Two days after the election, our heads our still spinning after choosing our first African-American president. Some are elated, hoping that President-Elect Barack Obama can steer our nation in a new direction, away from economic recession and wars in the Middle East. However, nearly half of the electorate (and more than half of my parishoners) are disheartened with the outcome of the election, fearful that America has chosen a leader who will inch us closer to economic disaster and military ruin. Regardless of whether you voted for Obama, McCain, or wrote in your favorite American Idol star, Obama will be the next president of the United States.
There has been much speculation about Obama's faith during the campaign. E-mails circulated claiming that Obama is Muslim. Images of Obama's former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, screaming "God damn America!" are not easily erased from our memory.
As a Christian, I freely admit that my faith completely informs my politics. I have a keen interest in understanding the spiritual life of any person asking for my vote in a presidential election.
As I was seeking to inform myself about our two presidential contenders this year, I came across a piece that helped me understand the spiritual life of Obama. It is a speech he delivered in 2006 to a group called "Call to Renewal." In this speech, he clearly articulates his faith journey and how it informs his political positions. This is a must-read for every person of faith in America, whether Obama got your vote or not. I hope you'll take time to read this speech written by our next President of the United States. You may not agree, but at least you'll be informed.
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