Why Is Obama More Overtly Religious Than Bush?

By U.S. News Staff

June 10, 2009 RSS Feed Print

"As president, Barack Obama has mentioned Jesus Christ in a number of high-profile public speeches—something his predecessor George W. Bush rarely did," reports Politico. Later in the piece: "Obama has every incentive to broadcast his Christianity, while Bush, for other reasons, chose to narrowcast his religious references to a targeted audience." Why is Obama overtly referencing Jesus Christ when Bush would not? Is Obama more religious than Bush? What "incentives" does Obama have? Post your thoughts.

Previously: How Should the U.S. Handle North Korea?

Take our poll: Is Obama more religious than Bush?

Tags:
Christianity,
religion,
George W. Bush,
Barack Obama

Reader Comments Read all comments (10)

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

President Obama states that he is a Christian. I have serious doubts. Remember Howard Dean? He stated he was one as well - then went on to display an incredible lack of knowledge of Scripture. Shall I state the obvious? Claiming a faith takes much more than just words - and potent words at that! Have you seen President Obama's You Tube video where he takes a series of Old Testament verses and stories out of context? Why is he so ardently "pro-choice" instead of "pro-life?" Why make enemies with Israel? Why make close friends with Saudi Arabia and Venezuala? Invoking the name of Christ is meaningless unless one walks the walk.

And who schooled him in this faith? Reverend Jeremiah Wright - the pastor who was not ashamed to use his pulpit to make a series of vulgar political outbursts instead of his given assignment (glorifying God and illuminating Scripture). Pastors are not precluded in stating their political beliefs, but they are also charged to lead their flock in a manner that teaches, corrects, comforts, trains, and challenges. Was God glorified in his outbursts? Did the people have a clearer picture of Who God was? No. There was no mention of God, nor of Jesus Christ. Yes, he will be held accountable for what he did.

The true measuring stick is this - using Jesus' own words in Matthew 7:21-23. You will read of Jesus kicking out pseudo-believers who used His Name in driving out demons, performing miracles, and prophesying. Why did He banish them? Jesus stated that they weren't doing His will.

President Obama is frighteningly polished and articulate. I believe his incredible style can blind us - potentially making us unaware of his true substance (motives). I see him as a slick politician who says (via teleprompter) what is expedient. I do not see him as a believer in Christ.

We Christians are called to pray for President Obama, and also to honor the position he fills (Acts 23:5). People can change. Presidents can too. One Old Testament king did - King Manasseh. This is what I pray for.

Brian Aldridge of IL 1:47AM August 08, 2009

This comment is in response to the atheist from California. My advice to you would be to pick up a Bible; and read why we are instructed to tithe. I would also encourage you to learn more about Jesus. The Bible speaks of people such as yourself who are LOST. I will pray for you that you come to the realization that you need Jesus in your life to fell totally fullfilled. People like you act as if you are so intelligent; and you put down "religion." I am not talking about "religion." I am talking about knowing that Jesus died on the cross for ALL of us; so that once we know Him personally, we will be forgiven for our sins. President Obama is showing us daily that he is a Christian man; and is in this for the best interests of EVERYONE. People need to focus on the issue at hand; and that is he is TOO REAL for most people to accept; because so many peole, like yourself, are being FOOLED by the enemy, Satan. Before you make comments that are so ignorant and so "wordly", you truly need to look in the mirror and pray this prayer, "I rebuke the enemy, in the mighty name of Jesus. I ask you to come into my heart and I will accept you. Please forgive me for my sin of DENYING you." I am not perfect myself; by far; but people like you make me sick to my stomach. You are so lost and confused; you need some help and guidance. Look to Jesus. He will help you see the light. Hopefully you do so before it's too late. May God bless you.

Angela Beard of KS 2:11PM July 24, 2009

Angela says "We need to ALL claim Christ and get our lives in order." The fasces is the name of the bundle of handles of war-axes, tied together. Fascism demands that there be NO DIFFERENCES. All must be the SAME. Every one in the world population is supposed to be turned into a believer who tithes to ONE TRUE GOD. This comment by Angela tells exactly what is dangerous and wrong about religion. I was born an atheist. My study of science makes me positive that gods were invented to start the scam of conning people into giving a huge tenth of their lifetime income to a church. Although our Chief Executive publicizes his Christianity, with its accent on the inferior place of woman as an aide to man, he was able to get a law that says bosses must pay women the same wage as men for the same work. That's an amazingly fine accomplishment. It means fewer women will be forced into prostitution. Their social security benefits will be greater, so fewer will need welfare in old age. Congress is packed with Creationists, so maybe he has to refer to religion now and then to placate them.

auradawnveirs of CA 3:22AM July 16, 2009

Cartoons

advertisement

Debate Club

Was 2011 One of the Worst Years for the U.S. Government in American History?

Experts debate where 2011 ranks among Washington's worst years.

Latest Video

Thomas Jefferson Street Blog

Barack Obama's $5.6 Billion Valentine's Day Tax

An Americans for Tax Reform report shows the federal tax burden on love.

It's Too Early to Write Off Either Rick Santorum or Mitt Romney

Barack Obama and John McCain traveled unlikely paths to their nominations in 2008.

On Contraception Mandate, Obama Blunders Into the Culture Wars

Obama's contraception "compromise" is a gimmick that voters will see right through.

Why Mitt Romney Can't Sell Himself to Conservatives

Voters want to know if they can trust Mitt Romney.

Americans Deserve Political Freedom from the Catholic Church

Church leaders could not have been less gracious towards Obama's surrender on contraception.

What the Catholic Contraceptive Debate Is Really About

Today's debates about contraception and inequality are intertwined in that the bring up the question of morality.

Why the Catholic Contraception Controversy Is a Phony Battle

The Catholic Church is asking the Obama administration to do something it cannot do itself: limit birth control use.

Obama’s Contraceptive 'Compromise' Doesn't Pass the Smell Test

The so-called "accommodation" on contraceptive coverage reinforces the administration's commitment to its pro-choice agenda.

advertisement

  1. CDC Warns Untreatable Gonorrhea is On the Way
  2. The 50 Best Careers
  3. Cary: Obama's Contraceptive 'Compromise' Doesn't Pass the Smell Test
  4. The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012
  5. 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2012