A Question of Faith

Even before Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, people have questioned his spiritual beliefs. Controversy concerning this issue increased two weeks ago after the president spoke in support of a proposed mosque being built near Ground Zero in New York City. The president declared, “I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”

A recent poll revealed that nearly one in five Americans believe Barack Obama is a Muslim, though the President has repeatedly claimed to be a Christian. In response, more than 70 pastors and Christian leaders signed a letter saying the personal faith of public leaders should not be up for public debate. (The only name I recognized on the list was Bishop T.D. Jakes.) One paragraph from this letter reads…

“President Obama has been unwavering in confessing Christ as Lord and has spoken often about the importance of his Christian faith. Many of the signees on this letter have prayed and worshipped with this president. We believe that questioning, and especially misrepresenting, the faith of a confessing believer goes too far.”

I agree that a Christian should not judge fellow believers regarding their sincerity in following Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:19 says, “The Lord knows those who are His,” But this same verse also says, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Even since taking office, President Obama has enacted policies contrary to the Word of God especially concerning Israel and homosexuality. Sometimes political leaders need to be confronted when making ungodly decisions, especially if they swore an oath on a Bible.

John the Baptist had the boldness to stand up to Herod Antipas because the king married his brother’s wife. Look at Matthew 14…

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus

2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Later it was during Herod’s birthday party that Herodias had her daughter ask for John the Baptist’s head on a platter.

It’s unlikely the 70 pastors and Christian leaders will lose their heads if they bring correction to Barack Obama. Therefore, I pray that the Christian leaders who have access to the President will have the courage to speak up while they still have the freedom to do so.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” - Proverbs 29:2