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Barack Obama, bundle of mystery
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Obama gave a speech in front of an evangelistic audiance regarding the relationship between religion (or faith) and politics. He highlighted poverty and acceptance of faith. This brings the question, what is Obama? He is a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ, a church that is "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian." Good for them, highlight your faith AND your ethnic heritage. There is one thing that I have to question, where in scripture does Africa become a religious location? See what the TUCoC says about their priorities:
1. Commitment to God
2. Commitment to the Black Community
3. Commitment to the Black Family
4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education
5. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence
6. Adherence to the Black Work Ethic
7. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect
8. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness"
9. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the Black Community
10. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal
Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions
11. Pledge allegiance to all Black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System
12. Personal commitment to embracement of the Black Value System.
Again, I have no problem with churches that focus on a perticular ethic audience, as I have taken interest in an Irish Protestant monastary, but this seems to go too far. What is the "Black Value System?" What does number 7 mean? And what do they mean by "agents of change for God who is not pleased with America's economic mal-distribution?" The last almost sounds like a sociallist ideal.(2)(3)
I apologize if it sounds like I am attacking the church, I am not and I am sure that they have a good idea with the congregation but they are vague in their discription and have terminology that almost frightens me. If Obama can explain these, I will be satisfied.
Shockingly, his distressing childhood and mysterious denomination are the only things I have seen that are questionable. His biggest outward opposition to conservativism is his assault on the president for the Iraq war, but even I am tired of the tactical failures we have faced.
Overall, I would say Obama is the best choice on the Democratic ticket. Beware, however, as he may be a wolf in sheeps clothing.
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me-
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
--Psalm 49:4-6 (New International Version)
(1) Gateway Pundit (2005)Obama: Closer to Douglas than Lincoln? Retrieved Thursday, March 1, 2007. http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2005/06/obama-closer-to-douglas-than-lincoln.html
(2) United Trinity Church of Christ (Unknown). About Us. Retrieved Thursday, March 1, 2007. http://www.tucc.org/about.htm
(3) United Trinity Church of Christ (Unknown). Mission. Retrieved Thursday, March 1, 2007. http://www.tucc.org/mission.htm