Senator Barack Obama on Faith and Religion

Over the past few months it seems I have heard no end to examinations of Barack Obama’s Christian faith. The remarks of his former pastor Jeremiah Wright have fueled a firestorm of criticism and investigation into exploring what Senator Obama’s faith is composed of.

In his address entitled “Call to renewal” Senator Obama sets out to “reconcile faith with our modern, pluralistic democracy.” In this speech Obama relates his personal journey to Christianity, and responds to critics of his faith. Although in general I found the speech to be both compelling and inspiring there was a line that stuck out to me. Senator Obama posits that, “Democracy demands that the religiously motivated translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values.” This statement articulates an attitude the Senator has that I find much more troubling then his connection with Rev. Wright.

This concern was underscored again for me last Thursday when Obama delivered his speech, “The American Promise," at the Democratic Convention in Denver. There he mentioned a number of “universal values” we can “all agree” on stating, “We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.” Although I personally agree with him there, I know a number of Catholics who would be very wary of signing onto that mission. That night Senator Obama stated,” I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn't know.” Although I believe this criticism to be accurate when examining McCain’s economic policy, when it comes to Obama’s own reading of the national pulse on issues of faith, the same criticism can be applied. Obama talks about a “higher purpose,” as our “common purpose,” which is a great thought. The only problem is when it comes to what individuals see as a “higher purposes” there is nothing “common” about them.

The nuances of different religions are so sensitive, polarizing, and often paradoxical that attempts to distil them into “universal values” exhibit the same naivety that has been demonstrated by our nation so many times already. Osama Bin Laden orchestrated his attacks on US civilians, not out of a hate for freedom, but as a retaliatory measure in response to our our stationing of troops in Muslim Holy Land, which violated specific laws within Islam.

Whether we like it or not, understanding the faiths of our world, in their beauty, in their darkness, and in the tension of their mysteries is essential in the increasingly global system in which we find ourselves. Living in a pluralistic society does not mean we should abandon the beauty of our religious or non-religious traditions to create a melting pot of faiths, freedom of religion is not contingent on sacrificing the nuances of our theologies for feel good platitudes, and contrary to what Senator Obama seems to think Democracy does not “demand” articulation of universal values, but an equal voice for all, even if it offends our own sensitivities. When we flatten our beliefs into universals, at best, we are left with the lowest common denominator, and in all likelihood we will construct a caricature of the faiths around us that leave us baffled when they don’t fit the mold we attempt to force them into. A society with “universal values” sounds nice in speeches,but I am truly worried about what response this attitude will generate if it ever becomes the basis of national policy.

A Parable

One upon a time there was a young bride who left her home to be married to the Lord of the Land. On her way she fell into the hands of bandits. The bandits ripped her gown, took her money, beat her, and ran off laughing leaving her to die.

Soon two fine society ladies came along the path. They saw her lying there, and spoke to one another saying, “Isn’t that the bride of the Lord whose wedding we are going to? You’d think the Lord would be able to pick a better wife look how messy she is! Her gown is ripped and she has no money. What a fool the Lord is!” The two women walked by speaking to one another about the wedding, and the reception and paying no more attention to the Bride.

A short time latter a wealthy man walked by carrying pushing a wheel barrel stacked high with riches. He saw the Bride lying there, and recognized her as the Lord’s Bride. He bent over and told her,

“I love your groom so much! Look here at the wedding present I’ve brought for him. I’ve spent the last month crafting these fine gold plates and filled them with the finest food. I’ve labored for years crafting the finest wines and have brought him a bottle of the best of the bunch. I have even refinanced my home to buy him this famous painting and dedicated it to his honor. I have even stitched him these fine clothes by hand, in the latest fashion and crafted with the finest care.”

The bride just groaned! The man smiled and moved on toward the wedding so excited with what he would give.

After some time a beautiful young women came walking down the little road. She was fretting to herself about how she just didn’t like her outfit. The shoes, it seemed, didn’t quite fit her dress. She was worried about feeling ugly at the wedding she was going to for the Lord of the land. She saw bride lying there and noticed her shoes. “Oh my, those stilettos are just FABULOUS” she said. “You don’t mid if I borrow those for the evening?” she said. The bride made a low gurgling sound. “Thanks!” said the women. And took her shoes and walked on.

A short while later a drunk and homeless vagabond came stumbling down the path pushing a shopping cart. He saw the bride and his heart broke for her. He took off his coat and wrapped it abound her. He bandaged her wounds with strips of cloth he ripped from his shirt, and disinfected the wounds the the bottle of Bacardi 151 he had. He gathered soft grass and filled the cart. Then he placed her in it and pushed her towards the hospital as fast as he could.

Meanwhile news had reached the Lord what had happened to his Bride and he had come making all haste to retrieve her. Finding her in the care of the vagabond he took her in his arms and carried her to the wedding feast he had prepared. When all the guests had gathered round the Lord called the homeless vagabond to sit at the head table right next to him, and when the time to give a toast had come the Lord got us and spoke saying. This man beside me has shown me the greatest love.

Some of you seeing the brokenness of my bride thought you should defend my honor by scorning her brokenness. Others thought you could love me by showering me with all you had, even if that meant others would have none. Still more have come showing off their own splendor, taking from those that could serve them even my bride. Only this man beside me though has truly shown me love. For he has given what he has to love the one I adore.

So what do you think.... If you hadn't guessed this is a parable about the Church. Think about your own life.

We can all see the church is broken and hurting, but how do we respond...

Give me some thoughts!