Georgetown University: Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs NEW: Center Programs

BRODY: The latest Time Magazine poll shows that you are viewed as the "most religious" Democrat and you even out poll a number of Republicans. What do you attribute that to? OBAMA: I don't think it's helpful as candidates or as a country to get into discussions about who's more religious. That sounds a little like storing up treasures on earth to me. I've just always been clear that my Christian faith has motivated me for 20 years and I'm not ashamed to talk about it, or the role that faith should play in our American life.

Barack Obama, cited in David Brody, "Exclusive: Barack Obama E-mails The Brody File," The Brody File, Jul 29, 2007, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204017.aspx.

In an exlusive e-mail interview, Senator Barack Obama responds to a question from David Brody from the Christian Broadcasting Network, a broadcasting network founded by televangelist Pat Robertson. Obama defends his use of the phrase "faith got hijacked" by explaining that those who are engaging in this "hijacking" are only a small minority of evangelicals and that he supports the Christian Right on the whole. 

Barack Obama, cited in David Brody, "Exclusive: Barack Obama E-mails The Brody File," The Brody File, Jul 29, 2007, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204017.aspx.

In an exlusive e-mail interview, Senator Barack Obama responds to a question from David Brody from the Christian Broadcasting Network, a broadcasting network founded by televangelist Pat Robertson. Obama explains how he believes the "religious right" can help to mend the divide between liberal and conservative Christians. 

Barack Obama, cited in David Brody, "Exclusive: Barack Obama E-mails The Brody File," The Brody File, Jul 29, 2007, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204017.aspx.

In an exlusive e-mail interview, Senator Barack Obama responds to a question from David Brody from the Christian Broadcasting Network, a broadcasting network founded by televangelist Pat Robertson. Obama proclaims that policy should not just be dictated by Christian morals because the United States is a country that represents many religions and different types of people. 

Barack Obama, cited in David Brody, "Exclusive: Barack Obama E-mails The Brody File," The Brody File, Jul 29, 2007, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/204017.aspx.

QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina. Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote. So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?

(APPLAUSE)

EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.

I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.

 

But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it. 

During the CNN/Youtube Democratic Presidential Debate, Senator John Edwards fielded a question from a North Carolina-based reverend regarding Edward's religiously-motivated opposition to same-sex marriage.  Edwards explains his internal conflict in dealing with this issue because he believes that religious values should not be imposed by government onto the American public.

John Edwards, cited in "CNN/YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate," CNN [online], http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/.

COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite [sic] religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.

During the CNN/Youtube Democratic Presidential Debate, Senator John Edwards responded to a follow up question asked by moderator Anderson Cooper about his opposition to same-sex marriage. Edwards clarifies that while he personally opposes the practice, he does not believe that it is right for a political leader to impose his religious values on the American people. 

John Edwards, cited in "CNN/YouTube Democratic President Debate," CNN [online], http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/.

 

This question is to Senator Hillary Clinton. The Arab states, Muslim nations, believe it's [sic] women as being second-class citizens. If you're president of the United States, how do you feel that you would even be taken seriously by these states in any kind of talks, negotiations, or any other diplomatic relations? I feel that is a legitimate question.

 

CLINTON: Thank you, John, and thank you for your service to our country.

 

During the CNN/Youtube Democratic Presidential Debate, New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton responded to a question asking if her gender will be a problem when dealing with Muslim countries which do not believe in the same standards of gender equity as Western nations.  Clinton replies that she has dealt successfully with Muslim political and religious leaders in the past and that in the modern world, women leaders are just as successful as men.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, cited in "CNN/YouTube Democratic President Debate," CNN [online], http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/.

During the CNN/Youtube Democratic Presidential Debate, Senator Barack Obama answered a viewer's question about the strong influence that evangelicals have in government following a response from Senator Edwards. Obama explains that while he has a deep faith in God, he strongly believes in separating church and state. 

Barack Obama, cited in "CNN/YouTube Democratic President Debate," CNN [online], http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/.

During the CNN/Youtube Democratic Presidential Debate, Senator Joe Biden responds to a viewer's question about the phrase "in God we trust," explaining that while reason is ultimately what he uses to make decisions, his values are derive from his faith. 

Joseph Biden, cited in "CNN/YouTube Democratic President Debate," CNN [online], http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/.

