Today is the official pub date for The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield. I am very excited about its publication. Of all the books about Obama that have been or will be published, this is the only one I know of that deals exclusively with his faith.
Two years ago, virtually no one outside of the state of Illinois had heard of him. Today, he is a household name, not only in America but around the world. Millions find him to be an inspirational and articulate leader—just what we need at this moment in history. Others find him calculating and dangerous—the same old liberalism in a different package.But love him or hate him, Obama is a force to be reckoned with. He is not going away any time soon, even if he’s not elected this time around. As Mansfield points out, he could run for the presidency as often as he likes over the next 24 years and still be younger than John McCain is today.
And at the center of his identity is his religious faith. As Mansfield himself says, “If a man’s faith is sincere, it is the most important thing about him, and it is impossible to understand who he is and how he will lead without first understanding the religious vision that informs his life.” Obama makes no bones about it: his faith informs every aspect of his political vision.
This is a slim book with a big agenda: to explain Obama’s faith, to put it in historical context, and to explore what it might mean for our collective future.
Here are five reasons why I think The Faith of Barack Obama is important:
- The book explains Obama’s drive and vision for America. As the CEO of a Christian publishing company, I am fascinated by the fact that Obama’s religious faith is at the center of who he is. Believed by supporters or disputed by detractors, it seems clear to me that Obama’s faith is the fuel of all that he has achieved and the source of his greatest challenges in his pursuit of the presidency.
Obama is the first liberal presidential candidate in a generation to speak openly about his Christian faith. Is that faith sincere? I have been surprised by the adamant opinions of people who have yet to read Mansfield’s book and stridently insist that Obama’s faith is a sham. Frankly, I don’t think it is helpful to dismiss him so quickly. There is too much at stake not to dig deeper and attempt to understand what motivates him.
- The book counters many of the myths about Obama’s faith. Scores of these have circulated on the Internet. You’ve probably heard most of them: “Obama is a radical Muslim who will not recite the pledge of allegiance.” “Obama was sworn into office on the Quran.” “The Book of Revelation describes the anti-Christ as someone with characteristics matching those of Barack Obama.” The list goes on. The only thing these myths all have in common is that they are false.
It is true that Obama was raised in a non-Christian home, under the influence of an agnostic mother and a Muslim father. Mansfield explores how that shaped Obama and continues to influence his religious vision. But he also describes Obama’s remarkable conversion to Christianity after working in Chicago’s inner city and how even today he describes himself as “a follower of Jesus Christ.”
- The book explores the difficult aspects of Obama’s faith. Mansfield discusses Obama’s membership at the controversial Trinity United Church of Christ under the pulpit of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He even reports first-hand from the church, after sitting through a Sunday morning service and then interacting with the parishioners. In doing so, he provides a broader faith context than you get from the endless loops of media sound bites.
Probably the biggest objection traditional evangelicals have to Obama is his support of abortion rights. Many evangelicals, including some well-known authors, have told me that this is the only thing that is keeping them from voting for Obama in November. Mansfield deals with this issue head-on and explores the rationale for Obama’s position.
- The book provides a window into contemporary Christian culture. Mansfield contends that Obama’s popularity represents a fundamental shift in the religious landscape. For the first time since Jimmy Carter, many younger evangelicals (and even a few older ones) are embracing an agenda that is religiously conservative and politically liberal.
In this new, post-religious right environment, these evangelicals feel no obligation to vote Republican. In fact, they see it as their Christian duty to vote against a party they believe has pilfered the economy, savaged the environment, and propagated a needless and costly war.
Whatever one’s take on Obama himself, his message clearly resonates with these voters. And if you want to understand what’s going on culturally and politically in America today, Obama’s life and faith serve as an important vantage point.
- The book provides a new model for public discourse. This is probably the thing I personally enjoyed the most about the book. When I was a young boy, my grandmother loved to watch professional wrestling. We used to laugh at her, knowing that the wrestlers were merely performers entertaining an audience.
But since the late 1980s, we have had to endure a form of “intellectual mud wrestling.” Pundits have sensationalized the issues and polarized the American public—all in the name of building a larger audience for themselves and their advertisers. Something is dreadfully wrong, and I, for one, am tired of it.
