While many individuals are rightfully placing primacy on how American political discourse still obscures the experiences and epistemological framework of black women such as First Lady Michelle Obama, others wish to centralize the role that religious discourse about the President plays in advancing racist rhetoric. Although such individuals are astute and perhaps accurate in observing that accusing Obama of being Muslim constitutes the sort of Islamophobia that is rife with both racism and an aversion to religious plurality, the aforementioned accusations and rebuttals from those interested in implementing more multicultural rhetoric and realities may help put these ideals in perpetuity by critically questioning whether Obama’s policies are informed by the sort of spiritual thought that recognizes the full humanity of all people.
Although some might question whether interpreting Obama’s political decisions in light of his spiritual beliefs is appropriate or relevant, the role that religious beliefs play in determining one’s ideology and praxis seems inalienable. According to the Washington Post, Obama stated that Christian beliefs guide his decision-making policies with respect to the government during a National Prayer Breakfast. In delineating what these beliefs entailed, the Post stated that Obama used biblical scriptures to push for a more equitable economy. Additionally, he argued that his proposal to raise taxes on wealthy Americans paralleled the teachings of Jesus. Yet if Obama’s interpretation of bible passages and the life of Christ engender his belief in creating economic parity, what does the fact that the President has yet to keep his pledge to raise the minimum wage say about his commitment to creating systems designed to ensure upward mobility for the poor?
Certainly, Obama’s views regarding the rights of gay people reflect the sort of sociocultural inclusivity that many believers say constitutes the replication of rhetoric and realities indigenous to the teachings of Jesus. Personally, I agree with this assessment. Indeed, his unprecedented Inauguration Speech-in which he became the first President to openly discuss gay rights during such an event-constituted a milestone that flew in the face of the philosophical backflips made by many conservative groups whose primary goals appear to be advancing their homophobic agenda. Yet the aforementioned economic inequalities-which many argue Obama is responsible for purporting-persist with an ugly awry resilience comparable to a horror film series. This last bit seems to fly in the face of the President’s ostensible accedence to the principles of economic parity he says Jesus Christ advocated.
As discourse regarding Obama’s religious allegiances continue, it may be necessary to replace questions about which faith the President practices with interrogations regarding how that belief system is creating a more equitable America. For everyone.
Jocelyn Crawley is a 28-year-old college student currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree in preparation to become a pastor. She holds B.A. degrees in both English and Religious Studies. Her work has appeared in Jerry Jazz Musician, Nailpolish Stories, Visceral Uterus, Four and Twenty, Dead Beats and Haggard and Halloo. Other stories are forthcoming in Faces of Feminism and Calliope.
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