Thanks, Jim, for the insightful article. One thing your article didn't say is whether Richard Land, as a conservative Republican, denounced the ugly rumors about Obama. I certainly hope that, in the interest of fairness and setting a good Christian example, that some of the religious leaders on the right will follow McCain's example and set the record straight in the interest of fairness.

Posted by: I and I | February 28, 2008 4:00 PM

While I sympathize with the main thrust of this article, there are a few points that need to be made:

Rush Limbaugh is not just now denouncing both Barack Obama and John McCain. Limbaugh has been sharply critical of McCain, especially on immigration and on campaign finance reform, for years. The intensity of the criticism may have intensified but it is hardly new. This does not mean Limbaugh is in the right, but if he is wrong at least give him credit for consistency.

Allegations that Obama is a closet muslim strain credibility, but the "distance" between him and Farrakhan may amount to little more than the length of one man: Rev. Jeremiah Wright, whom Obama picked out as his pastor. While Obama has condemned the Nation of Islam leader, Wright has been quite lavish in his praise towards Farrakhan. While this doesn't prove that Obama is insincere in his rejection of Farrakhan's support, it is a fact that Obama's defenders would be wise to at least acknowledge.

Wolverine

Posted by: Wolverine | February 28, 2008 4:14 PM

re: Intuit;

I tend to agree. Perhaps it would be more authentic to simply say, "I will be voting for xxx because of the following:..., but I can sympathize with individuals voting for yyy in the interests of ... issues."

Posted by: Scott | February 28, 2008 4:22 PM

intuit,

"Where's your defense of all the others who have been attacked, and whose records have been distorted?"

What other candidate's faith has been attacked? His article isn't about defense of attacks on a candidate's RECORD, but attacks on the candidate's FAITH.

Sara,

"Accusation implies wrongdoing. Being Muslim isn't a form of wrongdoing."

I agree, which is why the accusations are even more heinous. They are playing on the fears that some Americans have towards Islam, and linking Obama with Islamic terrorists. They promote prejudice, hate, and fear against Muslims and imply that all Muslims are Islamic terrorists.

Posted by: squeaky | February 28, 2008 4:40 PM

i am currently learning to speak and write arabic, and something interesting to note is that the word referenced here (and often in the media), "madrassa" , simply means school in arabic. there aren't any islamic fundamental ties to it, as far as i know/have been taught/have learned.

this case with senator obama's middle name/his heritage/origins is another example of how frightened the west is of the east, and another example of edward said's theory of orientalism being played/lived out.

thank you for defending senator obama in this article.

Posted by: liz clayton | February 28, 2008 4:52 PM

I think Cunningham's statements were ridiculous and I'm glad McCain rejected them, or was it denounced them... Either way, I think Jim's mostly spot on with his comments. Questioning Obama's religious faith or making allusions to his middle name are way out of line.

However, I do believe that questions about Rev. Wright and his philosophies is not out of bounds. If Obama calls him one of the people who's most influenced him he has to be prepared to be asked about him on the campaign trail.

Posted by: Eric | February 28, 2008 4:58 PM

Thank you for the very well written article. I feel that many of the attacks on Mr. Obama are very petty and unfounded. I am glad that there is a person like you out there declaring the facts and dispelling the stupid rumors..now only if more Christians would pay attention.

Posted by: James McGrath | February 28, 2008 5:02 PM

Wolverine, I thought Obama dealt with the Farrakhan connection in the debate last Tuesday in Cleveland. Rev. Wallis mentioned that fact here. Why do you bring it up again? What is it that Obama needs to do to satisfy you? So far as I know, Jeremiah Wright has refused to get involved in Obama's campaign or publically endorse him, so why are Wright's attitudes toward Farrakhan relevant to Obama's campaign?

Liz clayton:
You are correct; madrassa simply means school in Arabic. However, the term is often used in non-Arabic-speaking Muslim countries, such as Indonesia or Pakistan, to refer to specifically religious Islamic schools where children are taught the Qur'an and other religious topics. Nothing wrong with that in itself, of course, but some of these non-Arabic madrassas do teach and promote forms of Islamic extremism. That's where the negative associations come from.

Editorial from today's Columbus Dispatch regarding Bill Cunningham:

"ARIZONA SEN. JOHN McCAIN adeptly defused a flare-up in his Ohio campaign when he apologized for provocative remarks about Illinois Sen. Barack Obama by radio talk-show host Bill Cunningham of WLW (700 AM).

"In a bid to fire up the Republican crowd before McCain spoke Tuesday in Cincinnati, Cunningham referred twice to the Democrat as Barack Hussein Obama and called him the 'great prophet from Chicago.'

"The linking of the candidate to Islam was clear enough, even though Cunningham made the absurd assertion that he meant 'no offense' in using Obama's middle name.