Mansfield takes the admonition of the Apostle James seriously: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (1:19-20).
In my view, we need more listening and less talking. We need to understand our opponents point-of-view before we start criticizing it. And most of all, we need to treat everyone with respect and dignity, even those with whom we violently disagree on the issues. Mansfield models that in a way that I find very compelling.
Mansfield, who also wrote the New York Times bestseller, The Faith of George W. Bush, states clearly that he does not intend to vote for Obama. Nevertheless, he believes it is crucial we understand the faith that drives the man who may be the next president of the United States. Unless we do so, we may very well find ourselves fighting yesterday’s battles and missing the opportunity to have a richer dialog about what it means to practice our faith in the public square.
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@Jennie: I hate to disappoint you, but I am not going to delete your comment. If you said you read it, I will take you at your word.
As I have said repeatedly, our goal is not to advocate for or against Obama, but to help people understand him. And along the way, we want to help people understand post-modern, Christian culture.
As far as me being a liberal, hardly. I am one of the most conservative people you could ever meet. I just don’t believe I have to hate those I disagree with to prove it.
Kind regards.
Not only am I going to buy a copy and put real $$ into the system :), but I’m also a fairly conservative Christian thinking American who’s probably going to vote for Obama because I’m tired of just voting for “the lesser of two evils” all the time. He can’t get into the White House without the Lord anyway – and I’d rather be inspired to something higher than be pulled down into the muck that’s exposing itself in some of the comments above.
Was that too harsh? :)
It’s not the narrow- or closed-minded that frighten me. It’s those with their minds made up so staunchly and harshly that any new ideas that might crack their crusty foundations.
I’m reading it now (planning to review it! Thank you, Thomas Nelson!)
I think it’s a great book. Personally, I’m enjoying more as an overall look at the religious/political climate of America. The Obama stuff seems well researched and documented.
Of course, I’m drawing conclusions about Obama’s faith…but I’m also reading some stellar investigative research on the culture in which I live and move.
May just have to get a copy of this book from the library. I’ve seen and heard lots of conflicting stories about Obama–from faith to politics to personal character. It’s a confusing time, indeed. And more information that is truthful and accurate is always greatly appreciated.
I agree with Jennie, but not quite as angrily. Mike you write our “goal is not to advocate for or against Obama, but to help people understand him.” Where do you draw the line. Larry Flint, the publisher of Penthouse claims some faith. Would you do a bio of him? What about other sexually deviant people? Why not do a pictoral book detailing rape, sodomy, and child abuse? Wouldn’t that “help people understand sexual deviant individuals more?”
I don’t see any reason why a Christian publisher would want to be involved in the advocating the faith of Obama. It implies (even though you deny it) that you supporting the notion he is a believing Christian. When you deny it as you do, it seems like you’re just in it for money (even though you say not).
I also think it is in bad taste to delete people’s comments. You can do what you want – it is your blog. But when you go around deleting people who you don’t agree with, the reader wonders how many times you do this to spin things to your favor (I know you said only twice). It also makes it seem like you can’t play well with others – you go out of your way to be a public personality yet when things don’t go your way, you retreat.
Other than that I usually like your blog.
I read and reviewed the book. It was an incredible TRUTHFUL look at the man that is Barack Obama. Thank you Thomas Nelson for being a Christian Publishing Company that tells the truth about Him rather than wallowing in the murky, mushy falsified claims about him. (Anti-Christ people? Come on)! To read my review, go to: youthmaster.blogspot.com
I just finished my copy. Thomas Nelson, you have been raped if you paid Stephen Mansfield one thin dime to write this book. It has already been written. Obama wrote it. It’s called the Audacity of Hope. I read a lot of it lastnight and today too. Obama does not believe the Bible. He denies everything Jesus Christ ever taught.
I cannot believe your name (well, your emblem) is on the spine of this blasphemous volume. You have been raped big time.
As I have said before, I don’t mind anyone disagreeing with Mr. Obama. I certainly don’t agree with him on many things. However, I believe Christians should disagree in a way that honors God and manifests the fruit of the Spirit.
