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The role of religion under Obama (CS Monitor)
EXCERPT:
WASHINGTON – After decades of ceding God to the GOP, at least in the public square, Democrats – with President Obama in the lead – are speaking with a fuller religious voice. The watchword? Inclusiveness.
It's a voice that signals openness at a time when diversity in American religious life is rising.
"We know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and nonbelievers," Mr. Obama said in Tuesday's inaugural address.
Wednesday's National Prayer Service, a tradition since George Washington's inauguration, featured faith leaders chosen "to symbolize America's traditions of religious tolerance and freedom," said the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee. It included, for the first time, a sermon delivered by a woman.
For Obama, the broad outreach into the faith community isn't confined to ceremonies but is emerging as a key element in his approach to coalition-building, say religious leaders who worked on the transition.
Read the full article at http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0122/p01s02-usgn.html
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34 Comments
I am so glad to see the President Obama is promoting inclusiveness of all beliefs held by all Americans. This is what freedom of religion means. It means that we have the right to our beliefs. Some Americans have no beliefs, or are confused about what they believe. They are no less American! I'm so happy we voted in Barack Obama!
I am so glad to see the President Obama is promoting inclusiveness of all beliefs held by all Americans. This is what freedom of religion means. It means that we have the right to our beliefs. Some Americans have no beliefs, or are confused about what they believe. They are no less American! I'm so happy we voted in Barack Obama!
Wow! Thank you. What can I say? It surely is time for us all to just get along. No parties, just people, that's what I say!
Wow! Thank you. What can I say? It surely is time for us all to just get along. No parties, just people, that's what I say!
Obama seems to me like a good compromise for both religious and atheists.
He is embracing with a very open mindset the various religious beliefs in US and around the world, clearly stating what he believes in but also separating his role as a president (that should represent everybody without religious preference) from his role as a believer.
I really like this sort of behavior and I hope that more politician take example from him.
Obama seems to me like a good compromise for both religious and atheists.
He is embracing with a very open mindset the various religious beliefs in US and around the world, clearly stating what he believes in but also separating his role as a president (that should represent everybody without religious preference) from his role as a believer.
I really like this sort of behavior and I hope that more politician take example from him.
Am pleased that president has acted like a true politician and has talked about inclusiveness of all religions in the society.This augurs well for the future of America.
Am pleased that president has acted like a true politician and has talked about inclusiveness of all religions in the society.This augurs well for the future of America.
Thanks for the article , i am happy that president obama has talked about inclusiveness of all religions in the society. I like his way of thinking.
Thanks for the article , i am happy that president obama has talked about inclusiveness of all religions in the society. I like his way of thinking.
This is a very courageous move by President Obama, and it is also very wise. The view of the democrats is generally a more inclusive one on religion, but it usaully is not communicated so openly. This bold move certainly should appeal to a wider spectrum and should give better results than the more narrowly focused approach of the republicans.
This is a very courageous move by President Obama, and it is also very wise. The view of the democrats is generally a more inclusive one on religion, but it usaully is not communicated so openly. This bold move certainly should appeal to a wider spectrum and should give better results than the more narrowly focused approach of the republicans.
This inclusiveness and tolerance is wonderful in our country, but I wonder how this attitude will affect relations in foreign countries where this is not the case. We can't afford to force our views on what is correct on any more countries.
This inclusiveness and tolerance is wonderful in our country, but I wonder how this attitude will affect relations in foreign countries where this is not the case. We can't afford to force our views on what is correct on any more countries.
I'm glad to see Obama getting back to basics…America was founded by people seeking freedom from state-mandated religion so they could practice their own religious beliefs.
I'm glad to see Obama getting back to basics…America was founded by people seeking freedom from state-mandated religion so they could practice their own religious beliefs.
I'm glad to see that Obama is trying to unite all the people irrespective of the fact that they belong to different races and religions. He want that all people support each other and it will greatly help to reunite the America. Obama has great thinking.
I'm glad to see that Obama is trying to unite all the people irrespective of the fact that they belong to different races and religions. He want that all people support each other and it will greatly help to reunite the America. Obama has great thinking.
I think the way that American president Mr.Obama, respecting other countries religions with dignity , you see a wide variety difference between pakistani's and americans here.
I think the way that American president Mr.Obama, respecting other countries religions with dignity , you see a wide variety difference between pakistani's and americans here.
