We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Monday, July 25, 2016

Is Barack Obama a Christian as He Claims? Part 2


In this part I am going to examine parts of the transcript of a 2004 interview of Barack Obama by Cathleen Falsani. My responses will be in maroon.

During the interview, Obama was asked what he believed in regards to religion.  He stated:  I am a Christian.  So, I have a deep faith. So, I draw from the Christian faith.  On the other hand, I was born in Hawaii where obviously there are a lot of Eastern influences.   I lived in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, between the ages of six and 10.  My father was from Kenya, and although he was probably most accurately labeled an agnostic, his father was Muslim.  And I’d say, probably, intellectually I’ve drawn as much from Judaism as any other faith.  So, I’m rooted in the Christian tradition. 
How can he be “rooted in the Christian tradition” when this statement says nothing about Christianity, rather it mentions “Eastern” religions, Islam, agnosticism, and Judaism?

I believe that there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people. That there are values that transcend race or culture, that move us forward, and there’s an obligation for all of us individually as well as collectively to take responsibility to make those values lived.
Christianity teaches only ONE path to God, and that is through Jesus Christ (Matt. 7:13; John 3:18, 36; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; 1 John 2:23, 5:11-12), and for Obama to claim to be a Christian and yet say there are many paths to God proves he doesn’t understand the Christian faith.  Yes there are indeed moral values which transcend race and culture; God tells us that these things are planted in the heart of every person (Romans 2:14-15)

And so, part of my project in life was probably to spend the first 40 years of my life figuring out what I did believe – I’m 42 now – and it’s not that I had it all completely worked out, but I’m spending a lot of time now trying to apply what I believe and trying to live up to those values.

When he was asked if he had always been a Christian, Obama replied that “I was raised more by my mother and my mother was Christian.”  
This says what his mother was but doesn’t say Obama was always a Christian.  He wasn’t asked to clarify.

Obama was then asked what “flavor” and he responded thus:
My grandparents who were from small towns in Kansas. My grandmother was Methodist. My grandfather was Baptist. This was at a time when I think the Methodists felt slightly superior to the Baptists. And by the time I was born, they were, I think, my grandparents had joined a Universalist church.  So, my mother, who I think had as much influence on my values as anybody, was not someone who wore her religion on her sleeve. We’d go to church for Easter. She wasn’t a church lady.

As I said, we moved to Indonesia. She remarried an Indonesian who wasn’t particularly, he wasn’t a practicing Muslim. I went to a Catholic school in a Muslim country. So I was studying the Bible and catechisms by day, and at night you’d hear the prayer call.

So I don’t think as a child we were, or I had a structured religious education. But my mother was deeply spiritual person, and would spend a lot of time talking about values and give me books about the world’s religions, and talk to me about them. And I think always, her view always was that underlying these religions were a common set of beliefs about how you treat other people and how you aspire to act, not just for yourself but also for the greater good.
So we find that Obama was exposed to various religious beliefs and that his mother taught that all these religions had a “common set of beliefs,” yet nothing is said about what his mother’s beliefs really were even though he says she was a Christian.  My question is, why would a Christian mother want to introduce her son into all these other belief systems?

Barack Obama claims he came to Christ via an altar call in 1987 or 1988:  It was a daytime service, during a daytime service. And it was a powerful moment. Because, it was powerful for me because it not only confirmed my faith, it not only gave shape to my faith, but I think, also, allowed me to connect the work I had been pursuing with my faith.
So it was an “altar call” which decided Obama’s faith; altar calls are responsible for a lot of false conversions.

When asked if that meant he “got yourself born again,” Obama replied:  
Yeah, although I don’t — I retain from my childhood and my experiences growing up, a suspicion of dogma. And I’m not somebody who is always comfortable with language that implies I’ve got a monopoly on the truth, or that my faith is automatically transferable to others.  I’m a big believer in tolerance. I think that religion at it’s best comes with a big dose of doubt. 
Notice he immediately attacks “dogma,” and doesn’t like the idea that Christianity claims to have a “monopoly on truth.”  He also thinks religion is “best” “with a big dose of doubt.” Without “dogma” or “doctrine” one has no foundation for their faith.  I have to question just how deep his faith is if he thinks it has to come with “a big dose of doubt.”

I’m suspicious of too much certainty in the pursuit of understanding just because I think people are limited in their understanding.  I think that, particularly as somebody who’s now in the public realm and is a student of what brings people together and what drives them apart, there’s an enormous amount of damage done around the world in the name of religion and certainty.
Apparently, the truth claims of the Christian faith disturb Mr. Obama.  If one doesn’t think their faith is true, then what is their faith really in?

