Comments on: Obama Hasn’t Chosen a Church

By: Lex Fear

Lex Fear — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:37:01 +0000

Whatever belief Obama declares when he makes his public speeches or fulfils his public role, it’s for no-one to say whether he *personally* attends a church, mosque, temple or bathroom.

@martymankis: Going to church is as much a personal decision as not going, it’s nothing to do with public service, it’s the media and bloggers that keeps this in the spotlight, not Christians.

And I am amazed at how many atheists think they know what goes on inside a church or what the point of attendance is.

FYI for all the Matt 6 scripture quoters – that’s about prayer in context of a mostly religious society, not church fellowship.

No Christian protests that atheists should not meet together for your religion-bashing. Why care or protest against Christians meeting together for worship and fellowship?

By: martymankins

martymankins — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:45:11 +0000

Even with this news, the Obama hating religious kooks will still hate him and make up some sort of reason to keep hating him and plotting his failure.

For me, I wish he would keep his worship and beliefs out of the public spotlight.

By: atomjack

atomjack — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:01:02 +0000

Miko, I’m sure there is some president-grade stimulant to keep the man awake during services. j/k, really, I’d like to see where he does end up, if or when he settles on a church. I pretty much hope he never makes a selection.

By: Miko

Miko — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:26:08 +0000

Obama was one of the best campaigners in history. He’s savvy enough to know that if he goes to church, then there will eventually be pictures of him nodding off in church. I expect that he’ll go for the option of “worshiping in private” if its even remotely tenable politically.

By: Cafeeine

Cafeeine — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:00:54 +0000

It is notable, that whenever single people begin to pray and study on their own, schisms, separations, reformation and new denominations happen.

By: Greta Christina

Greta Christina — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:37:15 +0000

If you’re religious then religion is more than a social construct – it’s the act of serving the deity you believe in.

Yes, I’m aware that believers think that. But given that every piece of “information” we have about religion comes from people — visions, sacred books, religious authorities, parents, etc. — I stand by by statement that religion is a social construct. And the reason going to a house of worship is so strongly emphasized is that that’s how the meme gets perpetuated.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:22:39 +0000

“I think it’s important to remember that religion is a social construct, propped up largely by social agreement. So of course going to church would be seen as important. Without it, the whole system collapses in a couple of generations.”

If you’re religious then religion is more than a social construct – it’s the act of serving the deity you believe in.

Going to church is not “essential” but it’s useful if you believe in God, believe he works through the fellowship of believers and want to continue in your faith.

It’s more a case of genuine concern for Obama’s spiritual well being that interests Christians when it comes to speculating about church attendance.

By: Sven

Sven — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:15:39 +0000

@brad:

Early in Matthew chapter 6, Jesus instructs his followers on how to pray:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Hemant hit it on the head: as the story goes, praying alone in one’s room is the preferred mode of prayer.

By: Secular Planet

Secular Planet — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:14:38 +0000

Actually Christians are suppose to go to church.

According to the churches, yes. And according to Apple, I’m supposed to buy an iPhone.

By: littlejohn

littlejohn — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:09:33 +0000

During the 08 presidential campaign, I got the distinct vibe that neither Obama nor McCain was a believer. They both understood, of course, that an uncloseted atheist could never be elected president, so they faked it.
Did anybody else get that feeling?
Obama still has to fake it of course, since he will likely run for re-election.