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Everybody (On Campus) Digs Barack Obama
The results of my scientific poll of scholars of religion and theology at various universities (n = 14) have now been tabulated. The question asked was: “With which current presidential aspirant would you most like to sit down and discuss issues pertaining to faith—Church/State issues, Gnostic Gospels, Schleiermacher, anything?”
Save one stray vote for former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel, every professor I spoke to expressed a preference for the same candidate. If, like me, you believe that the titles of classic Jazz albums are repositories of timeless wisdom and wit, then my campus findings may be summarized by the title of Bill Evans' 1958 masterpiece: “Everybody digs Barack Obama.”
Incontrovertible proof of the Academy’s liberal bias, this adulation for the Senator from Illinois? Perhaps. Yet he does possess qualities that make him uniquely attractive to people with advanced degrees in religious studies and other subjects. Obama can sound awfully professorial, as opposed to wonkish, when discussing issues pertaining to faith. The decade he spent as a lecturer in constitutional law at the University of Chicago has clearly left its mark. When reading or listening to him analyze questions of public policy and religion many scholars undoubtedly experience the pleasure of recognition. They may even conclude--somewhat narcissistically-- that “Senator Obama is one of us!”
All presidential candidates must weave what I call “a narrative of faith.” Here again, Obama offers something out of the ordinary. The generic storyline of a Protestant aspirant for High Office goes something like this. Candidate X was once an OK Christian. Then a traumatic episode occurred which solidified his or her faith, resulting in deepened spiritual awareness. Candidate X emerged from these travails a better, stronger Christian--a “hard champion” of godly virtue (Here, using the title of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’ 1985 album).
Mr. Obama’s narrative is rather different. As a child, he was schooled in both Catholic and Muslim institutions. Too, there is reason to believe that prior to his later-life baptism he was under-churched or non-churched and may even have flirted with a casual sort of non-belief. All of these experiences tincture his thinking on religion with more sophistication and edge than any other candidate in the race.
Last, as regards religious imaging, God Talk, and so forth, Senator Obama is a very original and cunning operator. Much in the way that he manages to constantly criticize the Democratic Party all the while portraying himself as the embodiment of a Democrat, Obama can lampoon the faith and values game while playing it with extraordinary skill. His quip about the “politician who shows up at a black church around election time and claps (off rhythm) to the gospel choir” is a classic zinger. It is a mustard-filled paint-ball aimed at John Kerry that then ricochets directly into one of Hillary Clinton’s preferred photo-ops.
Of course, the types of politicians who mesmerize the theology professors are rarely the ones who sway the American electorate. Opposition Research teams may also dig Barack Obama, as we shall soon see.
By Jacques Berlinerblau |
August 27, 2007; 9:44 AM ET
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Posted by: isauhfj fmlsrj | October 5, 2007 4:51 PM
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You really don't have to dig that far to uncover the roots of Barack Obama's faith. Just take 15 minutes to read "My Spiritual Journey", which he wrote for TIME last October and is available in its entirety at:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546579-1,00.html
I am sure you will conclude this story does not require the interpretation of a third person like Jacques Berlinerblau of those brainy professor friends of his. It is just an old-fashioned, from-the-heart narrative. Tell me what you think.
Posted by: Mark | August 30, 2007 2:58 PM
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"I'd like to point out, however, that Mr. Obama has never attended a Muslim school..."
Obama attended State Elementary School 4. As you say (more or less), it is a public school, but trying to analogise this to Beverley Hills High is fundamentally flawed unless Beverley Hill High offers Koranic instruction--which were in fact the religious lessons Obama attended while there.
The line between church and state in Indonesia is not the same as at Beverley Hills High, pretending it is verges on disingenuousness. Trying to explain away the actual experience of Mr. Obama in Indonesia does neither the truth nor Mr. Obama credit.
Posted by: Mulopwepaul | August 30, 2007 10:28 AM
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There seems to be something genuinely open-minded about Obama, in that he has moved away from parental certainties to something personally chosen, perhaps a little thoughtful, but not stridently advertised. For us in the UK there is something similar about Gordon Brown in comparison with the more rhetorical Blair. I don't know how Edwards fits this bill. Mrs. Clinton seems so excruciatingly careful and calculated in everything she says that her soul seems rather a closed book.