"The Republican front-runner said after the rally, 'I take responsibility, and I repudiate what he said.' Cunningham complained later that McCain 'threw me under the bus, under the Straight Talk Express.'

"Someone in the McCain camp wasn't thinking straight when the shock jock was invited to speak at the rally."

Peace,

Posted by: Don | February 28, 2008 5:19 PM

Where was Jim when Clinton supporters began this rhetoric?

Dec 07--Clinton supporter and former Senator Bob Kerrey uses Obama's middle name multiple times to "praise" his background.

Dec 07--Two Clinton campaign staffers are fired after forwarding e-mails suggesting that Obama is a Muslim.

Jan 08--BET president and Clinton supporter Bob Johnson, while introducing Clinton, "I am frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book."

Feb 08--Clinton staffers release pictures of Obama in African robes, a last ditch effort to drum up support for remaining primaries.

Jim, your issue seems to be the "who," not the "what." Why else would you have ignored these other attacks?

Posted by: Blake | February 28, 2008 5:28 PM

Jim is correct to speak out against such blatant language of inuendo against Barack. Hillary has experienced the same degree of slander. The Swift-Boaters will be out in full force after the nomination of either. Surely, people with Christian conviction will reject these not-so-suble devices.

RIchard

Posted by: richard Miller | February 28, 2008 5:33 PM

My father-in-law is the pastor of a conservative Baptist church. A couple of weeks ago one of the church members sent out a group Email that was a diatribe against Barak Obama. The gist of the Email was that Obama is a Muslim and that Muslims are not fit to be President of the U.S.

I sent a one sentence reply: “Please remove me from your Email list.”

Most of the Emails this person sends out are trite, inane chain letters that I spend about 2 seconds scanning before I delete them.

The argument that a Muslim is not fit to be the U.S. President, besides being completely unconstitutional, sounds to me like a variation of the criticisms leveled against Kennedy – that his allegiance would be to the Vatican and not the citizens of the U.S. (Frankly, I’d be much more comfortable with a Muslim President than I would with a creationist or a Mormon).

Someone else apparently sent the originator of the Email the Snopes page about Obama because she quickly sent out an apology. My father-in-law responded by telling her that the Email was offensive and that she was not to use the church Email list for anything but church business.

A few days ago my wife talked to her mother who told her that she was considering voting for Obama.

With that in mind, I don’t think Mr. Obama should worry too much about the false accusations being made against him.

PX

Posted by: neuro_nurse | February 28, 2008 5:46 PM

Jim,

Are you going to write up something on the outrageous SEXISM that Senator Hillary Clinton has had to deal with along with all women on a regular and daily basis... Here we have the MOST QUALIFIED AND BEST CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE USA of and happens to be the most prepared and SHE IS constantly rudely addressed, called all kinds of names in the book, made fun of disrespected by SO MANY and even what she does do is called into question especially her work as the FIRST LADY-so what are they saying about all First Ladies they are irrelevant?? SHE WAS THE FIRST FIRST LADY to be treated by her husband as an equal not a co-president but as an adept person who happened to be his wife and FIRST LADY yet Barack Obama dismsises her 80 trips to foreign countries as meaningless or as if she was on a vacation... THE WOMAN is an amazing person who is brillant and CAPABLE to be commander in chief and has been endorsed by the great miltary folks and yet to tooooo many she is "a girl and girls don't win" WRITE something about the SEXISM that is SIN and plaques our CHURCHES and OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM... if only this many folks would go to HILLARY's defense mmm wonder what a different world for our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, great aunts cousins, neices and granddaughters it would be.

Marie

for herstory

Posted by: Marie D-Naples | February 28, 2008 5:48 PM

Rick, any defense for Bob Kerrey? Or Bob Johnson?

Posted by: Blake | February 28, 2008 5:53 PM

Thanks for article. Separating fact from fiction is difficult with info coming from all directions. A local conservative radio host here in Memphis will not refer to Obama without using his middle name. He is well aware of the feelings he is trying to arouse.

However, I am still hung up on Jeremiah Wright. Would Christ approve of such language as "unashamedly black." Sounds like the 1060's to me. I'm bothered by this and some of the things I have heard from his pulpit.

Posted by: Richard | February 28, 2008 5:58 PM

I fully agree with Jim in clearly saying "Obama=Muslim=Bad" as a bad equation--and a lie.

We have covered this territory before on this blog with some (e.g. Wolverine) making same points about The Jeremiah Wright "issue;and then we trek down the whole UCC issue, making silly charges and defenses of the UCC; blah, blah, blah. which I continue to find disgusting.

Jim, "the respectable mud slingers", use Jeremiah Wright as the underhanded attack--not "Obama is a Muslim" strategy.

I actually find that more obnoxious because they are not listening to and understanding Dr Wright; let alone making any legitimate rationale as to what Dr Wright has to do with Obama's candidacy.

