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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
An article in USA Today titled Obama’s Believers, opened with the following statement, “There’s a theological underpinning to what’s going on with the Senators campaign. Engaged, well-informed young Americans are being moved to act and follow in what feels like a religious awakening.”1
The author of this editorial, Mary Strange of Saratoga Springs, NY, is not the only one to refer to Obama’s meteoric rise and magnetic appeal, especially to young voters, as a “religious” experience; some dubbing his followers as Obamaniacs and Obamabots – even as “glassy-eyed, brainwashed cult worshipers.”; who chant mantra-like slogans and swoon with euphoria. (Even Hillary Clinton is on record as describing him as a “phenomenon.”) New York Times columnist David Brooks compares some of his followers to Hare-Krishna’s and Moonies. Joe Klein of Time describing this “messianism” as “just a wee bit creepy.” William Lowther, Washington correspondent for the U.K.’s Telegraph reports something “unnervingly akin to the hysterics of a cult or the fervor of a religious revival” at some events. Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker dismissing some of the exuberance and near-worship of Obama’s rallies as spiritual hunger gone terribly wrong; citing his use of compelling rhetoric that, “drips with hints of resurrection, redemption, second coming.” Chris Matthews of MSNBC saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this. This is bigger than Kenndey. Obama comes along and he seems to have the answers. This is New Testament.”
Miss Strange believes the use of religious terms to describe Obama’s impact on the political landscape is fitting, citing one of her own that goes a long way in explaining the feel of Obama’s campaign. Kairos, a Greek word referring to an “opening” in time or an historical moment when a collective sense of meaningful change permeates the air, hinting of a transformational moment of opportunity to literally turn things around; paralleling Obama’s theme of the “fierce urgency of now.” (Somewhat akin to Paul’s sense of immediacy in declaring God’s extension of mercy and grace available right now, at this very moment. “…Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 Mirrored in the lives of the Christian men and women who then “turned the world upside down” (KJ) – often perceived as a good thing – or who “carried trouble all over the world.” (NIV) – depending on one’s point of reference. Acts 17:6)
Is this the “spirit” Obama enthusiasts are picking up on? (Enthusiasm being another Greek-based word with significant meaning; to be inspired by or literally “god-filled.” And how much does his personal “charisma”, a term coined by sociologist Max Weber to describe powerfully attractive religious personalities – have to do with his far-reaching appeal?
His rallying cry of “Yes We Can”, and his ability to cross generational, economic, political and racial divides to effectively communicate what we can and should be willing and able to accomplish is compelling. But neither Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John McCain are messiah’s in any sense of the word. There being no guarantees the words, intent or desire of any of the candidates will actually translate into the kind of positive results they may honestly want and we come to expect. The next President, whoever he or she may be, is only one person, needing to convince countless others – in and out of politics – to agree with what they propose to accomplish. That’s extremely difficult, maybe more so for an “outsider”; as Obama often portrays himself as being . (Just ask Jimmy Carter.)
So what am I advocating – non-involvement in the political process? Absolutely not. Political activism can be one of a number of ways Christians should aspire to influence their culture; issues of fair-play, justice, law and order all serving to create conditions whereby people can then consider the transcendent ideas of life and the afterlife. But the job of changing people’s lives by saving their souls, thus radically redirecting their outlook as to who they are and what they can become, only happens through Christ and his church. Society more thoroughly being changed one person, mind, heart and soul at a time. (Never forgetting, however, that responding to people’s needs is part of our responsibility as Christians – see James 2:14-27 – with the ultimate goal of introducing them to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.)
One pitfall of becoming overly invested in a person rather than the process is disappointment if that person doesn’t win or can’t fully meet all our expectations if they do. The result being disappointment, disillusionment and abandonment of purpose on our part. Remember, people can and will disappoint and fail us – God won’t.
The Psalmist declared, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,…”; further stating that, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men.” Psalm 33:12 & 118:8 (KJ) Explaining then that, …“When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3,4 (Echoes of which can be heard in Jesus, Matthew 10:28 and Paul, Hebrews 13:6 & Romans 8:28 & 31-39; especially in, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”)
Jesus plainly says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6 He will not change or go back on his word – ever. That can’t be said of anyone else. In fact, Jesus cautioned his followers to be wary of authority figures who said one thing while doing another; even as he instructed them to give respect where and when it was due. Government authority being an institution sanctioned by God for the preservation of law and order in society (Romans 13:1-5 & 1 Peter 2:13-15) even as its leaders prove all too fallible. “…obey them… but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Matthew 23:1-3He later comforted his disciples, then and now, regarding the uncertainties to be faced and the disappointments to be overcome by saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me, “ John 14:1 Assuring us of his loving care and provision in the here-and-now as well as the here-after. (Matthew 6:25-34 & John 14:2,3)
So, “Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5 (KJ)
1Submitted by Miss Mary Strange, a professor of Women’s Studies and Religion at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; who is also a member of USA Today’s board of contributors.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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