The world's chief state sponsor of international terrorism, Iran, defines itself by hostility to Israel and the United States. It is simply tragic that millennia of proud Persian history have culminated in a government today that cannot be counted among those of the world's civilized nations. When the president of Iran calls for Israel to be wiped off of the map, or asks for a world without Zionism, or suggests that Israel's Jewish population return to Europe, or calls the Holocaust a myth, it is clear that we are dealing with an evil man and a very dangerous regime.

Addressing the national convention of Christians United for Israel, Senator John McCain discusses the danger of the Iranian threat to Israel and to the Jewish people.

John McCain, "John McCain Addresses the Christians United for Israel" (speech, National Convention of Christians United for Israel, Washington, DC, Jul 18, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/df96a751-be4f-4275-8d28-2c38ad036983.htm.

Violent Islamic extremists would have us believe that there is only one acceptable religious practice, and that those who diverge from it are not entitled to life or liberty. They are wrong, very, very wrong.

Addressing the national convention of Christians United for Israel, Senator John McCain denounces violent Muslim extremists who claim to represent the one true brand of religion and religious practice.

John McCain, "John McCain Addresses the Christians United for Israel" (speech, National Convention of Christians United for Israel, Washington, DC, Jul 18, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/df96a751-be4f-4275-8d28-2c38ad036983.htm.

If America stands for anything, it stands for the freedom to follow our own minds and hearts, to determine our own relationship with God. I did not realize just how precious this freedom is until it was taken away. As some in this audience may know, I spent several years as a prisoner of war, a time when all my freedoms were rescinded. And yet it was my very faith in a Supreme Being that sustained me and strengthened me while at the hands of my captors.

Addressing the national convention of Christians United for Israel, Senator John McCain emphasizes the importance of his personal faith in surviving his years as a prisoner of war. 

John McCain, "John McCain Addresses the Christians United for Israel" (speech, National Convention of Christians United for Israel, Washington, DC, Jul 18, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/df96a751-be4f-4275-8d28-2c38ad036983.htm.

Our founders built in this nation an amazing thing - a democracy that guarantees the right of every citizen to worship God in the way that they choose. We must protect that freedom here in our own country by ensuring that judges do not legislate from the bench to remove religion from the public squares of our communities. And we must support its expansion abroad by standing with those whom, because of their religion and their values, come under threat.

Addressing the national convention of Christians United for Israel, Senator John McCain highlights religious freedom as one of the most important of American values.  Because of this, McCain explains that the United States must ensure freedom of religion both in its own courts and abroad.

John McCain, "John McCain Addresses the Christians United for Israel" (speech, National Convention of Christians United for Israel, Washington, DC, Jul 18, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/df96a751-be4f-4275-8d28-2c38ad036983.htm.

We are two democracies whose alliance is forged in our common values. To be proudly pro-American and pro-Israeli is not to hold conflicting loyalties. It is about defending the principles that both countries hold dear. That is why today I stand as I believe so many of you do: a Christian, proudly pro-American and proudly pro-Israel.

Addressing the national convention of Christians United for Israel, Senator John McCain explains the Christian foundations of his support for both Israel and the United States.

John McCain, "John McCain Addresses the Christians United for Israel" (speech, National Convention of Christians United for Israel, Washington, DC, Jul 18, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/df96a751-be4f-4275-8d28-2c38ad036983.htm.

This Long War is not with Islam but within Islam - a small minority of extremists against the majority of moderates. My administration would pour far more resources into helping moderate Muslims - women's rights campaigners, labor leaders, tolerant imams, lawyers, journalists, and many others - resist a well-financed campaign of extremism that is tearing their societies apart.

In his remarks to the Concord Chamber of Commerce, Senator John McCain clarifies the misconception that the war on terror is against Islam and cites ways that he will work to support moderate Islam if elected president.

John McCain, "Senator McCain Addresses the Concord Chamber of Commerce" (speech, Concord Chamber of Commerce, Concord, NH, Jul 13, 2007), http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/73b7abb7-776d-4842-afb6-1ef97ed762c5.htm.

The Bible for me is the word of God.  I also believe that Jesus Christ is my savior.

During the Presidential Candidates Forum radio broadcast from Des Moines, Iowa, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney speaks on his personal religious beliefs.

Mitt Romney, cited in "Romney courts the conservative GOP, faces questions," USA Today [online], Jun 30, 2007, http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-06-30-romney_N.htm?csp=34.

During the Presidential Candidates Forum radio broadcast from Des Moines, Iowa, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney answers a question regarding which sources of inspiration he would utilize in making decisions as president.