But Jim, in denouncing lies, you also must be true about the lies. Cunningham's use of Hussein was not a lie. You can infer it was intended to communicate something. That is your inference. Our inferences, Jim, often cast more light on ourselves than that which we are making inference about.

I simply don't know his intent. My inference is that he was belittling--which I hear pundits/talkers do frequently--i.e. use people's full formal names in patronizing, sarcastic tones. But that is my inference.

In setting the record straight--all you can go on is the record. When you take it past the record, then another agenda is suggested.

I don't appreciate the tone and come-back of some of the commenters here; but they pick up on that you are going beyond truth-telling.

I don't really mind if you are not an equal-opportunity truth-teller (e.g. having equal indignation for the never-ending ridicule of Bush's faith; or continued quizzing of Republican candidates on questions of theological dogma); because you can't do these posts every 10 seconds.

Any contribution to truth-telling is a contribution to truth-telling; and we all ought to heed Jim's appeal. And of course our preaching often needs to be heeded first by the speaker---including Jim, including me.

Posted by: letjusticerolldown | February 28, 2008 6:07 PM

All you have to do is look at the website of Obama's church to see how far to the left it is. The UCC has been endorsing abortion and has been ordaining sexually active homosexuals for years now, just for starters. So if Obama is such a strong Christian, how do we put this all together? I have thoughtfully listened to Jim Wallis for years, but his blindness on this issue and his ignorance on the heretical state of the UCC. Obama's denimination has caused me to loose all confidence in his viewpoint.

Posted by: Coleen | February 28, 2008 6:08 PM

Pure and simple, the biggest sin for Christians to be wary of (besides any of the traditional seven deadlies) is that of Bearing False Witness in reference to politics.

Posted by: Jeff Carpenter | February 28, 2008 6:19 PM

You're simply adding your own "fuel to the fire" in order to advance your and Obama's platforms.

Posted by: judithod | February 28, 2008 6:28 PM

I appreciate your addressing these issues, because those who are devoid of any and all spritual decency are trying to use Senator Obama's Christian faith as a weapon against him. I would think that ALL people of faith would feel the sting of injustice, and its accompaniment of moral indignation, against such scurrilous and false accusations. I believe that the beginning of all hate crimes is hate speech, and it should be denounced whenever--and whereever--it rears its ugly head.

Posted by: Justin | February 28, 2008 6:35 PM

Thank you for clarifying the issue of Senator Obama's faith. Could you do the same on his stand on abortion. I understand he is anti-life. Is this true?

As a believing Christian, I understand Jesus to be life affirming. Is Senator Obama life affirming?

Posted by: Mark Snyder | February 28, 2008 6:39 PM

"Allegations that Obama is a closet muslim strain credibility, but the "distance" between him and Farrakhan may amount to little more than the length of one man: Rev. Jeremiah Wright, whom Obama picked out as his pastor. While Obama has condemned the Nation of Islam leader, Wright has been quite lavish in his praise towards Farrakhan."

Wolvie, I don't know what your denomination is like, but the UCC does not require that every member of a congregation blindly follow his pastor. Quite the contrary: we believe that spirited disagreement is a healthy thing :) If Obama rejects and denounces Farrakhan, he is speaking for himself. Guilt by association doesn't cut it.

Posted by: Hali | February 28, 2008 6:43 PM

Thanks Jim for this article. I would encourage everyone to read Barak Obama's books. His conversion experience told in "Dreams of Fathers" clearly describes someone who is "Born again."

Barak Obama is heavily criticized from the political left for having a nuanced position on abortion. Elizabeth got it very wrong. Listen again to the Call to Renewal Speech he gave for a more accurate perspective.

As for the UCC. Like all our denominations it is not monolithic. Some lay people and clergy may not hold orthodox views of theology, but the majority of the people in the pews do. The UCC as a denomination with it's affirmation of the historic creeds and statement of faith is clearly orthodox. I don't recall any theology courses in seminary where ethical views on abortion or sexuality disqualified a Christian group from orthodoxy.

I am an Orthodox Baptist woman, ordained preacher, evangelical liberal, mainline Protestant, and proud of being a precinct captain in Iowa for Barak Obama!

Posted by: Cheryl Thomas | February 28, 2008 6:48 PM

Jim, Some of your comments are relevant, but when it comes to Christian principles, Mr. Obama has rejected any restrictions on abortion. He has noted in speeches to Planned Parenthood gathers and others that he supports a woman's right to choose--essentially an euphemism for the right to kill a kid. In sincerity, until you and all the faith and politico crowd deal with this one overwhelming injustice, this great Land cannot see any peace, let along social justice. Jim, speak out on subject, speak truthfully and without political motivation but in truth, and many of the other injustices will work themselves out. Anything less is simple politics and there will be no change. God will hear the cry of the innocent for the monstrous crime of killing the small ones and their spilled blood for political power. John.