Posted by: Martin Hughes | August 29, 2007 6:27 AM
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It has been interesting reading the piece and then the comments…….
Were I to choose with whom to speak about religion I would choose Mr. Ron Paul to find out how he reconciles libertarian with religious traditions. His mind is as fresh and open as Mr. Obama’s … but nowhere near as charismatic.
Were I to choose with whom to speak about which candidate to vote for I would choose Janet who is clearly worth disagreeing with.
I do believe that a candidate’s “attitude” toward his/her faith is very important, even as I believe these faiths are actually utter nonsense. As long as the faith holder believes, there will be consequences.
President Bush is a stellar example. George Bush believes that Almighty God gave Freedom to every human being without exception. In bringing Freedom to all mankind we are doing God’s work. I have no doubt he actually believes this. What else could possibly sustain this man’s unyielding conviction and focus on the course he has set in the face of world opposition, congressional opposition, plunging popularity, administrative disintegration, and political erosion within his own party. Further, he has been successful hewing to his own course for 5 years, despite he best efforts of his opponents. He did win re-election did he not? Demonizing George Bush is a mistake. It misses the very nature of the beast. As Chris Hitchens puts it, “Religion poisons everything”.
It is a poor path we travel here. It is the one that puts us into an “ideological struggle with extreme Islam”; something to replace communism that once gave us so much purpose for our lives. The “Axis of Evil” is a phrase rooted in religion; Evil is a religious construct.
I have considerable hopes for Barack Obama, as many here seem to. He has been an extremely quick study over the last year, but has maintained his quality of both listening well and speaking clearly. I take issue with those racists among you who wonder whether he is “black enough” for you. What would you be saying if I were to wonder if he is white enough for those of us who cannot jump. The fact is that he is half white so you all are just going to have to learn to share.
What I want to know from Barack is what his worldview is about the role our nation should and should not play in the world. Is it our responsibility to bomb or invade Iran should they continue to defy our demands on them? Do we have such authority? Are we militarily the most powerful among equal nations; or are we the most powerful nation, the most dominant? Have we the authority to eliminate tyranny in the world? Where do we derive this. What do we do when another people makes free democratic choices of which we disapprove? (e.g. Hamas) How do we distinguish our “vital national interests” from just our “national interest”? Or do we just ignore such distinctions as befits the most powerful nation on the planet.
As I said, Barack has great potential and that very rare kind of charisma not seen since Jack Kennedy. Still, he has a lot to carefully think through and express with some clarity.
Posted by: Cayambe, Philo, CA-USA | August 29, 2007 5:35 AM
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"Christian voters can detect two-faced politicians."
And they vote for them every time. If someone has to tell me how much of a Christian they are, that's a cue for me to watch my back and/or my wallet. It's a good way to dupe people - brag about good a Christian you are while robbing people blind. And it works for other people besides politicians, too!
Regarding Sen. Obama - he's saying some of the right things, IMHO. I don't like the "God Talk", but it's common in his religious tradition. But I would really like to hear him or any other candidate - Republican or Democrat - say that they will honor the First Amendment. That all people are equal in America - Christians, Jews, atheists, Moslems, Pagans, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. We're electing a Commander-in-Chief, not a Pope! We need a President who will respect the rights of all people, not just the 25% of his or her "base".
Posted by: Athena | August 28, 2007 4:26 PM
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Our political system has been hijacked by Conservitive Republicans claiming some fundamentalist values for ALL Christians. It is immoral to:
Start a war on a lie
Lie to your country
Not provide medical coverage for ALL citizens
Make money--BLOOD PROFIT--from war
How ironic (moronic)that your party or candidate is chosen/voted for because they are against abortion, gay marriage, etc., but we (Christians) will bomb the daylights out of Iraq, sacrifice our military for lies, and not take care of our own after Katrina. Hypocrites they all are!!! Politicians are intrested in one thing:YOUR VOTE!! Some may have good intentions, but because they are "Christian" does not mean they will perform and vote morally. Yes we are a Christian nation with values-in-general, but at the same time our constitution supports and protects the non religious. If you vote on a candidate solely because of an issue (I am a Conservative at heart) you are brainwashed and stupid. The day is coming when you will realize that all of our civil liberties were taken away because of fear and propaganda; then you will remember your blind conservative vote in the name and guise of Christianty.