Well-reasoned, fact-based arguments are certainly more compelling than ad hominem attacks.
I apologize if I spoke in anger earlier. I never would have picked up The Faith of Obama or The Audacity of Hope had I not been reading this blog. A great deal of ignorance would have been mine had I not done the reading.
I have been challenged. I have been frightened. I just shudder to think what we are facing in November. The foundation is about to shift in this nation – regardless of who sits in the Oval Office during the next four years. But if this candidate is elected, Christians better be prepared to give up a lot of their blood-bought freedoms. Prayer is our mightiest weapon right now, and I know I’m begging God’s mercy for our nation.
Ad hominem attacks can be legitimate at times.
I think this is one of those times. You write that “I believe Christians should disagree in a way that honors God and manifests the fruit of the Spirit.”
That is appropriate as Phil 4:8 says “whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
ad hominem is Latin for an “argument against the man.” It is appropriate at times to attack a man when they are evil. Obama is evil and it is appropriate to attack him in such a manner. His belief system is non-Christian.
He can call himself whatever he wants, but he is evil. He advocates the murder of babies. Like it or not, partial birth abortion is plain old murder. He says that he won’t even give doctors the option to not do partial birth abortions because of moral reasons.
In the Old Testament, these people were called Mollites and God said they were evil and his people should have nothing to do with them. As such why do you think you or your company should be associated with and promoting him.
That is why you are getting all this hate mail. People are upset over your sin. What you are doing is no different than Ted Haggard did with the gay prostitute. Why do you expect people to respond differently to your sin?
I didn’t read the whole book, I just skimmed it at my local bookstore, but what I did read disgusted me. I’d suggest you repent of your sin, offer an apology to Christians for your bad judgement, and pull the book.
Ad hominem arguments may sometimes be legitimate, but they are rarely effective. Your comment is proof of that. It only polarizes people further and adds nothing to the conversation.
We are not promoting Barack Obama, and your assertion to the contrary is not proof. Stephen Mansfield, the author, has made it crystal clear he will not vote for Mr. Obama precisely because of his views on abortion. Yet, he believes it is important to understand the man and his faith perspective.
You may disagree, and that is your right. But what are you so afraid of that you would suggest we pull the book? I think readers are fully capable of reading the book, assessing the facts, and making up their own minds.
I find it fascinating that you would make such strong accusations and indeed condemnations—especially in light of the fact that you have not even read the book. Proverbs 18:13 says, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”
P.S. For the record, I’ve had less than six negative comments and only two negative emails.
I have yet to have the chance to get my hands on the book (I’m hoping to read it in the near future) but have enjoyed the conversation that is taking place here. Not knowing the catalog of of Thomas Nelson, I was wondering if there was a book about the Republican candidate, John McCain? Also, would this book still have been released had he not gotten this far in the election process? Just wondering.
Thanks again for allowing this conversation to continue.
I am a pro-life Christian, and I support Obama. My reasons are complex and need not be brought up here. But the implications that some of my brothers and sisters make against Obama are especially troubling. If, by the standards of some of these vitriolic respondents, Obama is not a Christian, neither is Bush. None of us is!
I think Obama is completely wrong on abortion, just like I thought Bush was completely wrong on Iraq. Obama’s decisions would lead to the deaths of thousands of the unborn. Bush’s decisions have led to the deaths of thousands of Iraqi children.
God forgive me for saying so, but part of me rejoices at the prospects that George Bush might get his in Hell. I repent of this thought every time it enters my mind. As wrong as I think Bush has been, I am in no position to question the sincerity of his faith. God knows the heart.
The same applies to Obama. Yes, he is wrong on abortion. And some of his views about Jesus are probably heresy. On the other hand, Bush is clearly a Manichean (Google it), and so are some of those who have commented on this blog. Most people hold heretical opinions at some level. Just ask them to explain the Trinity! If God judged us on the rightness or wrongness of our opinions, we would all be damned.
The question is, can a Christian be in error? For the sake of my Christian grandmother, who thinks that “coloreds” are inferior to whites, I sure hope so.