Obama was asked, “Who’s Jesus to you?”  This was his response:  Right. Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he’s also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher.  And he’s also a wonderful teacher. I think it’s important for all of us, of whatever faith, to have teachers in the flesh and also teachers in history.  
Notice that Obama says nothing about Jesus saving us from our sins, only that He is a bridge between God and man who is powerful as a “means of us reaching something higher” (whatever that may be), and that He is a “wonderful teacher.”  And then he makes a point about the importance of ANY faith.

With a follow-up question he stated he has a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” as well as having read the Bible.
Lots of people who are non-Christians read the Bible; reading the Bible does not make one a believer.  He never explains what he means by a “personal relationship” with Jesus; Mormons make the same claim, but they worship a Jesus of their own making, which the UCC denomination also does.

Further in the interview he stated, “I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper, we are all children of God.
Here is another example where Obama proves he doesn’t understand the Christian faith.  We are NOT all “children of God” (John 8:41-45, 47).  To be a child of God one MUST be a true Christian.

Continuing in the interview, Obama said, “There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior that they’re going to hell.”  When asked if he believe that he said, I find it hard to believe that my God would consign four-fifths of the world to hell.  I can’t imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity.  That’s just not part of my religious makeup.
Well, the Scripture says over and over again that unless one personally believes that Christ died for their sin, they will die in their sin (Romans 6:23) — and the punishment for sin is eternal in hell.  Jesus talked more about hell than He did about heaven, and yet Mr. Obama denies this.

Obama was asked if he believed in heaven.  His response:  What I believe in is that if I live my life as well as I can, that I will be rewarded. I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. But I feel very strongly that whether the reward is in the here and now or in the hereafter, the aligning myself to my faith and my values is a good thing.  When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see in them that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.
Obama’s heaven is accessed through good works, yet the Bible says that, to God, all our righteous deeds, all our good works, are just like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

When asked what sin is, Obama said, Being out of alignment with my values.
Sin is being out of alignment with Obama’s values, not out of alignment with God’s values?!?
This statement alone proves that Mr. Obama has no understanding of the Christian faith.  Sin is rebellion against God’s laws, not being “out of alignment” with one’s personal values.

Then he was asked what happens if he has sin in his life:  I think it’s the same thing as the question about heaven. In the same way that if I’m true to myself and my faith that that is its own reward, when I’m not true to it, it’s its own punishment.
So if he is true to himself and his faith, that is its own reward, and when he is not true to them it is its own punishment?  There is no real punishment from God?  God just looks the other way?


So is Barack Obama a Christian as defined by the Bible?  By what we have seen of the beliefs taught by his church (both denomination and local), and by his own publicly stated political beliefs and actions (pro-abortion, pro-same-sex fake marriage, pro-homosexuality in general, pro-“transgender,” pro-sexual immorality in general, pro-Muslim and anti-Christian statements and actions, pro-socialism [theft], etc), one could not conclude that he believes in the God or Christ of the Bible.  Additionally, from this interview, it is very plain that he has virtually no understanding of the Christian faith, let alone an understanding of what sin is.

Okay, what is the purpose of this exercise of examining Barack Obama’s claims to be a Christian?  Discernment!  Just because someone claims to be a follower of Christ, if his stated beliefs and actions contradict what Scripture tells us, then we have to say he is lying about being a Christian.  If a church organization/denomination claims to be Christian and yet teaches contrary to what God has told us in Scripture, then they are worshiping a god and christ of their own making, and they are still dead in their sins.


14 comments:

Doug Evans said...

Actually, Mr. Obama, Kazakhstan is the largest Muslim country in the world at 1,052,085 square miles, Indonesia falls far short of that at 735,400 square miles

Mr. Obama is right, all paths lead to God. What happens at the throne of judgement depends entirely on the path you took in your journey there.

Mr. Obama’s statement that “I was raised more by my mother and my mother was Christian.” was an outright lie. According to her best friend his mother was an atheist "[She] touted herself as an atheist, and it was something she'd read about and could argue. She was always challenging and arguing and comparing.” Her own daughter Maya Soetoro-Ng, Barack’s sister - bet you never hear of her before, said “I wouldn't have called her an atheist. She was an agnostic.”

Mr. Obama’s step father was a Sunni Muslim or “Orthodox Muslim” there really is no liberal form of Islam so his statement that his stepfather was following "a brand of Islam that could make room for the remnants of more ancient animist and Hindu faiths." Was another outright lie. As we all know Christianity considers lying a sin, however Islam considers lying, al-Taqiyya, a virtue. Muslims lie when it is in their interest to do so and “Allah” will not hold them accountable for lying when it is beneficial to the cause of Islam. They can lie without any guilt or fear of accountability or retribution. A lie in the defense of Islam is approved even applauded in their “holy” books.

