The Faith of Barack Obama

Hey read any good books lately? This is a quick read about our next President--I enjoyed it.

The Faith of Barack Obama

At first look I was not sure what to expect out of this book. Was it the unauthorized religious biography of President elect Obama or would it have enough dept to allow readers around the world a chance to understand this man’s religion?

What I found was a solid offering from author Stephen Mansfield. Although a bit formulaic I found this book to be a quick and thought provoking read. It is short, less than one hundred and fifty pages and only six chapters.

Mansfield does a nice job of explaining the wonderful mixed-up upbringing of Barack Obama, Catholic primary school with Mass every morning, Islamic services on the weekends and a professed atheist as a mother, all things that have lead this man to be more than a little wary of organized religion. Most of one chapter dispels the current urban myth of Obama as a Muslim, now or in the past, it just never happened. In the early eighties his heart lead him to become a member of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s, “United Church of Christ.” The church fit him both personally and professionally and likely benefited him politically. This part of the book is a must read and a real eye opener to people from mainstream WASP environments. It does a fine job of explaining the feelings of a very educated, very complicated leader like Jeremiah Wright.

The fifth chapter of this small book is of interest to anyone that takes more than a passing interest in politics/religion in America. This chapter entitled, “Four Faces of Faith,” focuses on the religious beliefs of the four big political players in this year’s presidential race; President Bush, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and President elect Obama.

Although the book may not do anything to convince evangelical Christians that he is the right person to lead America it will at least give hope to the far right that he is not anti-Christian, anti-American or anti-white. The only bad taste left for the far right may be Mr. Obama’s unyielding stance as a pro-choice liberal, a section that Mansfield covers very well in this book.

Overall this book is an excellent read, showing a side of our next president that most Americans will embrace. It is a truly open look at a man that has already lead a truly extraordinary life.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and let’s not forget we are blessed every day of the year by friends, family and readers. My wish for you is that this Christmas will be your best ever.
God bless and enjoy the day like none other.

Christmas

Seems to me it’s starting to be all about the retailers and the economy this year. I sincerely hope Christmas is not becoming just another holiday to get people to spend money—we already have enough of those. Is it just me or are we starting to lose the meaning of Christmas? Growing up I loved Santa Clause and hanging the Christmas stockings and decorating the tree and could hardly wait for Christmas morning. It is one of two great Christian holiday’s world wide but now we mostly hear moaning and groaning about it not helping the economy enough.
As for me, I can’t wait, some of our kids and grandkids will be here and we will open presents and enjoy the day. And for at least one day I will not worry, not at all, about the economy.

Economics and Me

Not long until we have a new president, in tough times like this I am not sure John McCain really lost that much. It will be interesting to see how the new president and congress address all that is wrong with the economy. I feel like a man alone, have a house, cars and a pick-up, not much credit card debt and a good job. Looks like there will be no economic help for me. I would be willing to give up my day job for one of the unemployed if congress will give me a nice severance package until I’m 65. Oh, and some health insurance.