What is really troubling about all of this is the implication that a person cannot be a Democrat and a Christian, or even politically liberal and a Christian. This means that not only is Obama going to Hell, but so are all of his supporters.
By the way, does a Christian company’s decision to print a book about a man that some Christians think is fraud make the company itself not Christian? That means that two or more Christians can’t have a difference of opinion. So, which Christian gets to decide who is right?
I am reading a review copy right now and I will hold my opinion of the book until I am done.
However, I do agree with Rick who says that he is tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I also find it odd how we Christians stand up so adamantly against certain injustices but turn a blind eye to others. Kim mentioned “blood bought” freedoms. Who’s blood?
Jesus taught in love. We blame persons who are pro choice for the high abortion rate instead of figuring out why so many young (and older, mature) people fall prey to adultry and fornication. Its not just women who were raised in liberal homes having abortions; women we were raised in conservative, bible thumping homes are having them as well. Why? Its a lack of faith in GOD and the hypocrisy of the Christian church. So much – from slavery to the high obesity rate in the church – has been swept under the rug. My generation longs for realness, understanding, and honesty — things that political conservatives have failed to honor.
Abortion is the result of us, I include myself, Christians failing to meet the needs and the pain of the people. So, why beat up on a person who says he is a pro choice Christian? GOD gives each of use a choice on whether or not we will serve him; what we put into our bodies; and how we serve him. Being a Christian is not about where we’ve been, or what “fruit” have manifested from our lives. Its about the condition of our hearts and only GOD can determine what state its in.
@Adam: I am not aware of a book about McCain’s faith. Unfortunately, he doesn’t talk about it much, so I think it would be difficult to do a whole book about it. Regardless, Stephen does talk about both McCain and Hillary Clinton’s faith in his book about Obama. In fact, he uses their different perspectives as examples of the different streams of contemporary Christianity. It’s fascinating.
And, no, I don’t think we probably would have done the book if Obama wasn’t the presumptive candidate. The fact that he has a good shot at becoming the next president makes the topic particularly relevant.
Thanks.
I think the issue becomes one of values. As a Christian I never could sell out my faith for profit like you did Mike.
You say you haven’t had many negative comments. I’d say that is more a reflection on your audience than it is a pulse of Christian America.
I’m Southern Baptist and from my perspective, this book is trash. I did read parts of it online and saw the Sean Hanity interview.
No real Christian thinks of Obama as a fellow believer. He even rejects the notion of the Trinity.
I think your previous blog post says it all – you did it for book sales. Why don’t you fess up to that and not pretend that it is about letting us average people know more about Obama. That wasn’t your intent.
BTW, maybe if you spent less time blogging you’d have more time to run your company and all those folks you layed off last year wouldn’t have lost their jobs!
Mike i want to know more about Obama…
Mike, my copy finally came yesterday, so I’m hoping to pick back in in Chapter 3 tonight. I read the intro and two chapters that came by email. So far I find it fascinating. I appreciate Stephen Mansfield’s work. My initial impression is that I wish other books about prominent public figures could be more like this. It’s not a puff-piece, and it’s not a hatchet job. It’s an attempt to understand a man and the issues surrounding him.
I appreciate you making this book available to bloggers to review.
@Winter I admit I work for Thomas Nelson and so you might think that is my motivation for joining in this conversation, but honestly I just can not let your comments go without saying a few things.
1. I have always believed that “real” Christians left judgment up to God. 2. Mike Hyatt is a tremendous leader. He uses his blog as a way to engage his employees and be transparent. I, for one, appreciate his strength and honesty.
Winter,
You must have been drunk off your @$$ when you wrote that.
On behalf of the SBC, I’d like to say to MH and the rest of the people on this blog, that Winter is an idiot, and represents only himself.
Even though I wholeheartedly disagree with Obama’s politics and doctrine, I think his faith DOES MATTER. Considering he’s a real shot at running this country for the next 8-years.
I got the book Monday and I’m on chapter five.
Regardless of what your political slant may be, every Christian should want to know what a man who influences this many people believes.
The book is very informative and not at all biased. Objective writing at it’s finest.