I like how he's using the inclusiveness thing and the tolerance thing, but I just hope he does something about the whole "offensive" thing. For example, people getting offended all the time when someone says "Merry Christmas". Is that not being free to say what you want? I dont agree with work places who dont allow their employees to say "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas tree". That's not having freedom. Oh but people can say "happy Quanza" or anything else like that. What if I'm offended by people saying "happy holidays"? It doesnt matter does it. To me it seems that Christianity is going down the toilet and I honestly dont think Obama is going to do anything about it. I want to be free to say what I want, because it's not a big deal to say "merry christmas". It's not hurting anyone, so get over it! It seems that everybody else's religion is okay and they can say and do what they want, but not christians. I think everybody should be able to do what they believe and be able to express their freedom.
I like how he's using the inclusiveness thing and the tolerance thing, but I just hope he does something about the whole "offensive" thing. For example, people getting offended all the time when someone says "Merry Christmas". Is that not being free to say what you want? I dont agree with work places who dont allow their employees to say "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas tree". That's not having freedom. Oh but people can say "happy Quanza" or anything else like that. What if I'm offended by people saying "happy holidays"? It doesnt matter does it. To me it seems that Christianity is going down the toilet and I honestly dont think Obama is going to do anything about it. I want to be free to say what I want, because it's not a big deal to say "merry christmas". It's not hurting anyone, so get over it! It seems that everybody else's religion is okay and they can say and do what they want, but not christians. I think everybody should be able to do what they believe and be able to express their freedom.
The founding fathers never said "Church" can't be a part of government. The separation of church and state meant to keep the government out of the "church". There should be no restrictions on those in government positions proclaiming their views publically when they feel so inclined.
The founding fathers never said "Church" can't be a part of government. The separation of church and state meant to keep the government out of the "church". There should be no restrictions on those in government positions proclaiming their views publically when they feel so inclined.
I like the road Obama is going down thus far. Our "God is on our side" posture has not served us well in the past either domestically or in the world community. I hope those who are on the Obama team follow his lead.
I like the road Obama is going down thus far. Our "God is on our side" posture has not served us well in the past either domestically or in the world community. I hope those who are on the Obama team follow his lead.
This is what has been needed for years. I am not a religious person, nor is my wife, and we both see where Church(All types) needs to be recognized, but not given special treatment, or allowed to push forth laws(or beliefs) within politics. They need to stay separate.
@T-Bone – We cannot pick and choose which aspects of Separation of Church & State we want to allow through the cracks. While I have no qualms with politicians stating their religious beliefs, they cannot allow their beliefs influence what they do and do not vote for.
Interpret the Constitution, nothing more. That is a politicians job.
This is what has been needed for years. I am not a religious person, nor is my wife, and we both see where Church(All types) needs to be recognized, but not given special treatment, or allowed to push forth laws(or beliefs) within politics. They need to stay separate.
@T-Bone – We cannot pick and choose which aspects of Separation of Church & State we want to allow through the cracks. While I have no qualms with politicians stating their religious beliefs, they cannot allow their beliefs influence what they do and do not vote for.
Interpret the Constitution, nothing more. That is a politicians job.
Well it is nice to see that Obama will recognize all religions, including non believers. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, and no particular way should be pushed upon anyone, nor should any religion be shunned or dismissed.
Well it is nice to see that Obama will recognize all religions, including non believers. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, and no particular way should be pushed upon anyone, nor should any religion be shunned or dismissed.
It seems to me that Obama is getting back to the basics that our country was founded on. He seems to be tolerant of all kinds of religion and is working so we can continue know what freedom of religion means.
It seems to me that Obama is getting back to the basics that our country was founded on. He seems to be tolerant of all kinds of religion and is working so we can continue know what freedom of religion means.
I know this may be a view that doesn't go over well, but I feel that we as a nation need to be careful of embracing pluralism in this day and age. I feel that we may find the more we do we are also going to find more and more of our religious freedoms stripped from us. I say this because as we embrace plurality we also start to push those of particular faiths to drop their absolutes in the name of inclusiveness. BTW, I couldn't agree with you more Jessica.
I know this may be a view that doesn't go over well, but I feel that we as a nation need to be careful of embracing pluralism in this day and age. I feel that we may find the more we do we are also going to find more and more of our religious freedoms stripped from us. I say this because as we embrace plurality we also start to push those of particular faiths to drop their absolutes in the name of inclusiveness. BTW, I couldn't agree with you more Jessica.