Mitt Romney, cited in "Romney courts the conservative GOP, faces questions," USA Today [online], Jun 30, 2007, http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-06-30-romney_N.htm?csp=34.

So doing the Lord's work is a thread that's run through our politics since the very beginning. And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America means faith should have no role in public life. Imagine Lincoln's Second Inaugural without its reference to "the judgments of the Lord." Or King's "I Have a Dream" speech without its reference to "all of God's children." Or President Kennedy's Inaugural without the words, "here on Earth, God's work must truly be our own." At each of these junctures, by summoning a higher truth and embracing a universal faith, our leaders inspired ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. 

In his speech describing the faith-based side of politics, Senator Barack Obama defends the integration of religious values with public life by citing historical uses of religious language.

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

But somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and started being used to drive us apart. It got hijacked. Part of it's because of the so-called leaders of the Christian Right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us. At every opportunity, they've told evangelical Christians that Democrats disrespect their values and dislike their Church, while suggesting to the rest of the country that religious Americans care only about issues like abortion and gay marriage; school prayer and intelligent design. There was even a time when the Christian Coalition determined that its number one legislative priority was tax cuts for the rich. I don't know what Bible they're reading, but it doesn't jibe with my version.

In his speech at the United Church of Christ annual conference, Senator Barack Obama accuses the Christian right of attempting to "hijack" faith in an effort to divide the American people.

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, United Church of Christ, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

But I'm hopeful because I think there's an awakening taking place in America. People are coming together around a simple truth - that we are all connected, that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper. And that it's not enough to just believe this - we have to do our part to make it a reality. My faith teaches me that I can sit in church and pray all I want, but I won't be fulfilling God's will unless I go out and do the Lord's work.

In his speech at the United Church of Christ annual conference, Senator Barack Obama optimistically explains his faith in the promise and the future of American people. He states his belief that recognizing this promise is a start, but actually performing God's work is what will ultimately improve the world. 

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, United Church of Christ, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

Yet what we also understand is that our values should express themselves not just through our churches or synagogues, temples or mosques; they should express themselves through our government. Because whether it's poverty or racism, the uninsured or the unemployed, war or peace, the challenges we face today are not simply technical problems in search of the perfect ten-point plan. They are moral problems, rooted in both societal indifference and individual callousness - in the imperfections of man.

In his speech at the United Church of Christ annual conference, Senator Barack Obama defends the incorporation of religious values in government because, as he explains, the current political issues facing the American people are questions of morality. 

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, United Church of Christ, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

In his speech at the United Church of Christ annual conference, Senator Barack Obama asserts his belief that the God does not belong to one church, one people, or one political party.

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, United Church of Christ, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

So let's rededicate ourselves to a new kind of politics - a politics of conscience. Let's come together - Protestant and Catholic, Muslim and Hindu and Jew, believer and non-believer alike. We're not going to agree on everything, but we can disagree without being disagreeable. We can affirm our faith without endangering the separation of church and state, as long as we understand that when we're in the public square, we have to speak in universal terms that everyone can understand. And if we can do that - if we can embrace a common destiny - then I believe we'll not just help bring about a more hopeful day in America, we'll not just be caring for our own souls, we'll be doing God's work here on Earth.

In his speech at the United Church of Christ annual conference, Senator Barack Obama asks people of all religions to put aside their differences in an effort to bring a new sense of morality into government.

Barack Obama, "A Politics of Conscience" (speech, United Church of Christ, Hartford, CT, Jun 23, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/23/a_politics_of_conscience_1.php.

Family-oriented American people, God-fearing people who love liberty, who will sacrifice for liberty, that is the source of America's strength.  It always has been, it always will be.

At an appearance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney discusses the importance of family values in the United States.

Mitt Romney, cited in "Romney Touts Family Values," Des Moines Register [online], Jun 17, 2007, http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070617/NEWS09/706170338/1056/NEWS09.

The Catholic Church was forced to end its adoption service, which was crucial in helping the state find homes for some of our most difficult to place children. Why? Because the Church favors placements in homes with a mother and a father. Now, even religious freedom was being trumped by the new-found 'right' of gay marriage. I immediately drafted and introduced legislation to grant religious liberty protection, but the legislature wouldn't even take it up. 

Several Republican presidential candidates addressed the annual National Right to Life Convention Forum, held this year in Kansas City, Missouri.  In his speech to the convention, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney describes his opposition to his state's decision to legalize gay marriage.

