The 2012 campaign has placed evangelicals in a paradox. A recent PRRI\/RNS poll reveals that white evangelicals support a Mormon presidential candidate over Obama by an overwhelming 49% margin, but are simultaneously the religious group most likely to say it is important for a presidential candidate to share their religious beliefs (67%).<\/p>\n
While there are plenty of legitimate policy reasons that evangelicals might support Governor Romney, their willingness to overlook their desire for a coreligionist candidate may also have at least something to do with the fact that 24% of them\u2014higher than any other religious group\u2014believe Obama is a Muslim, and even more are unaware (or unconvinced?) he\u2019s a Protestant. What if more evangelicals knew Obama largely shares their religious beliefs?<\/p>\n
That the true religious identity of the world\u2019s most famous, most powerful man could remain a mystery to so many is itself a mystery. Before and especially during his presidency, Obama has been extraordinarily open on matters of faith, providing ample evidence for his repeated claim to be a devout Christian. The evidence may even suggest Obama is our evangelical-in-chief.<\/p>\n