Some folks are more afraid of Obama's perceived religion than his race.

I've heard cspan caller after caller, and I've heard it personally from some friends of mine, his mysterious religion, is he a Muslim or a Christian? Is he connected to Trinity Church of Christ? Are they connected to the Nation of Islam? Is he an IslaMOLE?

There are still a lot of folks who are afraid of all African Americans, some are outright racists, but it seems like more are afraid of his perceived religiosity, much in the same way many of them are afraid of Mormonism, anything different or out of line with so called bible tenets.

Fear of Islam and Muslims in general is rampant now, it almost reminds me of the way Americans felt about the Japanese and German people during WWII, but with a more religious slant. Many shallow Americans see ALL Muslims and Middle Eastern people as the same, and connected to the religion's extremists and terrorists, and they seem to connect Obama with Osama, which of course is a deliberate, grass roots campaign from the extreme Christian right.

Remember the Crusades!!!!!!!!

or maybe it's unpracticed selling-out. Hard to tell at this moment.

of Southern Baptist fear-and-smear of gays (he "loves" them, of course. . .but not enough to let them control their own property, relationships, and even fu*king funerals). . .and the con-artist con-servative "Christian" obsession with controlling a woman's womb.

I'm beginning to think the British were justified in persecution of the Pat Robertsons, etc. of the time. . .although not a one of them will admit that while they claim America was founded upon "Christian" principles, why those "Christian" principles were rejected by our mother country, which recognized Christian principles in the official Church of England.

The founding fathers also knew that religion was dangerous for a society based on equality.

but I don´t think that it´s a topic to be used in the political arena.

I am afraid of any leader who feels the necessity to tell other people that he/she receives his/her orders from a higher power of any sort. A leader should make decision based on facts, and if he/she wants to listen to a gut feeling, that´s his/her choice, but he/she shouldn´t advertise about it.

I look forward to the day, that an election takes place in the USA, and nobody talks about gender, race or religion.

I hope my elected officials are spiritual and moral. I fear the ones who wear their religion on their sleeves.

isn´t every human on the planet "spiritual" in his own way?

There is no measurement for spirituality, so ... either everyone is ... or everyone isn´t.

And what´s the measurement for morality?

who would force their views on others, including secular humanists and atheists.

Or in public office.

Somewhere, I suppose.

:eyes:

Jumping so eagerly into bed with Hate Wing of his church for the McClurkin/Obama fund-raising/gospel/cure the gays tour. If it was just pandering to raise money that's bad enough, but if it was a peek at his true beliefs it's much worse.

Even unveiled racism (yes, DU, I know he's mixed as is my own son) is taboo for the most part in those circles, but it's not just okay but fashionable to hate on "those Muslims."

My husband is Punjabi--and my neighbor 3 doors down is terrified that he might blow her up. She didn't realize I was married to him when we first moved in and she actually said as much to me.

Ignorance sucks.

it seems to me some one somewhere would say something like -- so what if he is a muslim?

obviously obama is not -- however i detest any banging of the islam equals terrorism gong.

We've just progressed to the point that it's socially tacky to say you won't vote for somebody because he's BLACK.

I guess that's progress.

Maybe not a majority of those who just flat-out won't vote for Barak, but I think there are folks who are a little queasy, and who are really receptive to the idea being floated by Hannity and others that while he may not be "Muslim," he belongs to this crazy-ass cult church run by a scary black nationalist dude.

As President, they he'll have a cabinet that looks like the Black Panthers c. 1968.

These aren't real bright people who think this, obviously. But not necessary haters. I think there's some educating that needs to happen Right Now about his denomination, and its American history that reaches wayyy back to this nation's creation.

"I will only vote for a candidate who THINKS before he makes a decision"

To use the cliche once again, the "fear card" is being used so much in the respect because there IS fear. Ignorance always feeds fear.....

The UCC is a mainstream denomination known for emphasizing inclusiveness and a welcoming attitude.
Historically they were formed by a merging of congregational and reformed churches. They are not wild eyed evangelicals or arrogant in any way.
Their leader/president spoke eloquently at one of the major protests is DC against the Iraq war. Barack should have have elaborated these points to his benefit last night. He can be proud of his church.