Posted by: Rock | August 28, 2007 4:19 PM
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THERE IS NO GOD. What a waste of energy, time and efforts that could be expended on something worthwhile. Instead extremist Christians, Muslims, and Jews start and sustain endless world conflicts, wars , death and destruction.
Meanwhile the South is preoccupied with forcing their views on others wedge issues like persecution of gays. Religious intolerance and fundamentalism is the enemy of the world.
And today George W seeks protection from "Religious extremists" - HE** WE NEED PROTECTION FROM THE CHRISTIAN EXTREMISTS WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS THE WORLD IS IN.
A Presidential Candidates Religious beleifs should count for ZERO.
Posted by: Jim | August 28, 2007 4:12 PM
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If Obama truly had a deep faith in the One True God, then his stand on gays, abortion, and other vital isues would be swayed in the other direction, that in favor of the truth.
Posted by: Ben Davies | August 28, 2007 4:08 PM
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Ah yes we have our problems, but when it comes to the best of the best, always bet on black! :) I'm happy to see someone who can unite us all.
Posted by: doesntmatter | August 28, 2007 3:48 PM
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When I hear a person who wants to be the president, the commander in chief, of the United States, by far the most powerful nation in the world -- an empire, in fact, -- talk with ease about G-d and especially about Jesus, it comes across as falseness and blasphemy.
Why in the world do you bring G-d and Jesus into a discussion as chief of the military for our defense and for killing our enemies, along with scores of innocents? My advice: shut up about the Judaic-Christian religion and do an honest,just, and skilled job of running the country.
Posted by: WJY | August 28, 2007 2:07 PM
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"Obama is obviously intelligent. He has the ability to listen to and respect opposing opinions."
-----------------------
I've heard Mr. Obama believes in subjecting kids in public schools to prayer. This is not the view of someone who respects opposing religions (opinions about religion). The 1st amendment is very important, in my view, so I am suspicious and fearful of any candidate or other person who seeks to harm the separation of religion and state that should be sacrosanct in this country, based on the views of Jefferson, Madison, etc, and the express words of the 1st amendment.
Posted by: Jeff | August 28, 2007 1:43 PM
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"...for Obama to say that he is a God fearing individual and that he is follower of a faith, while stating that gay practice or gay marriage is not a Sin is hypocritical and only proves he is a politician just like any other."
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Nonsense. Most religious people in the U.S. believe it is not a sin to be Gay. Those people all consider themselves followers of one faith or another, and who are you to say they are wrong? Are you the one person with access to the true wishes of God? Self-centered arrogance!
Posted by: Jeff | August 28, 2007 1:28 PM
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OK Tarik:
"What is it about Obama.?"
I personally think its his photoshopped pics. Every month his skintone gets darker and his nose gets wider..
Posted by: Anonymous | August 28, 2007 10:59 AM
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Ok, someone please explain to me why a candidates religion should matter when concerned with running the country?
Maybe if we didn't focus on religion, we can bypass the mistake the country made when they re-elected Bush.
Religion shouldn't be a part of it. The Person should. Faith is nothing more than a play to get votes. And unfortunately, there are plenty of ignorant Americans who will only vote for the person who seems to have the strongest faith.
No wonder the rest of the world thinks we are a joke. Look at what we've done in the last 6 years.
Posted by: Russell D. | August 28, 2007 10:15 AM
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There is something about Obama.
(Maybe like JFK).
Its not about what they are. It is more about us.
Indeed :Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
The nation lies mesmerised when one like him comes to the stage. Call it star-power.
Reminds me of the little girl who wept and clapped as Sanjaya sang on American Idol.
With Sanjaya we know it was his hair styles.
What is it about Obama.?
Posted by: Tarik | August 28, 2007 9:29 AM
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Thoughtful piece. I dig the play on jazz, among other things. Thank you. Did you know that the word "dig" may have arisen from African American miners picking up on Irish miners in Butte, Montana asking them if they understood something in the Irish language - "An dtuigeann tú?", pronounced "On diggen tu?" and meaning "Do you understand?". "Sure Seán I dig you" they would say in return. Who knows for sure, but fun weavings with words and relationships, like jazz and like Obama.
Posted by: Tom O'Connor | August 28, 2007 2:25 AM
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Paul Taylor is a breath of fresh air.
Posted by: JW | August 28, 2007 12:02 AM
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Disagree......