Mitt Romney, "Governor Mitt Romney's Remarks at the National Right to Life Convention Forum" (speech, National Right to Life Convention Forum, Kansas City, MO, Jun 15, 2007), http://www.mittromney.com/News/Speeches/National_Right_To_Life_Convention_Forum.

I have been enveloped and protected by my faith and I have been sustained by the prayers and the faith of so many; some whom I know, who have been part of prayer groups for me, and some whom I will never meet; some who I might meet in a fleeting way as I shake hands on a street and the handshake lingers longer as someone looks into my eyes and says, “I’m praying for you.” 

In her speech at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the importance of her personal faith and her appreciation of those who have supported her through prayer.

Much of what I advocate comes from my personal experience and it is informed by my faith. I’m a Methodist and “Faith in Action” was the rallying cry of my Methodist upbringing. And, of course, I know faith without works is dead. But work without faith is too hard. So we have to figure out how to have that impetus that comes from our faith in order to demonstrate it. And I see the opportunity to serve as a means of doing that.

In her speech at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton cites her personal religious values as an important base for her issue positions and her reason for being involved in politics. 

You give them the hope that comes from that personal relationship with Christ. Those of us in politics who are motivated by our faith must also look for ways on the political level we can provide hope as well.

In her speech at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton praises the audience of Hispanic ministry for their ability to provide hope to the people of their communities and notes that herself and other politicians who consider themselves people of faith must work to provide the same for the American peopole.

During the third Republican presidential candidates debate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani explains that he does not tailor his policy decisions to the views of the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, but rather makes the decisions based on personal morality and faith.

Rudolph Giuliani, cited in "Third G.O.P. Debate," New York Times [online], http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/us/politics/05cnd-transcript.html.

And my view on abortion is that it’s wrong, but that ultimately government should not be enforcing that decision on a woman. That’s — that is my view that I — I consult my religion, I consult my reading of the Constitution, I consult my views of what I think are important in a pluralistic society, and the reality that we have to respect the fact that there are people that are equally as religious, equally as moral that make a different decision about this. And should government put them in jail?

During the third Republican presidential candidates debate former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani responds to a question about his support of abortion rights in spite of the position of the Roman Catholic Church by adopting a legalistic approach.

Rudolph Giuliani, cited in "Third G.O.P. Debate," New York Times [online], http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/us/politics/05cnd-transcript.html.

In the first Republican presidential candidates debate, Senator Sam Brownback was one of three candidates to raise his hand when asked who does not believe in evolution. During the third debate, Brownback responds to a follow-up question regarding evolution by explaining that while he believes that God played a role in creation, science can be incorporated into this religious understanding.

Sam Brownback, cited in "Third G.O.P. Debate," New York Times [online], http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/us/politics/05cnd-transcript.html. 

During the third Republican presidential candidates debate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney addresses a question regarding popular distrust of his Mormon faith by emphasizing the similarities between traditional Christian tenets and the beliefs of the Mormon religion.

Mitt Romney, cited in "Third G.O.P. Debate," New York Times [online], http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/us/politics/05cnd-transcript.html.

MR. BLITZER: Mayor Giuliani, what is the most pressing moral issue in America today?

 

MR. GIULIANI: We have great resources in this country. And watching the strength of America when we believe in the essential ideals that we have, they’re not just American ideals, they come from God. And I think it’s our moral obligation to find the right way to share that with the rest of the world.

During the third Republican presidential candidates debate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani explains that he believes the most important moral issue affecting America is its obligation to spread American's God-given ideals throughout the world. Earlier in the response, he delineates these ideals as "freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom for the individual, [and] the right to elect our own officials." 

Rudolph Giuliani, cited in "Transcript: Third G.O.P. Debate," New York Times [online], http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/us/politics/05cnd-transcript.html.

But despite this extraordinary generosity, here we are 19 months later - or 15 years later in the case of LA -- and the homes haven't been built, the businesses haven't returned, and those same communities are still drowning and smoldering under the same hopelessness as before the tragedy hit. And so God is asking us today to remember that miracle of that baby. And He is asking us to take that bullet out once more.

In his speech to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference regarding the value of faith in community building and in policy decisions, Senator Barack Obama explains that God asking the American people to help in the rebuilding process following natural and man-made disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Los Angeles riots of 1992.

Barack Obama, "Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference" (speech, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, Jun 5, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/05/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_14.php.

And when it comes to faith, we've been told that all that matters is what divides us - Evangelicals from Mainline Protestants, the Black church from the White church, Catholics from Protestants from Muslims from Jews.

