Obama: "I'm a Christian By Choice"
Politico reports:
Under the hot southwestern sun Tuesday, President Barack Obama found himself, once again, explaining his Christian faith to a group of suburban New Mexico voters, even though he had intended to talk to them about education reform, his plans for the economy – and continue his assault on the Republicans’ blueprint for the nation.
“I’m a Christian by choice,” Obama said, answering a question from a member of the backyard, town hall-style audience. He said he embraced his faith even though, growing up, “my family didn’t, frankly. They weren’t folks who went to church every week.”
The question, however, shows Obama still has not put to rest widespread confusion about his religious affiliation.
A recent Pew Research Center survey showed one in five Americans believe that he is a Muslim - a view more widespread among Republicans - and a significant number don’t know his faith at all. The White House has repeatedly tried to dispel the rumors and establish that Obama is a Christian, noting he receives daily scripture-based devotionals and spiritual guidance.
Though he is more typically photographed heading to the gym or the golf course on Sunday mornings, the president escorted his wife and daughters to Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church two weekends ago – his first appearance in a public pew in more than a year.
Nevertheless, the American public still seems fascinated by the president’s faith and the rumors that surround it – including a largely friendly audience at an event arranged by the White House.
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