Hillary comes off more sophisticated about religion....and she also had a background of conservative-to-liberal progression, as well as some skepticism about religion. She recently answered a public question about religion and political candidates by saying that in her religious culture, a person who wears their religion on their sleeve is looked at with suspicion. Pretty astute observation.
Hillary also comes out of the elite academic world...the world of Wellesley. And she clearly has the smarts to show for it.
And, by the way, Bill Clinton, ex President, also used to show up at African American churches around election time, and clap either in or out of rhythm, according to your pet bias. And the blacks seem to love him--not for his rhythm, but for his humanity.
Hillary also has a measure of humanity; and she has battle scars to prove it. She fought the establishment on national health care and lost.
So what is there about Obama that appeals to so many in academia? Maybe it is their bias. He is a young, attractive, intelligent man who happens to be of African descent; an asset in a theoretic world that champions the underdog and the maverick. In reality Obama happens to be very establishment...a very non-threatening choice for the white academic establishment.
Posted by: paul taylor | August 27, 2007 11:09 PM
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Religion is the box
that we should be thinking outside of,
if we ever want to make sense
of existence.
Posted by: yoyo | August 27, 2007 11:04 PM
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Most academics I talk to (and I talk to lots of them) prefer John Edwards.
Posted by: Carolyn Adams-Price | August 27, 2007 10:53 PM
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To Mick Mordell:
You said: "Belief thus becomes a room with the door locked and the curtains drawn."
Yes, belief does seem like that, when you have finally been able to step outside the door.
Posted by: Janet aka No WayWeiWu Wei | August 27, 2007 10:27 PM
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This guy's pastor is a black supremisist that Obama Hussein was careful not to invite to his his declaration for president.
Academics love Obama because they hope he's going to make the USA into a Socialist EU. These academics teach 5 hours a week, if that,get three months off, and have tenure. They have reached the level of communism. What they don't understand is that they produce nothing and are being supported by the rest of us. Close all humanities depts. and let's see if these clowns can get a real job.
Posted by: george | August 27, 2007 10:03 PM
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You know...
I see religious belief to be such a simple minded
scam that I would almost prefer that Obama is lying
about his religious beliefs just to get elected.
He's too smart to believe in the supernatural.He's too urbane.Too cool.
Why destroy your career by being the one to point out
that the emperor is naked.Best to pretend that
you like his new clothes.Just fake it:everyone else does.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 27, 2007 8:18 PM
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obama used a sentence from the sermon on the mount to try to make a huge generalization. JESUS also said in this sermon that not one letter of the mosaic law would pass away till all things were accomplished. that will make 95% of his party stand up and take notice.
Posted by: gary | August 27, 2007 8:09 PM
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As far as politics goes, I can only say that we HAVE to get involved in this one. The situation posed by this administration is abominable and for anyone to just sit back and do NOTHING is asking for continuation of the same and has no business complaining about whoever gets elected next.
I like Obama for several reasons. I don't look just at what they say, I look at what they do.
This is a guy who put his money (or lack thereof in the early days) where his mouth is, and spent time working in the inner city for the poor, making barely 20,000. He understands the complexities of poverty and the complexities of what needs to be done.
He teaches constitutional law, so he respects and seems to want to actually honor the document of our founding. Can we say that about this administration?
He is willing to disagree respectfully about things with people and leave them feeling like he has heard them and will consider the impact his decisions have on the rest of the country, and NOT just his base. He is known for working closely with folks from all viewpoints and coming to a real consensus, and not 'divide and conquer'. With most of the world against us as much as it is at this point, we need this more now than ever before.
Paganplace, you said:
"He's not using religion as a prop and excuse to run the country, as Bush claimed he would, 'Run the country like a corporation,' (despite never having been handed a corporation to run that he didn't *tank* in his life, ....the man couldn't even run a baseball franchise... ever wonder why he's so in with the Saudi royals? They were his bailout. )"
Was I the only one who heard that and went around telling people "Bush is TELLING us he's going to screw up the country, maybe we should pay attention"?? :)
Obama's actions speak even louder than his words. His actions profess that he means what he says. I don't think it's just rhetoric. If democracy is going to work the people have to believe that it can, and I haven't seen anyone else out there that really makes me believe that this country has a shot.
To me, he's the best example of what someone who professes some sort of faith can be about.