Posted by: John | February 28, 2008 6:49 PM

Good for you. Thanks for the details. This will help a lot of us be prepared to counter this kind of attack on a good man who probably will become the next leader of the Free World and begin to restore America's respect among other peoples which the current administration has frittered away.

Posted by: Joe Parker | February 28, 2008 6:51 PM

First, let me say that over the last 8 years, I have stepped away from all things "religious" because of hypocritical Christians who decry abortion, but advocate war (mass murder for profit - as we well know it is) as a solution to anything; 'bootstrappers' who advocate reduced spending for public education, then call for the withholding of desperately needed social services (well-fare, health care) as a punishment for being poor. I have never understood people who staunchly defend elected officials even though they have betrayed their constituents, have sold the earth that sustains us all to the highest bidder; TORTURED human beings - and a list of crimes against humanity as long as my arm. The things that this government has done are UN-Christian, but, thankfully, Sojourners rejects them outright as being UN-Christian.

And I can't tell you how much I appreciate Jim Wallis' rejection of the stupid and dangerous criticisms of Barack Obama's faith. Not that I've decided to vote for him, yet, but someone has to take on the lies that are essentially hate propaganda.

People need to be able to quickly recognize when they are hearing hate propaganda - as easily as they recognize marketers of consumer products. I love George Lakoff's (Rockridge Institute) description of "framing." It sure helped me understand the tactics of people who want to tell you me what to believe and who to hate.

That being said, I have heard Rev. Jim Wallis in person and told hundreds of people about Sojourners, one of the few voices of sanity in the religious community. I have posted the Sojo website on blogs, and sent Sojo articles to my large email lists -- just to give people HOPE that perhaps radicalized Jesus' followers are not going to cause the end of civilization, as we know it.

I often fear that America has become a nation of "good Germans": giving in to the fear mongering and hate baiting of the Bush mis-administration. But you all give me hope!

Thank you.

Posted by: Always Ask WHY | February 28, 2008 6:55 PM

Hello Jim,
Thanks for this post. The attacks of the past week have been reminiscent of the worst kind of right wing smear campaigns. It's a great reminder of why the country is making an abrupt about face from politics as usual.

On thing though - I'm wondering why I haven't seen Sojo jump to the defense of another of your friends, Hillary Clinton. The buzz about Hillary's faith is even more deeply entrenched than Obama's and comes from the same source - the Religious Right. Most Sojo readers would laugh at comments questioning Obama's faith, but they might openly question Hillary's. This is evidence of the insidious effectiveness of 1990s far right whisper campaigns. So, how about standing up for your more deeply wounded sister in Christ? Tony Campolo did.

In a personal interview with me last year, Campolo said he knew for a fact that Hillary's faith is deep and absolutely genuine. He personally counseled her through the travails of her husband's second term and he knows it was her faith that got her through it. So, in the interest of equity, could you throw a sister some rope, too? At least help "set the record straight" for her as well. She is a sister, who's faith reputation has been even more damaged by religious right whisper campaigns. Many of your readers, even have been affected by the lies. You could help.

Thanks for considering it. Your friend,
Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Sharon Harper | February 28, 2008 7:09 PM

Wow! Mr Wallace's article about the wrongness of linking Barack Hussein Obama to Muslim extremist factions evoking all this virulent discourse about the abortion issue (Yes, I recommend people read or listen to Barack Obama's "Call to Renewal" speech whole heartedly) and even the one remark inferring a quote from Mr. Wallace's article which is just not there ... (ooh! hey! don't you have enough sense to know about the find text function?)
Hello People!!!
- The abortion issue is a "Political Football" and in a context such as this can only be brought up to stir division, not to dialogue about the pertinent issues at hand. What does that say about our so-called respect for life? It's reprehensible in the same manner as a quarrelling couple who each carries on about how they truly have the best interest of their child at heart, and how the other parent is terrible because they don't parent in the same manner as the one parent.
The abortion issue in this context is as abusive to all lives impacted by abortion as a divorce is abusive to the children of the marriage when both parents claim to look after their child as a show to prove to people how that parent is "right" and the other is "wrong"....
Is that the best you people can come up with in the debate about whether Mr. Cunningham meant to imply Mr. Obama is a closet Muslim?

Posted by: Marion | February 28, 2008 7:13 PM

Hali,

I'm an Episcopalian, if you must know, and if my priest didn't vote Democratic last time around I'm an OSU grad.

Nobody is saying that Obama should follow anyone blindly, but there are things that gentlemen disagree over as gentlemen, and there are things that are beyond the pale. Minister Farakhan's combination of antisemitism and paranoia is beyond the pale for an avowed Christian. (Much less a minister)

Now the fact that Obama attends a church run by an acknowledged admirer of Farrakhan doesn't by itself prove that Obama shares any of Farrakhan's world view, but the old saying goes "you are known by the company you keep". Farrakhan is a nasty piece of work -- nasty enough that associating with one of his associates is likely to be controversial. Fair or not, that's how it is.

