While Obama is seen as less reliant on his religious beliefs than Bush, the public expresses roughly similar levels of satisfaction with Obama’s approach to religion as compared with his predecessor. Nearly half (48%) say Obama relies on his religious beliefs about the right amount when making policy decisions, and 53% say that Obama mentions his faith and prayer about the right amount. Roughly similar numbers said the same thing when asked in 2006 about Bush’s mentions of faith and prayer and in 2004 when asked about Bush’s reliance on religion in making policy decisions…. In addition, about as many say Obama (53%) mentions his religious faith and prayer the right amount as said that about Bush (52%) in 2006, though far fewer say Obama mentions his faith too much (10% vs. 24% for Bush).
In a media world where sensational, divisive, and inflammatory are almost guaranteed significant media exposure, it’s interesting to note when something calm, interesting, and well thought out comes into the fray. Well, it would be…if sober reflection and reality actually garnered any attention. While the Mainstream Media seems to be wetting themselves, eagerly speculating as to why so many Americans seem to think that Barack Obama is a Muslim, it turns out that there’s another perspective. A Pew poll points out that most Americans seem not to view this President’s religiosity as being not appreciably different from his predecessor’s.
This is all well and good, but I can’t help but wonder why and how a President’s religious beliefs should be a matter for public discussion and debate. After all, is there anything more deservedly private than a person’s religious convictions? If a person can lead, why should his faith (or lack of same) even matter? Unless perhaps we’re looking for validation for our own beliefs…..