He's got my vote.
Posted by: PriveR | August 27, 2007 8:08 PM
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Perhaps it is as simple as Intellect, ethics, positive "why-not" approach to new answers for old problems, open mindedness, compassion, natural curiosity for things outside the beltway...
One thing is for sure...
Unlike the guaranteed general election loser 'hillary'... You KNOW where Barak Obama stands EVERY TIME, ALL THE TIME!
Posted by: JBE | August 27, 2007 8:02 PM
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Professors and other intelligent, liberal, people prefer Obama because they understand that, when deciding church-state issues, he'll be guided by his Harvard Law School education rather than whatever he heard in church or mosque.
Posted by: Norrie Hoyt | August 27, 2007 7:54 PM
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For the first time in an unbroken record of casting votes in a presidential election, I am seriously considering boycotting this one.
My reason has more to do with faith, or lack thereof, than it does with politics. After years of kidding myself and paying lip service to a deity, I found several years ago that I could no longer accept God, the idea of God, the fantasy of God. I realized fully that I simply did not and do not Believe. And believe me, it came as a great relief, a grand unburdening of mind and soul. It seemed that my path became clearer—no longer feeling the need to weigh doubt and uncertainty before the face of the history and mythology that accompanies Belief, religion, spiritual practice and all the other related voodoo.
I now live happier and less troubled, having adopted a new credo: "Believe in nothing, and Anything is possible." The idea being that any Belief that one chooses to accept allows only the limit of possibilities as defined by the framework of that belief. Belief thus becomes a room with the door locked and the curtains drawn.
Which brings me back to politics. I find it increasingly difficult to trust the judgement and intellect of anyone who professes his or her acceptance of a deity, especially as represented by the mainstream religions. I can't erase the image that whoever the candidate for office may be, he/she walks around with an image of a 70 year old blue-eyed white man, about six feet, six inches tall, with a long white beard and white hair, in his or her brain—and this includes Barack Obama. Not to mention the possibility that some of them merely profess to believe in order to curry favor with the misguided masses. I fear the lack of intellectual rigor almost as much as I fear the hypocrisy.
Posted by: mick mordell | August 27, 2007 6:37 PM
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Professor Berlinerblau - I don't know why your question is even relevant - "“With which current presidential aspirant would you most like to sit down and discuss issues pertaining to faith—Church/State issues, Gnostic Gospels, Schleiermacher, anything?”
I am not looking for a president with whom I can discuss deep religious/philosophical questions, so your question seems irrelevant to me in terms of who to choose for president. I am looking for a president who has character, brains(can think deeply about complex issues), education, guts, and has travelled outside the US, in other words, everything that the current occupant of the White House lacks. The fact that Obama is not fixated on one religion as the One True Way, is a plus for me. The constant pandering of candidates to various religious groups says nothing about their character, and everything about their willingness to debase themselves and the American people by appealing to tribal instincts, which is what most religion is about. My group as opposed to the other group. This tribal instinct is the very antithesis of genuine religion.
Posted by: Janet | August 27, 2007 6:22 PM
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Obama is the best candidate for president I've seen in my lifetime. I'm an athiest, but have no problem at all with how Obama talks about his faith. He seems to employ the wisdom of Christ's teachings without using the bible as a literal guide. i.e. he believes in evolution, the golden rule, the sermon on the mount, not stoning cheating women, disrespectful children, or homosexuals.
Posted by: Mark Morris | August 27, 2007 5:55 PM
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Mr. B. Obama has the most impressive among all candidates combination of the superior intelligence, vision, and ability to light up listeners. There is no surprise that he is the permanent pick of people with advanced degrees.
Posted by: Anna V. Epelbaum | August 27, 2007 5:16 PM
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I'm just a poor country hick who never heard of Prof Berlinerblau, but I'd shore like to hear more stuff from this dude.
Many thank yous,
John Silver
Posted by: John Silver | August 27, 2007 5:03 PM
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I think the prime appeal of Mr. Obama... and why I tend to support him, in fact, is that as a *leader,* he stands above the field. Dubya has shown how the Presidency has become a mere ideological position in American politics, despite, in fact, having made the wrong managerial, tactical, and strategic decision *every time,* (as well as being totally-wrongheaded, in my and more than half the country's opinion.)