“Altar Calls” are called “Hells Best Kept Secret” (Google it and read the sermon, you’ll reconsider your pastor’s tenure if he does an altar call in your church again)

If Mr. Obama truly believed “an enormous amount of damage done around the world in the name of religion and certainty” why did he spend two terms of office insuring that Islam became the most dangerous religions to be inflicted on the earth?

Jesus is merely a wonderful teacher? Clearly Mr. Obama has never heard about the poached egg. Google Jesus Poached Egg and you’ll see the truth of Jesus: “You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

“I can’t imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity.” No Mr. Obama, that poor Hindu kid in India is already condemned by his multitude of Gods to be reincarnated over and over never knowing why he’s been sent back to hell on earth again and again, never knowing if he has gained enough karma now and in past lives to break out of this never ending cycle of agony

Mr. Obama’s answer to what sin is, “Being out of alignment with my values” shows clearly that he values himself more than God.

Alec said...

Glenn and Doug,

This whole post (including Doug's comment) is a jaw-dropper. Thank you both.

Alec

Anonymous said...

Personally Glen, to be honest with my heart and turning to the Word of God as my guide, I have not found any of the last presidents of this country, whether it be democrat nor republican, to be Christians, believers only in Jesus, for salvation and eternal life. None have exhibited Christ-like qualities according to God's Word, nor have they verbally stated that Jesus is LORD and the only Way to the Father, during their campaign speeches, during anything within the public forum, for to do so would cause great controversy and loss of the popular vote.

One of the first conversations enlisted as I began attending a conservative Baptist church, was with a self appointed deaconess, who began indoctrinating me as to the 'great faith' President Bush (the son) had and how 'spiritual' he was. She said, "He is a Christian, is a member of a church, has 'national prayer day' at the capitol, and is pro-life."

Hmmmmm.....those are qualifications for denial of self, repentance and belief on our LORD Jesus Christ? I verbally disagreed with her, and oh boy, did I get a verbal whipping.........It was a few years later, the proof was televised nationally as Bush stated, "Yes I believe muslims and Christians worship the same god (not our Father, God.)"

And to the disgrace of many "discernment ministries," very few did a point by point analysis of Bush's belief system as most are 'republican ministries,' believing that the light shines on one party and the darkness lives in the other. What people in this country don't realize, is that there isn't much difference between the two parties as they have always been working towards the one world beast system our Holy Scriptures describe; plus, behind the public scenes, most democrats and republicans are actually good friends (the Bushes and the Clintons as an excellent example) putting on the "big show" of opposition in the media so as to deceive the public. I should know, I was one of those deceived sheep at one time, to my own shame.

Also should mention that the upcoming beast system will basically consist of one dominant religion....which most politicians, many of them 'church going folks,' will embrace, promote to all of us, worship, and eventually use it to persecute all of us who are born again Jesus believers and followers.

Thank-you for the analysis of President Obama's faith/religion and a bold reminder. This post makes me realize that I should be in prayer with a conscience of humility, for President Obama and his family's salvation. Blessed be the Name of Jesus.

Anonymous said...

Discernment is a bit late if you are thinking of a presidential candidate. Will we get the same for every president who claims to be a Christian? Perhaps of more note would be to consider Trump and Clinton at this time. I particular want to know how Trump can stand up for the importance of marriage, given he's on his third...

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 7/26, 8:11 AM

Again, I only addressed Obama because that particular interview was brought to my attention. Whether or not other presidents were Christian is irrelevant to why I did this post -- it was an example. My point with it is that too many politicians look to the Christian community to vote them in ONLY because they claim to be Christian. (I also think some past Presidents were Christians, just immature ones -- remember there is only one requirement for salvation and that doesn't include works or 100% understanding of all doctrines.)

I don't worry about whether a political candidate is or is not a Christian when it comes to voting. I decide whether or not he is a valid candidate based on his/her worldview in regards to the laws and the Constitution (the original intent of the Constitution, not the revisionist version by liberal SCOTUS members). If a candidate is trying to uphold the laws, then there won't be abortion or same-sex fake marriage, or persecution of Christians, etc.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 7/26, 8:14 AM

The discernment lesson wasn't about politics, it just used a well-known politician as an example.