You think I'm disparaging Obama's character. I'm actually pointing out a tactical mistake on your part. It's hilarious how every time you respond to the "Obama's a muslim" red herring, you can't help but remind us of the link between Obama and Farrakhan.

Could it be that there's some method to Cunningham's madness?

Wolverine

Posted by: Wolverine | February 28, 2008 7:14 PM

I was holding out some real hope that this ridiculous distortion couldn't possibly gain any ground with the American people. Once again I have been disappointed. I actually had the audacity to hope that a person whose middle name happens to be Hussein and whose last name sounds a little too much like "Osama" could be taken seriously for the decent, hard-working American he is. I wonder what would happen if a real, live, actual Muslim ran for office in this country? The sky would surely fall down at long last.

Posted by: Joy Lawler | February 28, 2008 7:17 PM

Thanks For NOT endorsing a candidate. Religion's place in politics is to promote its ideals and philosophy- NOT CANDIDATES!

The United States has own its share of fundamentalist, religious extremists.

When churches become political entities, they need to start paying taxes.

Feeling the pain of a conservative majority,

Russ Pugh

Posted by: Russ Pugh | February 28, 2008 7:29 PM

I'm curious as to how so many people can claim to be Evangelical Christians who want social justice but get behind a pro-choice candidate? People are so worried about our reputation as a nation overseas and yet support politicians who vote for abortions to occur in our own back yard! What is more of a social injustice than ending the lives of babies before they even have a chance to experience what life is all about?

Posted by: Eric | February 28, 2008 7:37 PM

I gave up religion many years ago because I saw so many un-Christian Christians. Only recently have I begun attending. I can only support Obama in his quest. The last time the country was in a very similar situation was in the Hoover years and FDR worked out the difficulties. I believe Obama has the same qualities.

Posted by: Bill Jaworski | February 28, 2008 7:42 PM

I almost became a UCC pastor until I did some in depth research. I have also researched Barack's church and do not agree with your biased conclusions. I have read your books but prefer N. T. Wright for a balanced well-researched historical perspective. Read his "Suprised by Hope" if you want real hope.

I won't vote for Obama because:
1. The amount of money he is spending on his campaign is obscene.
2. His one-line or cue-card answers are not substantive.
3. His soft feminine brand and high-hype brings people very close to idolatry.
4. He comes across as arrogant, self-serving, power-hungry, ego-driven and control-seeking.
5. His premature run has split the Democratic party.
6. His campaign is a media myth creation, and it is contributing to an American meltdown.
7. Shame on you for this endorsement!

Posted by: aware | February 28, 2008 7:44 PM

Thank you for article on US Senator Barack Obama. I am praying for him and his family.
I have followed your ministry since your Post American magazine days. My brother the late Tom Skinner once told me that the African American Church will have to make a radical change, if we are going to reach this generation. Well the whole Christian Church will have to make a radical change, if we agoing to reach this generation.
Why can't we have different perspectives on issues as followers of Christ without being angry with one another. Both Senators Clinton and Obama are Christians and they will have to ask for forgiveness for some of the things that they may have said or done during the campaign. I hope that they will do as Christians.
We need to strengthen our witness as Christians.
Keep the faith.
Johnnie William Skinner,Pastor
Mount Zion Baptist Church
Knoxville,TN

Posted by: Johnnie William skinner | February 28, 2008 7:49 PM

I lived in the same neighborhood as Barack Obama when I attended theological school in the Eighties. While I did not attend Trinity UCC, I did study church history with Dr. Martin Marty. Doctor Marty has attended Trinity and felt welcomed. Anyone who has ever met Martin Marty or read any of his many books cannot question his status as a Christian. Doctor Marty was heavily involved in the uniting of most of the Lutheran denominations in this country during the time I knew him.

During the time I studied at the Divinity School of the University of Chicano, Reverend Wright was leading it, Hyde Park was one of the most liberal areas in the county. If there had been a Black Separatist church in the area it would have been one of the hottest subject at the Divinity School.

Posted by: John Harvey | February 28, 2008 7:52 PM

Thanks, Jim. There is a strong need for responsible citizens to counteract the voices of extremeism no matter where they come from in America today. We must not just overlook talk show hosts and media that present distortions and inaccurate information or whip up fear and anger.

Posted by: Marilyn Lund | February 28, 2008 8:00 PM

Thank you Jim for your denouncement and rejection (smile) of Bill Cunningham's attacks upon Barack Obama,one of the most decent human beings that I have seen in politics in a long, long time. I am 59 years old and the first time I encountered the name Hussein was when I read about King Hussein of Jordan. I believe he was Jewish. Although he is not alive today, if I remember correctly, he was highly respected in the world community and a great leader.

