Barack Obama= Jesus

United States
September 12, 2008 7:44am CST
I have been involved in politics for many years. And this is the first time anyone, ever has equated a candidate to God. The last time I think that happened has when the Roman emperors declared that they were gods and demanded that the people worship them. But now the Obama camp has equated their candidate to Jesus. On several different occasions, in different locations and from different people, it has been said, "Jesus was a community organized. Pontius Pilate was a governor." The Huffington Post quotes United Mine Workers of America president Cecil Roberts as using that statement: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/09/union-president-jesus-was_n_125184.html Congressman Steve Cohen made the same comment FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR: http://politicaltickler.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/10/dem-compares-obama-to-jesus/ You can even buy "Jesus was a community organizer" t-shirts from www.zazzle.com So I ask: 1. If you are a Christian, is this offensive to you? 2. If you are a Christian democrat, is this offensive to you? 3. Do you think that this comment, which I will assume was meant to be a clever retort to the Palin speech, went too far? 4. Or do you think it is much ado about nothing?
9 people like this
18 responses
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
12 Sep 08
What I find kind of ironic is that back in May 2008 Sue Everhart, the Republican party chairwoman in Georgia said this, "John McCain is kind of like Jesus Christ on the cross" at their state GOP convention. Then when she was called on it by people in her own party she said she was trying to compare McCains experience as a POW to the suffering of Jesus. Personally, political affiliations aside, I found that to be offensive. I think this is much ado about nothing. First, Obama has to fight off the "Muslim" rumors, then he has to fight off those that say he has a "God complex." I think this whole thing is a misguided attempt by Obama supporters to point out that community organizing is nothing to make light of, that the biggest changes and advances in society have been brought about by community organizers. But even as an Obama supporter I can see how this would be contrued as inflammatory. Words could've been chosen better. Im hoping that with only 7 weeks left we can get back to the issues that really matter. Both campaigns have gotten out of hand. McCain is becoming the master of distraction, and Obama is falling right into it with going out to defend himself all the time.
4 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Hi soccermom, What's the difference between a socermom and a pitbull? I'm just kidding I couldn't pass up the play on your name. I was unaware of that reference by Sue Everhart. I would agree that that is equally inappropriate. Do you have a reference for that? I would also agree that there is much to discuss that is relevant to our country and the process rather than off hand comments made by the candidates. But I was wondering what you meant by McCain becoming the "master of distraction"?
2 people like this
• United States
14 Sep 08
I hadn't heard that. Thanks for the link. REally. I had not seen that site before. There is lots of great information there. I have been digging into it. And soccermoms sound a lot like baseball dads! Lol!
1 person likes this
• Australia
12 Sep 08
If I were Obama, I would be denouncing that statement. I am not remotely religious, and even I view that stance as sacrilege.
4 people like this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
12 Sep 08
I'd have to agree.
2 people like this
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
12 Sep 08
This comment "Jesus was a community organized. Pontius Pilate was a governor" is getting out of hand. It might have started out just Congressman Steve Cohen but now you actress Susan Sarandon, and CNN Donna Brazile has uttered this comment. These comments offend me but they just show how ignorant these people are. Jesus the Christ was not a community organizer, but the savior of mankind. I think this chorus of comments will just hurt the Democrats, because the comments will just go to show American how out of step with real America they are.
3 people like this
• United States
14 Sep 08
Thanks for the reply. I did not hear that Susan Sarandon had made that comment as well. It's almost as if they are reading from a script. Hmmm.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
12 Sep 08
Greetings Guardian, Excellent discussion!!! To be perfectly honest, I'm stunned that any one would broach such an analogy. As I see it, this may well represent the epitomy of self-defeatism. I am in earnest when I suggest that I sincerely believe that some part of the Liberal base must feel more comfortable with a projectionary 'enemy' at the helm. This 'Jesus - Ponitius Pilate' remark strikes me on par with a veiled ultimatum. I.e., 'If you are a Christian, then you must recognize the the community organizer is deserving of praise, AND the governor is deserving of condemnation' -- regardless of the individuals representing the respective roles. If that type of baseless attempt at logic were to be accepted as any kind of a norm, imagine the nightmare that would ensue. 'If I say, or my supporter says that my profession is more Christ-like than yours, then society should condemn you, and elevate me to positions of responsibility, respect, and riches. Wow, talk about a Pandora's Box. To answer your specific questions: 1. No, I'm not offended. This leap of assertion is void of any logic. Rather than successfully impressing the point, the irrational statement instead demonstrates suspect intent. 2. Not Applicable 3. Did the remark go too far? I don't think so. If I expect my right to freedom of thought and speech to be respected, then I must respect others' right to freedom of thought and speech. I do believe that the remark is very, very revealing. And, quite frankly, I appreciate revealing remarks, because they serve to assist me in socio-political discernment. 4. Are the remarks unremarkable? Goodness NO! They are very telling. They serve to aid every person of faith as a basis of comparison. Do the people who uttered those remarks represent their views, perspectives and values? Do those persons of faith have enough in common with the people who made the divisive remarks to choose the kind of leadership that would satisfy those divisive personalities? Alas, sometimes our best learning opportunities come with sharp jab. I honestly believe that we just need to remember to look beyond the pain of the sharp jab, to seek out the lesson -- and then use it to the best of our abilities.
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
14 Sep 08
Hello Guardian, Woosh, I was sure surprised to see that you had chosen a BR for this discussion. Thank you. Although, I imagine that it was a tough choice! There are some very intriguing responses here. In fact, I really enjoyed coming back this morning to read through the latter responses -- after having not been able to log in yesterday. Thank you also for the chuckle. I enjoyed your remarks about trying to muster up some offense. I can completely relate! How silly it is to lambaste someone for doing precisely what you are, or have been doing? Isn't it peculiar that our species seems to be able to act without applying identical scrutiny internally as well as externally? Yup, I sure do remember sitting in the quad solving all the world's problems (chuckle, chuckle). And, just as you've alluded -- to no end. It's too bad that the folks who regularly commit the time and energy to this kind of large-scale problem resolution typically don't have the experience or wisdom to be able to provide workable solutions. Fostered in the insulated bubble of academia, the solutions tend to be void of pragmatism. Not so unlike a baseball game. The spectators see it from a very different vantage point than the players. Yet, it's only the players who can directly affect the game. Even the coaches have a limited impact over what becomes the reality of the game. They can make suggestions, but it's only within the confines of the game play that change occurs. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane, Guardian. And, for the saliency about the stark differences in the level of maturity between the two camps. As the argument is framed, and in consideration of the fact that I've never been a big fan of Sen. McCain either, I have to say that I prefer the wisdom of age to the impetuousness of youth -- as it relates to national leadership. If for no other reason then because: in youth it is perceived as feasible to make vast, sweeping changes, and then deal with the ramifications as an after thought. With seasoning, the wisdom to duly consider and prepare for those ramifications preceeds the enactment of those vast, sweeping changes. I'm rather fond of not being yanked around the spectrum by under-developed proposals for change. I prefer the investment of additional time to fully prepare proposals that will impact myself, my family, my state, the nation as a whole, and the entire globe. Impetuousness rarely works out in the international political arena.
1 person likes this
@alori61 (344)
• United States
13 Sep 08
I find this offensive but not on the basis of christianity. I find it offensive in the fact that he is questioning the intelligence of the American people. Does he/or the party leaders really believe Americans are so gullible they will vote Obama because he thinks he is the equivelent of god? Simple fact is even if he could prove himself to be god himself it wouldn't make me vote for him. I want to know what he's going to do and how he proposes to do it. Let the people decide if he can do it without devine intervention. Simple fact is Obama or McCain it doesn't matter as long as the house/senate is controled by the opposite party they are not going to be able to do anything anyway. I'm thinking Obama has made enough stupid comments the past couple weeks, he has definately swayed my vote to the McCain camp, at least he's mature enough to hold his tongue. Just what this country doesn't need is for Obama to sit down with other world leaders and call them pigs. He's proved he has no control over his mouth and if he thinks in any way he is comparible to God then maybe he should be in therapy, not the white house.
3 people like this
• United States
14 Sep 08
Interesting point. Obama is such a wonderful speaker. I disagree with most of what he has to say but I love to hear him say it. But it seems that when he is speaking without a tele-prompter, he steps in it. That scares me. As you said, we can't have a president that may insult foreign leaders that could lead to even more conflict.
1 person likes this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
12 Sep 08
Well, he did channel Martin Luther King during his speech at the DNC. But yes, he has behaved in a 'I am your God' like manner and it really upsets me that the campaign is using Jesus/God equations in order to get people to vote for them. It's not only crazy, it's offensive to Christians. He reminds me of somebody in German history who was charismatic and assumed a God-like position. We all know what happened there. I don't want a repeat even remotely. And yes, at first I liked Obama, but all of this has caused me to switch sides.
3 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
I wouldn't be quick to compare him to that German guy you referenced, but I get your point. When you say "all of this has caused me to switch sides." What is the "all of this" that you are referring to?
2 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Thanks for the clarity jonesy. I am not saying that there are no parallels, in fact I had not thought about that until you mentioned it, but I didn't want to go there so early in this discussion. He was also a relative nobody until he got involved in his "movement" and then he experienced a meteorite rise in popularity. When did he make that comment about citizens spying on each other? So I guess its wrong for the government's training anti-terrorist personnel to monitor the activities of subversives and potential terrorists, but its ok for Joe and Joan six-pack to do it. Or Bob and Betty briefcase.
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
12 Sep 08
He said this in a speech he held in Colorado springs: "We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we’ve set. We have got to have a civilian national security force that is just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded as the military" Amazingly enough, the published transcript of the speech doesn't reflect all of this. I guess they figured that people didn't pay attention when they listened to the speech. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw (check 16:45) He one of the founders of Public Allies and there are other such groups he or his wife are involved with. On the surface the goals of these organizations are quite noble, but some graduates of Public Allies for example have said that there is a lot of talk about race and such in the classes/courses/seminars they have to take.
1 person likes this
@MntlWard (878)
• United States
12 Sep 08
No one has said "Barack = Jesus" except for those on the Right who have been mocking him. Making a comparison about their both being community organizers doesn't elevate Obama to godhood any more than making a comparison that they are both male. I wonder why Christian members of the Republican Party aren't offended by all the lies about Obama that their party has been tossing around.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
12 Sep 08
It may not have been directly said but it has been implied, perhaps unintentionally but still there. Anything that is false about any candidate should be dismissed and only facts given. Everyone should be offended by the lies told of all candidate and ashamed of spreading them.
2 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
any REAL christian that knows the word of God knows that Jesus will never walk th eheath again un human flesh. The second will be when the rapure happens....so instead of having discussions about him being the second coming grab your bibles and study and im especially talkign to all you christian should even entertain such...filth!
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Sep 08
sorry I got mad typos...was typing too fast LOL What I meant say was most christians know that jesus will never walk the earth in hunam form again. The second coming will be the rapture....
1 person likes this
@mehale (2200)
• United States
13 Sep 08
Yes this is both offensive and very upsetting! No human being ever can or will be a God, and certainly can not be the only God! Comparisons like this make me very uneasy, and remind me of the massiah(sp) mentioned in the Bible! This entire election has me very nervous!
2 people like this
• United States
14 Sep 08
I am very nervous as well. I do not like being put in a position to pick between the lesser of two evils. I am not behind either candidate for many reasons. I would not even blame Obama for these comments because clearly no candidate can control what each of their supports says, but they way this comment came out, almost verbatim from so many different people make me think that this was scripted.
1 person likes this
@bdugas (3578)
• United States
13 Sep 08
I think that for him to even let someone say he is equal to god, is an insult to all people. To me he is a smooth talking snake in the grass. When did you see God associating himself with such as the likes of Bill Ayers and Rocski who is in prison now and yes I know it is not spelled right. I don't believe anything he says and as far as I am concerned he may think of himself as God, he might as well he is cocky and an insult to what we have to vote for in this election. Yes it offends me.
2 people like this
• United States
14 Sep 08
Thanks for the reply. And I can't say I completely disagree with you. But I don't think it is fair to insult either candidate, no matter what they say or do. We need to let our votes speak for us. Part of the problem is that we don't do that. We keep the same do nothing people in office. The last pool I've seen shows congress' approval rating at 20.3%. Their disapproval rating is 72.0% We can only blame ourselves.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
12 Sep 08
My question is who is saying these things? Is the Obama camp using these words? This is like people are saying this about this man like they expect some miracle out of him? Is he the savior? I doubt all of this but I think a lot of folks are looking for an answer to the depression we are in. A lot of people feeling like second class citizens really speaking highly of this man. I am not a Christian so I cannot say this offends me but it is kind of ridiculous. Where did this one start I wonder. Jesus was a community organizer though wasn't he? LOL
2 people like this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
12 Sep 08
AS we speak I'm watching this craziness on TV about the battle between McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden. It is ridiculous how they go to extremes to start these crazy rumors about each other. Just outright lies from both camps.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Sep 08
It really is crazy. I wish we could just get the facts and make an educated decision. I don't believe what either of them says. We have to watch what they do. Unfortunately Obama hasn't done much. And though I have liked SOME of what McCain has done, I don't like some of the things he has done that I am most passionate about. I hate having to choose the lesser of two evils.
2 people like this
• Australia
12 Sep 08
The comparisons to JFK I can understand - Obama is an idealist, and his political platform involves radical reform at all levels of government from the executive position. Drawing a parallel there makes sense. But comparing him to Jesus, a figure whose influence radically altered and influenced modern thought, whose philosophies permeate every aspect of our lives? It is a grossly exaggerated and inappropriate comparison, flimsy at best and possibly incendiary. I am not a U.S citizen, so therefore my comprehension of the political dynamics and atmosphere of the U.S election is perhaps distorted or limited by mass media; but I get the impression that for ordinary americans - middle class, working class and the 30% or so of the population currently below the breadline - Obama's term might improve quality of life, or send it plummeting. He certainly seems worth a shot - he really can't do worse than bush, whose administration has been ostensibly abysmal.
2 people like this
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
12 Sep 08
Its both offensive and nonsense at the same time. Publicity organizers have come to the point where anything to attract the followers will do. So this is another way of doing this. I am not an American, I am a West Indian but to the millions of people throughout the world who believe that Jesus is God the question is - how can you name or say a political candidate is the same ? Its policial cheapness and sordid publicity rolled into one.
• United States
12 Sep 08
Interesting perspective Bluepatch. It is always interesting to get the opinions from someone who is not n the midst of it as we are here. I can't help but think of Salman Rushdie who was marked for execution by some religious leaders for "disrespecting" their spiritual leader. Not that I would encourage that but I just share that as a contrast to what is sometimes acceptable here in the U.S.
2 people like this
@rodney850 (2145)
• United States
12 Sep 08
Guardian, First let me address your questions and then I have an assertion of my own. Question 1: The only part of this that is offensive is the part that is a lie which is all of it. (explination later) Question 2: I have to go with LadyLuna on this one, N/A Question 3: Again I have to agree with LL; although I strongly disagree with what has been said, I will always defend their right to say it! Question 4: No, it is not much ado about nothing! This is the way the entire Obama campaign has tried to portray their candidate to this very day! He is, according to them, the "messiah" the "savior" of America etc. Now, about the "Jesus was a community organizer" comment; Nothing could be further from the truth and anyone who is a christian or even is a scholar of the Bible knows this is absolutely NOT what Jesus was! Jesus was the son of God, period! His brief period upon the earth was a gift from God so man, in his fallen, sinful state, had a recourse to redemption! Now, I know, there are those who do not believe this so this is MY belief! But even if you don't believe the bible is true(which I absolutely do)there is no possible way to mistake Jesus for a "community organizer"! According to the bible, he was the Son of God, the savior of mankind, NOT a "community organizer", He preached the gift of eternal life, he didn't start community projects, he taught of love and forgiveness, he didn't form commitees! God complex? BHO and his close followers sure have it!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
12 Sep 08
Guardian, Wow! Did you just lampoon us with an intriguing perspective, or what??? I have never heard that supposition about Jesus before, and by golly it sure makes alot of sense to me! I can see how Jesus was a dis-organizer. His focus wasn't on organizing political rebellion, which he could have easily done, and which some of his disciples (and I'm sure others of his followers) at times seem to have mis-inferred. Instead, he focused on helping individuals hone into, and embrace their individual relationship with The Divine Creator. I have often heard the suggestion that Jesus was a 'rabble-rouser', and/or an activist. In fact, some have suggested that Jesus was a politician of sorts. Of course, I have heard these kinds of theories from those who purport a more historical rather than faithful context -- which is absolutely their prerogative. I suspect it is the same kind of mindset that is behind the 'Jesus - Pontius Pilate' remark. This type of espoused perspective supports the notion that community activism is a noble endeavor -- despite the glaring lack of appropriate disection of the type or substance behind the community activism. To use an extreme example: I find it dubious that anyone would laud the prospect of community activism by the KKK or 'Skinheads'. The point is that little is inherently good or evil. The application is what can be judged as good or evil. The KKK or Skinheads might be engaged in community activism to spew the hateful message of racism, or they might be fundraising for a local orphanage. Conversely, ACORN might be community organizing to register new voters. Or, they might be community organizing to foster rebellion against Corporate America as the basis of our economy, in an effort to replace our roots and traditions with the roots and traditions of Fidel Castro and his fascist, murdering minion Che Guevara. Or, some combination thereof. Some might say that my example is frought with imagined bias, yet the fact that Che Quevara t-shirts, posters, hats, and flags/wall hangings are a fashion mainstay of the far-left, liberal wing should give anyone pause. This can be extended specifically to Sen. Obama's activists and campaigners, as evidenced by the broughaha which resulted from Cuban/Che Guevara flags having been photographed proudly displayed in two separate Obama campaign locations. http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28915&only Please scroll down to view both the first and second pictures. The second photo also has a flag of a 1960s peace sign, and an Obama campaign sign hanging over the Cuban flag donning Che Guevara's image. In all fairness, Sen. Obama did denounce the Guevara idolatry. Yet the point remains that it is a silly supposition that all community activism is noble. It is equally silly to suppose that all community activism is evil. Which of course means that governors cannot be pre-judged as good or evil without appropriate investigation, unless it be fairly labelled as prejudicial. And where a full-fledged meltdown is likely to occur if we go about calling Liberals 'prejudiced'. Herein lies the danger of abandoning individuality. Once again, Ann Rand is to be lauded for warning us of the dangers of Collectivism -- nearly a hundred years ago!
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Sep 08
ladyluna, Thought provoking as usual. Your very first point about those of his followers that may have mis-inferred his intentions, there is a school of thought that purports that Judas was not so much betraying Jesus as he was forcing him to take action. The theory is that if he could back Jesus into a situation where he had to act, then he could kick start the rebellion that he thought was coming. When that did not happen and he realized what he had done, he killed himself. I am not saying that I subscribe to that theory but it lines up with your comment. And true, all community activism is not noble or even acceptable. I heard an interesting comment today about Obama's community organizing activities. It is particularly interesting considering the topic of this discussion. First, www.washingtonpost.com has an article that tells of Hillary Clinton's close association with Saul Alinsky. The article goes on to say that Mr. Alinsky's disciples hired Obama to get involved as a community organizer to organize Chicago's black community on the south side of the city. That is all well and good until you look at who Saul Alinsky is. In his book, Rules For Radical 1971, in the dedication he dedicates the book to Lucifer, Satan! http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032401152.html Here is a link to images of those pages: http://sweetness-light.com/archive/hillary-clintons-idol-saul-alinsky-satan That sheds a whole new light on this discussion and the virtue of his community activism.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Thanks for the thoughtful post Rodney. I would also agree that Jesus was most definately NOT a community organizer. He did not organize anything. He preached. Whatever you believe about him, (and I am with you on this), he did not organize anything. He disorganized things. And he went from community to community disorganizing things.
1 person likes this
@texmama (62)
• United States
12 Sep 08
I am a Christain and its absolutely offensive to me! Obama in general is offensive to me. I do not like him. I WISH the Democratic party had presented a decent candidiate. A radical rascist liberal muslim is NOT a decent candidate.
2 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Thanks for the reply texmama. I don't agree with all that you said but I do agree that there are very many other Democrats that would have been a better choice. Clinton Biden Durbin Richardson Rendell Lieberman Just to name a few
1 person likes this
• Nigeria
12 Sep 08
for me i will say that the jesus in the speach does not in any where offend me as a christian, so i dont think any christian should be offended, i will say that it's a way of apreciating the name "jesus", because that is what the name is ment for, to be call be every person on earth, for me i would say that they should go on
3 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Thanks solonwa and welcome to myLot. I am not sure what you meant by, "they should go on."
2 people like this
@urbandekay (18278)
12 Sep 08
Not offensive just rather dimmy all the best urban
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Sep 08
"dimmy" I like that word. Thanks for posting.
1 person likes this
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
12 Sep 08
This is definitely offensive to me. Obama is not only hiding "my Muslim faith" but many of his followers are now touting such Christian related comments in his support. I do think that the comment was meant to slam Palin's reference to community organizers in her convention speech, but ends up sounding like they are comparing Obama to Jesus. A very poor choice of words!
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
12 Sep 08
I do believe that the statement was aimed at Palin - a reference to the pit-bull in lipstick joke that she made in her speech.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Sep 08
I can't believe that he was so naive to say that and not get the implications. If he is that naive, that is a whole other problem.
• United States
12 Sep 08
"Poor choice of words" indeed. He has a bad habit of using poor judgment when he speaks off script. His lipstick on pigs is another example of poor judgment in his comments. After listening to that comment, I can not discern if he meant to reference Mrs. Palin, but it appeared many in the crowd took it that way. It really gets down to judgment.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
12 Sep 08
oh give me a break I am so sickof all the slurs slung around on here and everywhere else about Obama. this is just more crap piled on crap.I am a christian democrat and no nobody thinks Obama is equal to Jesus. come on lets stop the politcal mudslinging and give it a rest.
• United States
12 Sep 08
I hope Obama becomes president if Mccain gets in office we mite as well just get ready to die or prepare for a another great depression..Obama just makes sense..he's trying to bring back jobs to america instead of putting them overseas where they get paid like 2 cents an hour..he's tryin find new ways to fuel our automobile instead of gas so we never have to worry about running out of it..JUST VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!!!!MCCAIN SWALLOWS
@alori61 (344)
• United States
14 Sep 08
Seems to be the mentality of certain people that if you can't think of an intelligent comment to say then just start tossing about insults, like that's going to persuade any one with any level of intelligence to vote for your side. I believe JMassikre you have just showed me it seems to be a democratic party tendancy to shoot themselves in the foot and I think you have pushed me yet another step closer to voting for McCain. We don't need people who can not control their mouths in the white house.
2 people like this
• United States
12 Sep 08
Please don't take a reasonable discussion and take it into the gutter. Pamela Anderson has already done that when asked about Sarah Palin, she said "She hates her and that Sarah Palin can su*k it!" I see a pattern here and I've got to tell you that comments like that do nothing for the cause.
1 person likes this