The "religion question" as regards the Senator is *not* in Neocon terms of who waves the religion flag harder and in more right-wing ways, but in terms of what the *man,* while having a specific religion, *chooses to do with it.*
He's not using religion as a prop and excuse to run the country, as Bush claimed he would, 'Run the country like a corporation,' (despite never having been handed a corporation to run that he didn't *tank* in his life, ....the man couldn't even run a baseball franchise... ever wonder why he's so in with the Saudi royals? They were his bailout. )
Obama certainly professes some faith, but ...it's not my kind of faith, anyway... The real thing is, he *can* make this mean something other than pretending that hatred of minorities and fear of other nations while letting corporations run rampant over our civil rights and the economic good of average citizens, while telling them that 'Jesus wants you to support Enron, or your're not a real Christian...'
In short, if religion's that important to American Christians, then, yes, he's religious enough to appeal to your better natures, not the most fearful.
And he can do it, not by drawing conclusions and asserting agendas *contrary* to reason and responsibility, but *as part of them.*
He's a voice we need.
I would like to see Obama elected, paired with someone like Joe Biden, who's been impressing me since I was old enough to vote, as a professional at the game of politics, but savvy and principled about going about it.
First and foremost, though, America needs leadership and vision. Not the guy that happened to be reading a children's book when we *needed* a leader so badly that many of us had to believe that's what we had. Even if he was bloody awful.
If you believe in Christian religion, well.
Believe in yourselves as a *whole,* not just your right-wing Bible beaters.
It'll have been sixteen years, maybe twenty, that the Christian Right has spent most of the nation's energy, turning prosperous times to *a serious mess.*
It may make you feel good and in control to wave the God, Guns, And Gays flag... But this can't work any longer.
Can't talk tough about being a 'war president' when it's the wrong fricking war.
Can't say the Neocon types are really good for us, when the first thing Bush said was he intended to be a 'uniter not a divider,' ...yet what we've gotten is the *exact opposite.* He said he'd be about *education,* and what we have is the exact opposite.
He said he would be a good 'war president,' but we got the exact opposite. He even said he'd have 'faith based' charities, to entice his base... He cut social programs, but in fact, the poor get less.
The only thing he did do that he promised was to make sure things are good for the corporations, particularly energy interests.
And all along, the RNC machine has made people treat the President, not as someone to get results, but someone to tell them their ideology is 'right.' No matter what he screws up.
So, now we need a different leader with a better vision.
If Obama's policies and visions aren't good enough for Christianity, then Christianity is the thing that needs to catch up.
Funny thing is... He seems to speak of the Christianity a lot of Christians *miss.*
Your choice.
Posted by: Paganplace | August 27, 2007 4:55 PM
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No way being a christian of over fifty years does the mix may have interest to me to want to know especially the Muslim part.. He would be last person I would choose if I choose on a religion theme.. You may have just explained why are churches are failing us
Posted by: Joseph | August 27, 2007 4:49 PM
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"BLACK ON BLACK VOTE - WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR BROTHER"
good to know racial bias is alive and well !!!
sista, i'm white - but no f***** way am i gonna support hillary clinton.
Posted by: not a very black man | August 27, 2007 4:42 PM
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I think professors are more impressed with Obama as an intellectual/philosopher than a believer. A philosopher would be more interesting to discuss spiritual messages with, and he also brings to the table knowledge of other religions beyond simply their comparison to Christianity. He brings life experience where other candidates bring only Washington experience, and that is a very positive step forward in the global environment we live in. This experience can stop wars before they happen and negotiate trust with nations that do not trust ours for a variety of reasons. He was brought up with the freedom to choose between religions, and he chose Methodist. Why? I can see why the theological discussion would be quite interesting, and I would pick him to discuss religion with as well.
Posted by: Thomas | August 27, 2007 4:04 PM
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I agree that one of Mr. Obama's appeals is his unique life path. I think his experience with people of many backgrounds is a major reason why his supporters are so fervently behind him. That he has experience living abroad and with Muslims in everyday life is a major asset in this age of religious polarization.
I'd like to point out, however, that Mr. Obama has never attended a Muslim school. He was a student at Sekolah Dasar Negeri 1, which translates literally as State Elementary School 1. While the majority of the students are Muslim, the school is a multi-denominational public school with tailored religious lessons for Catholics, Protestants, Confucian, and Muslim students. In fact, SDN 1, is known as the public school of the elite in Indonesia as it is located in the posh neighborhood of Menteng, Jakarta. It would be akin to calling Beverley Hills High School a Christian school.