"A foolish tongue wags like a dog, and much to the fools chagrin goes nowhere."

Posted by: Elaine D. Fennell | February 28, 2008 8:11 PM

Thank you Jim, As usual you position on Obama is articulate, clear,powerful, fair and accurate.It is sad that free speech in America is interpreted by a few pathological zealots to be the liberty to create rumours, slander hate an despicable lies about anyone or anything they do not agree with . May God soften their hard hearts and invoke reason to their muddled thinking.
Please pray in earnest for the likes of the Cunninghams, Limbaughs and O'Reillys. Thank you for your continuing brave voice and Christian commitment.

Posted by: Don Beggs | February 28, 2008 8:13 PM

If people actually practiced what the Constitution says, it would be unacceptable to even ask about a person's religion, let alone comment on it. Jefferson was a non-believer. John Adams was a Christian. Churches ought to pay taxes as a significant number of them have become blatantly political. I am reminded of a quote by some one that says, "if you require a candidate to talk about his religion, you are asking to be lied to."

Posted by: Veronica Caley | February 28, 2008 8:24 PM

This entire issue is so insulting on at least two levels and to many of us.

#1. To imply that being a Muslim is somehow undesirable is to insult the Muslim faith and its believers.

2. It is insulting to me and those who believe as I do that we would be so bigoted as to believe that being a Muslim is a bad thing and somehow something to be ashamed of and hidden.

Posted by: Pat Kramer | February 28, 2008 8:35 PM

Jim-

I wish you had addressed the fact that Obama speaks very favorably about Israel and it's need to defend itself but has nothing to say in defense of the Palestinians who have been occupied and virtually destroyed by the Israeli government and it's military for the past 40 years. The Palestinians who once threw rocks are now firing primitive rockets that have killed maybe 3 Israelis while the Palestinians are assaulted, tortured and killed on a daily basis by one of the worlds most modern armies. Where is the outrage here? In his most recent speech Obama chastised the Lebanese for abducting a couple of Israeli soldiers but said nothing about the past 20 years of Israeli incursions into Lebanon and the subsequent assassinations and ritual killings of civilians. His total ignorance or practiced avoidance of the truth of the matter is most disconcerting and frankly shameful. Israel is run by a right-wing racist government who's propaganda machine is second to none, and who give not one whit for the Palestinians or a peaceable solution.

Please address this issue.

Respectfully,

Ken Winston
Sonoma California

Posted by: Ken Winston | February 28, 2008 8:38 PM

Salaam, Shalom, Peace,

As an American Muslim, I am sadly disappointed that in your defense of Barak Obama, you still seem to believe that insinuating that he is a Muslim is a "scurrilous attack". He is a Christian and not a Muslim so the claim is incorrect, why is it "scurrilous"? Is it an insult to be called a Muslim? Should all American Muslims be ashamed of their religion?

God bless,
Sheila Musaji, Editor
The American Muslim www.theamericanmuslim.org

Posted by: Sheila Musaji | February 28, 2008 8:45 PM

Jim,

Thanks for the good article and for being willing to tackle the pressing issues of our day.

It is important to understand that Muslim, Christians and Jews are all members of Abraham's broken family.

I've been working in Indonesia for the last 11 years seeking to heal the wounds and connect people.

It is important to understand that:

1. The time when Obama lived in Indonesia was a time when radical Islam was not allowed. Therefore, the existence of a Wahabi school (Madrasa) would be highly suspect. It would have to be an obscure institution far away in the country side. There have been several investigations to his schooling in Jakarta and they all point to very normal schools and indeed to a Catholic school.

2. To attend such school TODAY, his parents would have to be very conservative Muslims. A mixed marriage, would be extremely suspect. Back during the 60's-70's only very liberal Muslims would be willing to marry a Westerner.

3. Obama has emphatically said that he is a Christian, to a Muslim, such a declaration would mean death.

4. In conclusion, the statements that say that Obama is a Muslim, show total ignorance of who Muslims are and how one becomes a Muslim. A person who understand Islam, would never be able to make such a statement.

While I'm a registered Republican and since becoming a US citizen have voted Republican, I personally like the idea of Obama for president and most likely will vote for him. He is young enough not to be part of political cliques of Washington DC. His background would make him be a US president that would be able to relate to a globalized culture and deal afresh with the critical problems our nation faces.

Posted by: Wolfgang Fernandez | February 28, 2008 8:57 PM

I hold Omaba accountable for his pro-abortion views, which are militant and subChristian. He supports Roe v. Wade, which opened the door to about 45 million legal abortions in the US. How does he square this with:

1. The biblical mandate to defend the least of these?
2. The biblical truth that human live begins at conception?
3. The biblical mandate to pursue justice for all?

He cannot. He is a leftwing ideologue whose faith means little where it matters most.

Posted by: Doug Groothuis | February 28, 2008 9:15 PM

Please excuse my misspelling of Obama.

