"I'm right, you're wrong, and it's too bad you're going to hell" can be a conversation stopper!

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Pope Benedict's visit to Turkey comes at a critical time in the Papacy's relations with Islam and Muslims. However, it also offers an opportunity for the Pope and Turkey's leaders to reaffirm their commitment to constructive dialogue and strengthening the centuries-long ties between Christianity and Islam in Turkey.

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Women like men have been regarded as saints and sinners in the world's religions. Many have found meaning and guidance, enjoyed rich spiritual lives and reputations for religious scholarship and sanctity. However, unlike men, women have also been the victims of religious traditions delineated in patriarchal societies.

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While Mormons have entered the mainstream, despite some progress, Mormonism still has not. The recent responses, questions, challenges raised regarding Mitt Romney's candidacy reflect this problem.

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Leadership style and personality are critical in a post-modern world where image and global communication play an important role.

While many believers may accept a religious leader simply because they hold that office, many others in the rank and file today are influenced by the public image, personality and message (how it is delivered as much as what is said) of their leaders. John Paul II, the Dalai Lama or Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti of Bosnia are a perfect example as are Gordon Hinckley and Archbishop Christodoulos.

Leadership style and personality are even more important in terms of public perceptions of the faith. Thought their styles differed considerably, both Pope John Paul and President Hinckley projected a positive image of their faiths even among those that would have problems with the conservative nature of their doctrinal or social beliefs and policies.

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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