Oh yes, religion will definitely be a hot topic in the US Presidential race between presumed Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. But, there may be a struggle within the religious community as a whole because of it.
James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, had accused Obama of “distorting the Holy Bible.” Dobson also had a lot of things to say about McCain as well. However, it seems that Dobson is receiving backlash from his peers from within the religious community.
As a result, Reverend Kirbyjon Caldwell launched a pro-Obama website. The website is titled “James Dobson Does Not Speak For Me.” This was launched online yesterday on June 26. Caldwell said that you can criticize Obama on his politics and his stances; but, you do not question his religious faith.
Caldwell said: “Criticize his politics. Criticize his stance on whatever, but don’t question his faith. Never in the history of American politics has someone said that he is a Christian and someone came back to say, ‘No you’re not.’”
Obama has said it many times that he is a Christian. But, there are still those that believe that Obama is a Muslim. With someone like Caldwell speaking out on Obama’s behalf, it may prove to be difficult to use “bible distortion” as ammo against Obama. At the same time, Dobson has criticism towards McCain as well.
What makes this an interesting twist is that Caldwell leads the United States’ largest Methodist congregation. But, not many would know that unless they are versed in religion. However, Caldwell was the priest at the wedding of Laura Bush and Henry Hager. Yes, the Laura Bush, that is the daughter of current United States President George W. Bush.
It is apparent that Caldwell is throwing his support towards Obama.
So yes, expect religion to be thrown into the mix. It is also revealed that Obama is reaching out to moderate Evangelicals and young conservative Evangelicals. So far, it seems to be paying off.
That is good for Obama and bad for McCain. Yes, McCain is still having trouble getting support from Conservative Christians. They make up the main bloc of the GOP. McCain may have to jump through X amount of hoops in order to get that support.
But, it is rather interesting as Bush supporters are backing Obama. First, it was the former donors to Bush. Now, it is the priest that made the marriage between Laura Bush and Henry Hager official.
Overall, this is getting rather interesting.
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