Posted by: Doug Groothuis | February 28, 2008 9:16 PM

I feel that this article is a breath of fresh air. I am tired of hearing so many people around me say that they are supporting Hillary because they can not bring themselves to vote for a Muslim. The first time I heard this I laughed, of course, because I had never heard of this before and I had always known him to be a strong participant in the Christian community. Yet, the ignorance of many often leads people astray no matter the intentions. However, to me the first thing that comes to mind is, "Why not?" Why do so many people believe that all Muslims are bad? I think there is much ignorance in such assumptions. I do see how people can fear such implications, with our country's relations between so many that claim to do horrible acts in the name of Allah, yet I don't see how anyone could accept such information without further investigation. First of all the Islamic religion does not suggest that in the name of Allah people should attack others? On the contrary the Islamic religion suggests a more defensive stance. No matter what religion Barack Obama participates in, if he said the same things in all of the same places that he has then I would still vote for him, Muslim or Christian, Black or White, what he brings to the table is a plan that I have never seen before. His plan is to use the inspiration and the good of the people to bring our country above and beyond where it has ever been, out of ruin and into a new age where we can foster our ideas and the ideas of our children and build upon the inventions that we create time and again, to once again make the American dream worth dreaming!

Posted by: Sophia | February 28, 2008 9:19 PM

As a Canadian expatriate living in Hong Kong I have been barely able to follow what's going on in my own country, much less the US.
However, I find it odd that my impression was that Mr. Barack was either a liberal muslim or a man of very ethereal beliefs. Perhaps he could make himself more clearly understood when these mixups occur? I have not followed this campaign closely, but in the last two years I have not heard him speak it out publicly.

Posted by: J | February 28, 2008 9:24 PM

Jim,

I have great respect for the work that you have
been doing, and was planning to become a
contributor. However, I feel that you are
showing partiality to the male candidate for
the democratic nomination, and have failed to
speak out when you should have in defense of
the female candidate. Senator Clinton has been
treated cruelly by the mainstream media
consistently for many months. You never said a
word in her defense.

Whether Obama is a Christian or not is known only
to God and him. The same can be said for any
person claiming to be a Christian. Only God
knows the heart.

Is it possible that the reason that you have failed to speak up (against the terrible treatment
that Senator Clinton has received) is because
your Baptist denomination believes that a woman
should be subordinate to a man?

If that is the way that you feel, I think that
you have just lost credibility as a spiritual
leader. That is sad.

I have two degrees in Theology, and I believe
that the Bible teaches that all, regardless of
race or gender, are created equal. Since you
know the Bible, you must know that a woman, Deborah, was the leader of Israel in Old Testament
days. A modern leader of Israel was also a woman.
Other countries today have women leaders, and
Senator Clinton is well qualified to be the leader
of this country.

Posted by: Margaret A. | February 28, 2008 9:37 PM

Marie: for herstory nd Charlene,

Believing as I do that sexism is a faith issue I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. John McCain who became so outraged at Mr. Cunningham's comments merely laughed last fall when a woman asked him how he was going to get rid of the "bitch." And this is just one of the many examples of how she has continued to be denigrated with no one naming the sexism involved or speaking out against it.

While I appreciate Jim Wallis' article and agree with him, I also think this is not quite so simple a matter. As several people have said there is the clear implication that to be called a Muslim is an insult. Yes, I believe that's what Mr. Cunningham intended to do, and I received the inflammatory e-mail making the rounds. And, I believe Barak Obama is not Muslim but a faithful Christian. But let's not defend his Christian faith at the expense of the faithful who are Muslims, Jews and many others.

Posted by: Rev. Beth | February 28, 2008 9:50 PM

Thank you, Jim, for giving me an "ammunition article" not from a campaign source or a politician!

Linda B.

Posted by: Celtic Diva | February 28, 2008 9:56 PM

correction-
Having taught ..with children "who" discuss their faith..

May you forgive all my writing errors, but i am pooped.

Thanks

Posted by: susan | February 28, 2008 10:26 PM

Sheila, Good point. It shows how ingrained the negativity has become by all these innuendos that have mostly gone unchallneged.
Since there are so many gullible Christians ( and others) easily swayed by the fear-mongering and appeals to prejudice by the likes of this Cunningham, it is up to those who know better to speak the truth. And those who do know better and fail to speak the truth bear a large burden for the ills of the world. That goes double for Christian leaders who lead the flock astray.
Marie -- I agree -- where is the outrage over the sexist treatment of Hillary? If the things said about her were said about Barack there would be a lot of so-called commentators out of work.
Wolverine -- If my good friend from whom I sometimes take advise admires someone who I consider dispicable, should I end the friendship, hope my friend "sees the light" with some imput from me, stop taking advise even though it has nothing to do with that issue, what? This is not an uncommon dilemna for those of us who do not limit our relationships to clones of ourselves.

