Religious Implications of Conspiracy Politics

Submitted by M. Tovey (United States), Dec 27, 2007 at 13:39

We are seeing a debate develop around the alleged religious affiliation of Barack Obama as if it could be the single most important aspect of his candidacy. But as it is developing, it covers over the more important things of why he should or should not be considered for president.

We read that he declares himself to be a Christian. We read further that his association with a Christian church may have some issues based on the character of the pastor of his church. Does that not sound a little bit like the issue being raised about Mitt Romney for his Mormonism or Mike Huckabee for his evangelical connections? Is this enough to discover his true motives for seeking the office? It is still too early to tell.

However, to call Mr. Obama a Muslim is misleading by interpretation of the reasons listed in this post by our host. In the first place, to do so can be interpreted as an issue of labeling for the purposes of political interest or, worse, intrigue. It is a means of creating a characterization of a person that does not approach the truth; instead, it colors and taints, being typical politics at its American worst.

The presidency of the United States is an office that should be sought out for the betterment of the American people. The office seeker should have the qualifications necessary for the people to feel secure, even in times of instability. There is also a matter of trust and to whom it is given, something hard to come by in these days of partisan politics.

Is Mr. Obama to be trusted, or are we to feel secure if he is placed in office? It will not matter whether or not he is the Christian he claims to be, or if he is in fact a Muslim mole. The office of the president is going to be a contentious one this year, no matter who is elected.

Whoever gains the presidency is going to need all the help one can get, for the times we are in will have us facing the greatest period of unrest the world will ever know (see if Pakistan's future is any more settled now). And we will need the greatest president this country has ever produced to meet the challenge. Consider Mr. Obama, or whichever candidate for that, and leave the conspiracy musings for the next Hollywood script.

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