Obama, Christianity, and hatred of Muslims

[Sparkly]

There's clearly bigotry in America against Muslims. Especially since 9/11, we've seen hatred and fear of Islam, and BushCo has played that to the hilt. So it makes sense that the Obama camp is emphasizing his Christianity.

Excerpts from an AP article today (disclaimer: it's written by the Snarky Nedra Pickler):

Obama takes on question of faith

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer Mon Jan 21, 7:22 AM ET

COLUMBIA, S.C. -

(snip)

At a rally to kick off a weeklong campaign for the South Carolina primary, Obama tried to set the record straight from an attack circulating widely on the Internet that is designed to play into prejudices against Muslims and fears of terrorism.

"I've been to the same church — the same Christian church — for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

Obama is referring to a debunked chain e-mail circulating widely on the Internet that suggests he is hiding his Islamic roots and may be a terrorist in disguise. It says he was sworn into the Senate on the Quran and turns his back on the flag during the pledge.

There are some truths in the e-mail's details. Obama's middle name is Hussein. His father and stepfather were Muslim. And he spent part of his childhood in Indonesia, a largely Muslim country. But he attended secular and Catholic schools, not a radical madrassa.

(snip)

One (campaign) piece features photos of Obama praying with the words "COMMITTED CHRISTIAN" in large letters across the middle. It says Obama will be a president "guided by his Christian faith" and includes a quote from him saying, "I believe in the power of prayer."

A second piece, which like the first doesn't mention the Muslim rumor, includes photos of Obama with his family and a caption that says they are active members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. It explains how as a young man Obama "felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080121/ap_on_el_pr/obama_religion

All three of our top candidates have spoken about their Christian faith, prayer, etc., and I think it's understandable and acceptable, even if I dislike it personally. (And I really, really dislike it personally.)

But with so much anti-Muslim bigotry in America, how does this influence not only perceptions of Obama, but also his influence on the country? Will he be able to unite the country, embrace his middle name, speak positively about Islam and educate people about the fact that Muslims, representing second largest religion in the world, are not synonymous with "terrorists?" Or is this something he is less able to do, needing instead to emphasize his Christianity to quell fears and suspicions among the very people who need educating?

I think this is an area where he does have the potential to bring about some healing and understanding. Will he, and can he?

[stillcool]

1. Whatever Obama says or does...

to bring about healing and understanding, will be flatly rejected by those who Willfully practice arrogant ignorance towards that which is different from themselves.