Posted by: c kitty | February 28, 2008 10:32 PM

You forgot to say that you are friends with Oprah too! Stick with issues in the church and not politics... as Oprah should stick to her TV show!

Obama's campaign has said that he is muslim however... not a practicing muslim.

Posted by: Shawn | February 28, 2008 10:42 PM

Thank you for this clarification. I'm a born-again Christian of Muslim background, or as they call us MBBs. It is a shame that some "professing christians" or "christians by heritage" can dare to slander their fellow bretheren in Christ. However, as Jesus said, if they (his bretheren) insulted and delivered him to be crucified, can we really hope that we don't be treated in the same way? Aren't they the ones who advocate bringing the Gospel to Muslims? Is their tactic is the way to win Muslims to Christ? What would encourage a Muslim to open up to Christianity? By the way, did they EVER realized that Jesus is by race a middleastern (not a white with blue eyes and blond hair)? I am not an Obama supporter, but I really find if very offencive, unchristian and unethical to slunder the man and accuse him of being something that he totally rejected. Those right-wing extrimists are hurting Christians and even putting mudd on Jesus' face. They are causing us more damage that the extreme liberal. As Jesus said, beware of wolves in sheep clothing... those who scatter rather than gather.

Posted by: Al | February 28, 2008 11:00 PM

Thank you, Jim for honest, truthful, and faith-based commentary. I recently had to set the record straight with a young man sitting next to me on an airplane who had been misled that Sen. Obama was a Muslim.

Shame on those who think they are hiding their racism and push their so-called" faith" when bashing Trinity United Church of Christ and especially the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. as being a 'black nationalist." If these people cared to step inside and worship at our church they might learn, feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, and become enlightened in a way they may have not previously experienced.

Thanks again, Jim, for being the man of faith and words that you are. God bless you!

Posted by: Kecia | February 28, 2008 11:15 PM

Norm Lowry, 55 year old Republican...says...

Slander is always sin but, any true follower of our precious Jesus will be persecuted.

If you have read the Koran, you (like me) would probably not have a problem with a man (or woman) of Islam running for, or holding, any public office...including President.

I used to be an Ultra-Conservative (today's Neocon?). It is my personal opinion that we were (or are) the dangerous ones. Today, I am politically 'dissident'.

It would be nice to see all who are called by the matchless Name of Jesus, lay down our arms, become honest "bond servants" (as with James, one who is not counted in a census) of all humanity, invite all to immigrate into our space, quit thinking ourselves better than others (racism); freely dying that others might live (rather than freely killing that we might have a better life).

If we are already "dead, in Christ", who can hurt us?

Blessings... Norm

Posted by: Norm Lowry | February 28, 2008 11:28 PM

Senator Obama not only has fools like Bill Cunningham using smear tactics; A man who should know better, but chooses to be a bigger fool is Congressman Jack Kingston of Georgia who emphasized Obama's middle name several times on 'Real Time with Bill Maher' last week. He also pointed out that Obama didn't hold his hand over his heart in a photo while perpetuating the falsehood that he was reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, when in reality he was standing for the National Anthem. If a U.S. Congressman is so ready to spread lies on a live national TV program, then is it any wonder that a nobody talk show host uses the lies to his own advantage?

They are truly afraid of Obama & try to frighten us, but they're not afraid of him being a one-man Muslim sleeper-cell (which is stupid), it's so obvious that Obama being head & shoulders above his rivals is what is freaking them out. Ya gotta give Obama his due on that count - this guy is the real deal.

Senator Clinton has taken undeserved hits from David Shuster & Chris Matthews, among others, but she has also run a poor campaign & is deserving of some criticism in that she never planned for a challenge after Super Tuesday & didn't think she'd have to earn the nomination in the long run. Then along came Obama, who thouroughly out-organized her campaign. Senator Clinton had a big advantage over all her rivals at the start & received favorable media coverage when she was the clear front-runner & presumed nominee. Her greatest asset & biggest negative is her last name. If she was just a run-of-the-mill politician, she'd have had to drop out of the race after losing 10 consecutive primaries & caucuses. That said - she is certainly qualified to be President based on her experience, but she squandered her initial advantage.

If Obama defeats the Clinton Machine & the Republican/McCain Machine, then he should be in fine form to hit the Presidential ground running from Inauguration Day.

Posted by: Tony | February 28, 2008 11:37 PM

Eric, I have never been able to figure out how the Right to Lifers are not on the front lines against the Bush Administration because of the millions killed in Iraq and Afghanistan? Isn't a Life a Life?

Posted by: Pat | February 29, 2008 12:12 AM

PS About my statements on Obama: I think you need to know I am a 63 year old professional woman who is a wife and mother. I state that so you will know a little about the writer.

Posted by: Carol | February 29, 2008 12:27 AM