: "I learned" that X could happen "if" A, and that Y could happen "when" B and C. So Mr. Obama, what happened next? Did you ever do A, B, or C, or not? It is nice to hear about your cognitive understanding of the premises of this religion, but these weasely and evasive words seem more than anything to have the goal to mislead. If that was your intention, then you are or have a very good TelePrompter writer. Even the headline writer was fooled.

I'm not sure I would believe Sen. Obama if he made a direct statement of faith, but I think it is important to note when he wants to convey an impression while avoiding an outright answer.

This would make an excellent example for a class on critical thinking. One could point out his use of words that will make an emotional connection with his audience, while not really saying much:

Sins
Trust
Eternal Life
Submitted
Truth
Works

Using complex sentences that are 36 and 48 words long are effective at concealing the actual assertions. This failure to describe his own faith while giving the impression that he has, is worthy of close scrutiny whether it is intentional or not.
-- A Reader

That the Arlington Group, or any conservative Evangelical group, is considering endorsing Senator Obama is simply mind boggling. Senator McCain may not be fluent in theological or theosophical language but this is poor reason to bestow blessings on a false messiah.

Letter to the Editor

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