Posted by: Yuhki Tajima | August 27, 2007 3:43 PM
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I don't think a presidential candidate's race should matter anymore. And I wish Christians who consider themselves conservatives could realize that liberals can be Christians also. In fact in thier social doctrine they are closer to Jesus than most so-called conservaties. Jesus was against killing, hating, and name calling, and for forgiveness and grace. I know there are many conservatives who believe the same way. Does that make them liberal?
Posted by: Monty Keeling | August 27, 2007 3:34 PM
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Obama seems to have a natural and genuine comfort for faith in God. You can tell that faith in God is apart of his life rather than a talking point or something that he runs to when he falls into trouble. He is a candidate that I admire because he seems like he really wants to change the system. I just hope we all support him so that we can turn the page.
Posted by: WD | August 27, 2007 3:24 PM
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Church and State are separate, this is obviously irrelevant when deciding on a president. Just because they have found God, this has no interpretation on how well they would do as president. Completely irrelevant! Furthering this debate on the "GOD VOTE" creates a branching effect, diverging from the core values in determining a competent presidency.
***EXAMPLE*** President Bush, just one of his underlining ideas on going into Iraq, was he could spread the use and belief of a Democracy and Christianity. May not be the reason why we are enduring such hopelessness in Iraq, but sure isn't helping***EXAMPLE***
***NOTE*** To give you the benefit of the doubt religious belief is a sign of good morals and judgement, but these attributes can be acquired without religion... so the "GOD VOTE" should be irrelevant.***NOTE***
***EXTRA***How about we talk about how we're going to eventually end this war... as we can't end it right away because it will cause a tremendous disruption in Iraq and Iran would definitely be an immense problem. Nor can we stay there forever which it's definitely feeling like. SO... some sort of action must be created in order for the Iraqi government to instill enough control that our troops can leave... BUT INSTEAD WE DEBATE ON RELIGION, AMERICAN PEOPLE WAKE UP AND THINK FOR YOURSELF, THE MEDIA (Although the WP is the best I've seen) and GOVERNMENT are a source of propaganda, showing you what they want you to know. It's like MTV, instead of Celebrity's, they are Government Officials.
you can't stop this crap (only as a unified whole), but you can be informed steelonsteel.com (it's not bad, ALL it is straight forward thinking and common sense... no bs)***EXTRA***
Posted by: Kevin | August 27, 2007 3:07 PM
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The academy consists largely of people with advanced degrees, some of which are actually useful to society. Professors have lifetime jobs and historically are quite sympathetic to collectivist notions. Most are members of teachers unions that support the Democratic party handomely with teacher dues at election time. Over 90% of teachers vote Democrat. Despite the vaunted education and intelligence of professors they think in sheep-like fashion. When Obama falters professors will go on to support the next Democrat in line.
Posted by: mhr | August 27, 2007 3:01 PM
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I find it disappointing that few responses actually engage the content of Berlinerblau's column.
Including this one, I suppose.
Posted by: David | August 27, 2007 3:01 PM
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BLACK ON BLACK VOTE PLEASE! WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR BROTHER!
Posted by: Aisha Shabazz Muhammad | August 27, 2007 3:00 PM
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"Obama did not attend a Muslim school, he attended a public school as a child in Indonesia."
Public schools in Indonesia include religious instruction, as they do in many countries. It won't do to try to paint education in Suharto's Indonesia as Archie and Veronica's Riverdale High.
One can argue that the religious instruction Obama received as a child in Indonesia was brief, poorly done, or largely ignored, but it can't just be wished away by trying to pass off the Indonesian public education system as a triumph of Deweyite secular progressivism.
In "Dreams from My Father" Obama himself characterises the Basuki school he attended as "Muslim."
Posted by: mulopwepaul | August 27, 2007 3:00 PM
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Its his mother's fault:
Unfortunately- She did not give him a presidential name.
Posted by: victor | August 27, 2007 2:58 PM
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Obama is obviously intelligent. He has the ability to listen to and respect opposing opinions. His leadership qualities are also evident because he doesn't divide people but pull everybody in. This is not an act of politicans but a natural quality of his. It is very easy to undertand why he attracts voters with brains because you can see he is reasonable, open-minded, not ideology-driven but try to make sense to you in a sincere fashion.
