I
can’t count the number of times I’ve had to explain this to members of my
parish: No. The President of the United States is not a Muslim. It is true
that his father, grandfather, and step-father were Muslims. It is also true
that he went to school as a little boy in Indonesia, and the Catholic nuns
listed his religion as “Muslim.” But, in that country in those circumstances,
they listed every child’s religion as
Muslim unless the child was specifically a Roman Catholic.
The
truth is, Barack Obama is a Christian. Specifically, he is a member of the very
progressive United Church of Christ. In his wonderful memoir, Dreams From My Father, the future
forty-fourth president described his days as a community organizer in Chicago.
While working with local religious leaders in an attempt to create coalitions
to aid some of America’s poorest citizens, Obama encountered the dynamic—if
somewhat controversial—pastor of Trinity UCC, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright,
Jr. Wright explained to the young social worker that he’d have a better shot at
working with local churches if he actually attended
one. In moving detail, Obama explained how a worship experience at Trinity
led him to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Obama would later be married at
Trinity and would have his children baptized there.
As
President Obama prepares to leave office, I’m sure the TV, newspaper, and
internet pundits will begin to dissect his presidency. The historians will get
out their measuring tapes and will expound on where this administration ranks
in terms of historical importance. To me, the Obama administration—for all its tortured
trek through the fecund jungle of adversity—reflected the Christian values of
its Commander in Chief.
Early
in the administration President Obama showed a willingness to address past
foreign policy mistakes in an open and courageous manner. I think he recognized
that part of a great nation’s greatness is seen in its ability to admit error
and work for redress. His Affordable Care Act reflected the moral value that no
nation can claim to be civilized if it denies medical care to people simply because
they are unable to pay for it. The president’s stand on climate change
expressed his concern for the creation God has made and his compassion for
future generations. His stand against the use of torture was a triumph of
virtue over fear. He has expressed a heart for the refugees of this world, vast
empathy for the victims of violence in places like Sandy Hook, a heart for
immigrant families, and has constantly stressed that “we are our brothers’ keeper.”
President
Obama is the first president in my lifetime who is younger than I am, and I don’t
think I’ve ever prayed for a leader as much as I’ve prayed for this man. He
came into office in a time of great turmoil. He steered the nation through an
economic catastrophe and endured the taunts and insults of those who felt he
wasn’t repairing the damage fast enough. As an African American he spoke about
race in a way which showed he understood the feelings of a white majority which
no longer enjoys perfect privilege or cultural hegemony. At the same time, he
was an honest voice for racial justice, speaking truth without rancor or
bitterness.
What
impresses me now as this president prepares to leave office is the basic
decency of the man. There were no sexual or financial scandals connected to
this administration. No dirty political tricks. “No Drama Obama” never
displayed unseemly ire or unbecoming vindictiveness. One would think it went
without saying that gentlemanly behavior would be the minimum requirement for a
person in government service, but, given the bad taste of the recent election,
I think it’s important to hold up the example of a man who led with dignity and
respect. Here was a calm presence, an obviously loving husband, and a
conscientious father who modeled behavior we would want for ourselves and our
children.
I
write this post before the Feast of Christ the King, a Christian festival
inaugurated after the horror of World War I to remind us all that earthly
leaders are fallible and only Christ can be our true ruler. I would not liken
Barack Obama or any earthly leader to
Christ, but I do believe that this man was led by the moral convictions of
faith in the One who died for our sins. During the last eight years he has made
me even prouder to be an American.
Pray
for our country, my friends. May our leaders look to the Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment