A Reverend has called for Rick Santorum and Franklin Graham to publicly admit that President Obama is not a Christian. African American Reverend Jesse Peterson serves as the President of Bond Action (The Brotherhood of a New Destiny) and the South Central L.A. Tea Party is a leader in the African American Republican community. He has hosted a cable television program “Jesse Lee Peterson Show” and the eponymous radio program and is known for filing a lawsuit against Jesse Jackson in 2006. His demand for Santorum and Graham to take stronger action against President Obama follows recent statements made by both. Franklin Graham was the subject of recent controversy when he appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and was seen as skirting around the issue when asked if he believed that the President is in fact a Christian. President Obama has publicly confessed faith in Jesus Christ, and was interviewed by Newsweek before winning the election for president, where he described attending Bible study and accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. You may read an article regarding that interview by The Daily Beast from 2008 here.
While many on the left are quick to point out Rick Santorum’s attacks on President Obama’s faith, Reverend Peterson feels it is not enough. In a February 24, 2012 article by The Guardian, writer Becky Garrison pointed out that Santorum’s attacks on Obama are about his theology and religious beliefs rather than his policy. Santorum may disagree with the sentiment, as he continues to battle Romney for as many votes in key states before Super Tuesday. Rick Santorum delivered a speech at the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life in 2008 where he described the difference between phony and real theology. You may read the transcript of the question and answer portion following Santorum’s speech here: Q&A: The Press & People of Faith in Politics- Rick Santorum. Rick Santorum stated he does not believe in the concept of a liberal Christian. The description is one that many Christians and conservatives might conclude describes President Obama’s faith. Rick Santorum did state to CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Feb. 19, 2012, that he believes President Obama is a Christian.
“I've repeatedly said I don't question the President's faith. I've-- I've repeatedly said that I believe the President is a Christian. He says he is a Christian. But I'm talking about his world view or his-- the-- the way he approaches problems in this country and I think they're-- they're different than how most people do in America,” Santorum told Bob Schieffer.
Franklin Graham, son of evangelist and guide to many presidents Billy Graham, spoke on the “Morning Joe” show on February 21, 2012 to discuss Santorum’s comments.
When Graham was asked if he believed Obama was a Christian he stated that he had to take the President at his word that he was a Christian. He wouldn’t answer the question yes, or no.
Neither man’s answers or remarks satisfied Reverend Peterson who feels that Santorum backpeddled on his early remarks regarding “phony theology” and said that Graham refused to answer the question truthfully.
Reverend Peterson released the following remarks through a public statement on February 23, 2012, “I am certain without a doubt that Barack Hussein Obama is NOT a Christian. It's unfortunate that Rev. Graham and Rick Santorum won't be completely honest about Barack Obama even though his deeds are contrary to Christian values.
"Both these men oppose Obama's recent contraceptive mandate and assault on the Christian conscience. They know that for 20 years Obama worshipped in Rev. Jeremiah Wright's racist Black Liberation Theology-based church. They fully grasp the spiritual connection America has with Israel and see that Obama is no friend of the Jewish State. Rev. Graham has said that Obama is more concerned with the plight of Muslims than the Christians that are being murdered in the Muslim countries. Still these Christian leaders cannot tell the truth about Obama. Why?
"I do agree with Santorum that this is a 'spiritual war' and that 'Satan is targeting the U.S.' which is precisely why I believe Barack Obama was selected and elected. I'm convinced that the weak-kneed timidity that's preventing many white conservative Christians from pointing out Obama's wickedness is a result of their fear of being labeled 'racist.'
"Evil understands that most white Christians have been intimidated and are too afraid to stand up to it. Especially when it is operating in the form of an American hating Socialist black president who appears to be more in harmony with Muhammad than he is with Christ."
What do you think? Do you have an opinion regarding President Obama’s faith?
Charisse Van Horn is the owner of the Radiant God blog.
Comments