And when we try to have an honest debate about the crises we face, whether it's from the pulpit or the campaign trail, the pundits don't want us to find common ground, they want us to find someone to blame. They want to divide us into Red States and Blue States, and tell us to always point the finger at somebody else - the other party, or gay people, or people of faith, or immigrants.

This journey teaches us that they are going to keep driving that wedge; they are going to keep the distraction going. They are going to keep our faiths separate until we shout from the mountain top, "Our Father who art in heaven, we are going to take the bullets out. We believe in your will and your way."

In his speech to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference regarding the value of faith in community building and in policy decisions, Senator Barack Obama explains that while many try and use faith to divide, Americans should use faith to overcome the divisiveness that plagues the country.

Barack Obama, "Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference" (speech, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, Jun 5, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/05/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_14.php.

Right here in this room, we believe that God is big enough to overcome the smallness of our politics; that He is big enough to overcome our doubts and our cynicism and our worries; that He is big enough to love children of every color and creed and political label.

Ministers, it's time to unite behind our faith and help all of God's children around the world and here at home realize that we are all surgeons. Our faith, the word and his will are the instruments we need to take the bullets out.

In his speech to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference regarding the value of faith in community building and in policy decisions, Senator Barack Obama speaks of the magnitude of God's acceptance and tolerance, and asks the audience to unite together and heal the wounds of division.

Barack Obama, "Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference" (speech, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, Jun 5, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/05/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_14.php.

As president, I will do more to strengthen support to state correctional systems so that ex-offenders can meet their parole requirements without worrying about losing their jobs. I will create a prison-to-work incentive program, modeled on the successful Welfare-to-Work program. It would create strong ties with employers, job training agencies and ex-offenders to improve job retention rates. And I will reach out to all the Reverends and engage faith-based organizations to provide support for ex-offenders and their families, both during incarceration and after. We can do that for our families. Our God is a forgiving God. He's certainly big enough for that.

In his speech to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference regarding the value of faith in community building and in policy decisions, Senator Barack Obama details his proposed plan to rehabilitate criminal offenders and to help people ease off of welfare, claiming that God would support the plan because He is forgiving.

Barack Obama, "Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference" (speech, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, Jun 5, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/05/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_14.php.

We all know that our faith will be tested and challenged. It happens to each and every one of us. As some of you know, during the 2004 U.S. Senate General Election I ran against a gentleman named Alan Keyes. Mr. Keyes is well-versed in the Pat Robertson style of rhetoric that often labels progressives as both immoral and godless.

Indeed, Mr. Keyes announced toward the end of the campaign that, "Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama. Christ would not vote for Barack Obama because Barack Obama has behaved in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved." Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama.

It nagged at me in that campaign because I did not respond with the full force of what I found that Sunday morning at United Church of Christ: that our faith can never be used as a driving force to divide us. That with a big God, with a loving and forceful God we need to unite in His name to finish His work on earth.

In his speech to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference regarding the value of faith in community building and in policy decisions, Senator Barack Obama recalls his response to his former opponent Alan Keyes' charge that Jesus Christ would not have voted for him, echoing his belief that faith should not be used to divide, but to unite Americans.

Barack Obama, "Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Hampton University Annual Ministers' Conference" (speech, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, Jun 5, 2007), http://www.barackobama.com/2007/06/05/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_14.php.

During a forum sponsored by CNN and Sojouners, a Christian organization dedicated to social justice, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton responds to a very personal question regarding her faith during her time in the White House. Here, Clinton explains that difficult situations serve as tests of faith and in order to survive these situations, one's faith must remain strong. 

Hillary Rodham Clinton, cited in "Special Edition: Sojourners Presidential Forum," The Situation Room [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/sitroom.03.html. 

ZAHN: You had an enormous tragedy strike your life when you lost your first wife and your daughter in a tragic accident.

Did you blame God for your loss?

BIDEN: Well, I have to admit to you, initially, I did.

See, I have been raised -- born and raised a Catholic. It's part of my culture, as well as my religious faith. And I found I was -- I was really angry. And, for about eight or nine months, I couldn't understand how that could happen.

But my mom has an expression. Out of everything terrible, something good will happen, if you look hard enough for it, and God sends no cross that you cannot bear.

And it took a while, but, with a lot of help and rejuvenation of my faith, I was able to deal with it. And a lot of other people have dealt with things worse than I have.

ZAHN: So, your faith was never tested so badly that you gave up on God? It was tested. You were angry.