A full review is coming on my blog.
Michael E. Waddell
co-author Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons From The Toys You Loved As A Child
toyboxleadership.com
michaelewadddell.com
Having just finished the book, it amazes me that some readers have come away feeling that Thomas Nelson published propaganda for the Obama campaign. I can only conclude that they either did not read the book, or allowed their own biases to see any positive statement about Obama as promotion of his agenda. No single book can – or at least should – change a person’s mind about a candidate, especially without adequate time to fully reflect on it, but, initially, this book has left me (still a supporter) somewhat less comfortable with Obama.
Thank you, Michael, for the book and the opportunity to offer my thoughts on it. Might have gone too far, though. I did a 5-part review series. Just posted the final installment (with links to the first 4) here. Thought you might be interested.
Grace and Peace,
Raffi Shahinian
Parables of a Prodigla World
Mr. Hyatt,
I posted a review of The Faith of Barack Obama.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in the future of our country.
Thank you for the opportunity to review the book.
God Bless,
Chad
I’ll stick to books you offer from John MacArthur. I’ve been so thankful over the years for his sound teaching, and that Thomas Nelson has published his works. Dr. MacArthur swims upstream, unashamedly teaching the Gospel According to Jesus, to take a title from his best selling book.
I must say that I was sickened when I heard you were publishing a book on Obama’s faith. Certainly his claims to being a Christian provoke a discussion that needs to be had. But since you’re a professed Christian Publisher, unless the book dismantles any claim Obama lays to Christianity, it’s an offense to God and will only further damage what it means to have true saving faith in Christ alone. Obama’s faith derives from Black Liberation Theology – a social gospel. The Gospel is not about doing social good, protecting the environment, or pushing diversity and choice. It’s about sinners at war with God, falling on their face at the foot of the cross, and being pardoned by a loving Savior who has every right to condemn us for eternity.
We can’t have it both ways. There’s only one Gospel, and one faith that saves. Which one is it? MacArthur’s version, taught soundly from the New Testament, or Obama’s, formed from wide-road, post-modern liberal thinking?
Respectfully, I encourage you to ask Dr. MacArthur what he thinks of the decision to publish the Obama book. You’ve published his books for many years now, and must know him well. He’s much more qualified than I am, and a Christian who walks the walk much better than I could ever hope to do.
Obama + President= Cuba. Enough said.
I have read all the comments. Where can I read the reviews? 100 people read Mansfield’s book and agreed to review it. Can you point me to those reviews? Thank you. (I got here via Tim Challies. He posted your blog in his A La Carte section today.)
@Jackie,
You can see the actual reviews here.
Thanks,
Mike
Just in case you’re getting overwhelmed by many of the responses, please know that this is a book that I would be very interested in reading. As a twentysomething, I can’t help but think that when someone is unashamed to claim Christ as his or her savior, then we should at least hear him or her out.
I am so sick of watered-down Christianity and “Christian” publishers and magazines promoting liberal views as being of Christ. It’s a bunch of garbage, and whether Obama has sincere “faith” or not, it’s not the faith of a true follower of Christ. You know, guys, the Bible is MANDATORY, not an optional part of the Christian faith, and I sure feel sorry for many of you and pray you “get it”, let your name not be written in the lambs book of life, and you be cast into the fiery pit of hell. Don’t let the devil deceive you! Get your life right!
I just stumbled unto this blog accidentally today. I am very impressed that Michael did not dignify Allison’s passionate unsubstantiated accusatory response (essentially accusing him of being a watered-down Christian) with a comment. As followers of Christ (Christians), we know that the bible clearly states Judge Not. I would refer Allison to Matthew 7 vs 1 to 5; being careful to pray first for the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom in interpreting it as in applies to Obama and being a true follower of Christ. Allison, only GOD can judge him, not you. I suggest, that as a Christian, and being “our brother’s keeper”, you pray diligently for Obama. With your strong faith surely you must know that will have an effect and we must uphold all our leaders to God in prayer. God can and does work in the hearts of people. That will go further for good, and to the glory of GOD than accusing innocent people and organizations. God Bless.