Jesus in the 21st century would be different from Jesus and his message in the context of New Testament times.

That said, the Jesus of the Gospels and Paul's epistles, would be neither a Democrat nor a Republican, at least not as these parties are currently configured.

He would be seen as a radical (and by some as politically naive), as in counter establishment and counter cultural, preacher and candidate. Jesus ministry, worldview and message would be inclusive not exclusive, reject an "us" and "them" vision, emphasize peace not war, the Eight Beatitudes rather than sanctions and weapons of mass destruction, unequivocally condemn social and economic injustice, support the ordination of women (given what we now know about the role of women in Jesus and apostolic times).

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The Question: How should Barack Obama have responded to inflammatory remarks made by his former pastor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright? Are you responsible for what your spiritual leader says from the pulpit?

The media's coverage and comments made by some political commentators and politicians demonstrate the extent to which the focus on religion in the presidential elections and in politics in general has gotten out of hand. Politicians exploit the religious question both using it to garner votes and to raise questions about opponents. Barack Obama has had to deal with those who would make his connection to both Islam and Christianity an issue.

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The politicization of scholars, experts and media commentators post-9/11 has created a minefield for policymakers and the general public as they search for answers to questions.

"Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think" is a new book based upon The Gallup World Poll which covers 95% of the world’s population. Since 2001, Gallup has conducted more than 50,000 hour-long, face-to-face interviews with residents of more than 35 nations that are predominantly Muslim or have substantial Muslim populations. The result is the largest and most comprehensive poll of the Muslim world, representing the voices of more than 90% of the world’s 1.3 billion Muslims, young and old, educated and illiterate, female and male, living in urban and rural settings, makes this the largest, most comprehensive study of contemporary Muslims ever done.

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