BIDEN: Well, I temporarily did. I was angry. I came out, and I can remember -- I wish I could say I was a better man, but I remember looking up at the Capitol dome and saying, God, why did you -- you know, I was really, really angry.

And it's one of the only -- it's the only public conversation I have ever had with God. And I'm not proud of it. But -- but I was angry. 

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Joe Biden discusses the impact of the death of his first wife and daughter in an accident upon his Catholic faith. 

Joseph Biden, Jr., "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html. 

ZAHN: ...I know some candidates are more open about -- others about talking about their prayer and -- and how they communicate with God.

Do you pray every day?

BIDEN: Well, I do. I actually say the rosary every day.

But, you know, the thing is, I was raised in a tradition, eight years with the nuns, four years with the priests. We learned a lot about the Pharisees. And we -- we worried about those people who -- we were taught about the people who only talk to God, and they're the only ones that know God, and the ones who talk about talking to God.

It's always been as part of my sort of Irish Catholic culture that -- that it was not something that you talked about. It's something you did. Everything was judged by your deeds. What did you do? Your deeds would speak. As Lincoln said, to paraphrase him, you know, don't -- don't judge my religion by my words. Judge whether I have religion by my deeds. 

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Joe Biden discusses his observance of the Rosary as well as the difference between words and deeds in matters of faith. 

Joseph Biden, cited in "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html.

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Joe Biden responds to CNN anchor Paula Zahn's question about forgiveness in the face of evil.

Joseph Biden, cited in "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html.

ZAHN: Do you think God takes sides, let's say, for example...

BIDEN: No.

ZAHN: ... in this war in Iraq and in this war on terror?

BIDEN: No, I -- I don't think take -- I don't think God takes sides.

But I do think there is -- it's not moral relativism. I think there's good and there's bad. There's evil and there's not. Those engaging in the brutal elimination of women and children, suicide bombers, I think God -- I think there's a royal -- I think there's a place in hell for them.

But those who believe that the Sharia should be the law of the land, that -- that is, the Koran, you know, their religion, they think God is on their side.

Every country -- let's think how many people have died in the name of God, based on the wars, the religious wars, we have had. So, I think -- I think we should pray not that God is on our side, but we're on God's side.

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Joe Biden responds to CNN anchor Paula Zahn's question about the relationship between God and policy, expressing his belief in absolute good and evil.

Joseph Biden, cited in "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html.

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Joe Biden responds to CNN anchor Paula Zahn's question about why Democrats have had difficulty of capturing the religious vote in the past.

Joseph Biden, cited in "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html.

ZAHN: ...I know you have talked quite openly about your faith and the influence your grandmother had on you. And you said, "My abuelita also made sure I said my prayers in Spanish every night before going to bed."

 

Do you still pray every day?

 

RICHARDSON: Yes, I pray. And I consider myself a good Catholic?

 

From my grandmother and my Catholic faith, I believe I have gotten my sense of social justice, which basically is protecting those that are poor, that have been left behind. And I'm inspired policy- wise whenever I am pressed to push legislation like increasing the minimum wage, doing something about child poverty, insuring kids under 5.

 

I think that's part of my values. That's part of my faith. I also believe, Paula, protecting this planet and -- and finding ways to -- to make sure that we don't end up in -- in a sea of greenhouse gas emissions that are going to destroy God's creation is also part of a value that I have.

During CNN's special look at faith and politics among the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson affirms his commitment to prayer and describes in general terms the impact that his Catholic faith has had on his politics.

Bill Richardson, cited in "Politics & Religion: Democratic Presidential Candidates on Faith," Paula Zahn Now [television], CNN (Jun 4, 2007), http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/04/pzn.01.html.

ZAHN: ...The one big area of division [between your politics and Catholic faith] is where you stand on abortion. You are pro-choice.

 

Do you ever worry that, when you meet your maker, you're going to have to defend yourself?

 

RICHARDSON: Well, I am comfortable with that decision.

 

I -- I don't like abortions. If I'm president, I will have a national goal to reduce abortions. I believe very strongly that we have got to promote initiatives to reduce abortions, to promote adoptions, to find ways also that we promote sexual education and family planning.

 

So, I believe this is a matter between a woman and her God. It's not a matter for politicians to decide. I respect the leadership of the pope and my archbishop, who disagrees with me. But I think he is tolerant of my view, as long as I continue to -- to advance policies of social justice as a human being.

During CNN's special look at faith and poli