Posted by: Wen | August 27, 2007 2:50 PM
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Obama would never capture the 20% of fundamentalist Christians who need to be told what they believe and never question their faith. (Even Mother Theresa had doubts!) But, he does have the intellectual curiosity that even some conservatives admire. It is so refreshing to hear a man who can think and speak in his own words! I just wish there were more opportunity to do that, rather than what passes for "debates."
Posted by: Joyce | August 27, 2007 2:49 PM
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Okay, I know you did it on purpose, however, I am going to ask anyway. What is the conclusion here? Can Barack count on you guys to help him or is this a rhetorical display of sarcasm from an educated professor toying with the minds of those of us that are truly sincere about having Barack Obama as our President. It would be great n=14 could start a national group of "Religious Scholars/Professors for Obama" and bring in some votes. He needs people to vote for him. Of course, again I am assuming you like him, I don't know, could not really tell from high level "professor writing".
Posted by: Dee | August 27, 2007 2:49 PM
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Obama did not attend a Muslim school, he attended a public school as a child in Indonesia.
But other then that its a good article.
Posted by: Stephen | August 27, 2007 2:34 PM
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I read somewhere that Harvard (non-science) academics favoured Obama at a ratio of about 5 to 1.
That is as good a reason as any to place an Iowa futures long on Hillary Clinton! For when has the
academy ever understood the rest of us??
Posted by: Mary Cunningham | August 27, 2007 2:19 PM
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Oops! No HTML! Yikes!
Posted by: Anonymous | August 27, 2007 2:17 PM
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From what I've seen, Obama doesn't spend a whole lot of time dividing the world into "us" and "them" in religious terms. But he does like to point out the pious opportunists running for office. Also, his views don't seem to be products of the same cookie cutter that the other candidates present as their spiritual selves.
All of those qualities appeal to me, and so, yes, I'd rather discuss matters of faith with him.
Posted by: Jason | August 27, 2007 2:17 PM
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The reason why a conversation with Barack is attractive is that it would be an actual conversation : a give-and-take exchange of views with a person who is capable of hearing, weighing and responding to other people's thoughts. Most politicians simply recite memorized lines, like wind-up toys. You can't have a conversation with someone like that.
I have listened carefully to Barack's interviews on TV and read his essays online, and this is a man who actually thinks, reflects and discusses issues. He has his own beliefs but he does not merely repeat them in a dogmatic and mechanical way. I find that very refreshing! (And yes, I have an advanced degree in theology as well.)
Posted by: Nan | August 27, 2007 2:14 PM
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Barack Obama is my candidate...BUT I do have problems with him and religion. The only redeeming factor is he is also a believer in the Constitution and smart enought to know if he becomes President he is president of the entire country not just those who believe as he does. I am very happy that he was at least smart enought to know the concept of marriage is one fraught with problems for the 21st century. Hopefully the politicians will come to their senses and realize the true way out of this situation is to for the government to license only "partnerships" for consenting adults (regardless of sex) and take the word "marriage" out of every legal document. Then believers would be free to marry in any church any way they prefer. To the goverment their union would be a legal partnership everyone EQUAL. Come on..Barack...make it happen.
Posted by: TJFRMLA | August 27, 2007 2:14 PM
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THERE WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT A INTELLECTUAL, SMART PRESIDENT OR ANOTHER MEDIA ANOINTED 'MAIN STREAM' ONE
Posted by: gus | August 27, 2007 2:08 PM
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Christian voters can detect two-faced politicians.
The Bible tells them to "prove" or "test" everything.
Some even wear a "bogosity" meter; where the needle jumps each time they hear or see two faces.
Posted by: Silence Dogood | August 27, 2007 1:54 PM
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i think Barak Obama is just another skillful politician striving to give us the notion that he is religious man while in the contrary a very libral senator, i dont believe a person can seperate religion from oneself personality, so for Obama to say that he is a God fearing individual and that he is follower of a faith, while stating that gay practice or gay marriage is not a Sin is hypocritical and only proves he is a politician just like any other.
Posted by: commentator | August 27, 2007 1:50 PM
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n=14? That doesn't sound like a very scientific study to me.
Posted by: J Brody | August 27, 2007 1:49 PM
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