As I noted to the other anonymous, it isn't important whether a politician is a Christian, it is whether he/she will uphold the laws of the land.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Glen, the president is about upholding the laws of the land, whether the laws be for human well being or used as evil weapons against mankind. Truth must be proclaimed and anyone who claims to be a Christian while campaigning, and yet Jesus is the furthest LORD from his heart, is a total deceiver and a liar.

The question then must be asked, do Republicans lie while campaigning? Do Democrats lie while campaigning. May I be so bold as to say, the lies coming out of the mouths of BOTH political partied candidates is legion, and as voters, we have a tendency to love the lies of our political candidates. What we see postured in the public media forum is NOT what goes on behind the scenes, Glen.

To date, after worshiping the political scene for far too many years, I have never heard one political candidate who presents themselves as Christ followers say, "Jesus is LORD." And these are canditates the visible evangelical community supports through vast amounts of mammon. And yet, this community is not wanting to hear the political candidate say, "I am a born again Christian and Jesus is LORD over all creation."

Just sayin.....the Bush family presents themselves as Christian as well, and yet we hear the fruits of their hearts.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous -
First, I really wish those who use "anonymous" as their way to post would use some sort of name for ID so I know which one is which or of there is more than one, etc. It would make it easier for me.

Anyway, I don't understand the debate. My post was not about politicians, per se, but public figures in general -- actually, about anyone claiming to be a Christian. The point is to NOT assume they are just because they say they are, especially if there is nothing in their actions or stated beliefs which support the claim.

Again, whether a politician is or is not a Christian is irrelevant. We aren't voting for pastors.

Alec said...

Hi Glenn,

You're very clear as to your reasons for examining the Christian claims of President Obama - you had the information available and thought it would be useful to others as an object lesson in discernment.

Anonymous seems to be reacting to something which YOU haven't done, but which troubles many of us. Others - including many pastors - burden the consciences of Christians by insisting that God works only through the Republican party. We all know about the Democratic Party. But just because the Democratic agenda is dangerous and destructive does not mean that the Republican agenda is not dangerous and destructive in other ways.

Your essential point is that the leader we want is one who upholds the law of the land. I'd go farther and say that we want a leader who will allow us to worship God according to the Scriptures and lead quiet and unmolested lives in peace.

The problem is, we are not presented with candidates that show promise of integrity, the rule of law, respect for the Bill of Rights, desire for the advancement of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans, etc.

There is some evidence that the changes Hillary or Trump will make are not something any of us would wish to experience. People forget that just because something is "conservative" or "Right" does not mean that it is Christian or good.

At least this is what I took away from anonymous 1. If he/she was trying to say something different, perhaps they will clarify.

Again, I want to reiterate how informative I've found these two posts. Previous to this I'd only heard conservative rants about Obama's Muslim religion. Here you've given enough information to back up a fair case. At least half of what you've written is new to me. Thanks again.

Alec

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Thanks Alec,

One thing I want to clarify is that I believe if a candidate (for whatever office) upholds the law of the land and the Constitution as written, the Christians WILL BE allowed to worship according to Scripture and led quiet and unmolested lives. That was the intend of the 1st Amendment.

My political views lean to Republican vs Democrat simply due to their party platforms regardless of how close the candidates follow them. The Democrat platform actually CALLS FOR all that is unholy!

Alec said...

if a candidate (for whatever office) upholds the law of the land and the Constitution as written, the Christians WILL BE allowed to worship according to Scripture and led quiet and unmolested lives. That was the intend of the 1st Amendment.

Agree completely.

smrstrauss said...

Obama has called Jesus Christ "OUR SAVIOR" during the National Easter Prayer Breakfast, and he also said in the same speech that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead----which, duh, a Muslim would not say even to hide the fact that he was a Muslim. And in another speech Obama said that the fundamental cause of violence in the world is ORIGINAL SIN---which, once again, other religions do not believe in, you know.

In short, he is a Christian.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

smrstrauss,

So all the evidence I provided means nothing to you as long as Obama said the right words?

Do you know that a Mormon will say the exact same things? So by your standard, a Mormon is a Christian.

Obama is a politician and will say what is necessary to say at a prayer breakfast. All co-called Christian cults say Jesus rose from the Dead -- that is an historical event which really doesn't take a whole lot of faith to accept. Obama knows his Christian doctrine - he just doesn't apply it and picks and chooses what to believe. His God and Christ sanction homosexuality, which means they are not the God and Christ of the Bible.

As to why you brought in the Muslim information I don't understand. Nothing in my article suggest he is a Muslim, and I don't believe he is -- he just favors Islam over Christianity based on what he has said and what actions he has taken.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Sorry Catholic Nick, but I've seen your commentary and I don't agree with your Papist interpretations of anything