Religion and faith has always been a key issue in politics—prayer in schools, abortion rights, etc. In this election, the story of faith and politics continues. Obama was the first to have his morality and faith questioned when Reverend Wright’s controversial statements were released in the press. Comments such as "Obama is the anti-Christ" and "Obama is a Muslim" still persist even though we all know they are ludicrous statements. Videos such as “Obama making fun of the Bible” are being forward from one conservative to the next (thanks grandma), in an attempt to persuade voters into the McCain camp. This particular video along with several others has been carefully spliced in order to convey a certain message—that Obama doesn’t love Jesus. McCain was the lucky man to receive the support of Christian conservatives, though they were at first wary of him.

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church (a mega-church in Lake Forest, California), hosted a debate for Obama and McCain this summer. A Washington Post article stated Warren’s thoughts on the debate: “’We're honored that the candidates chose The Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion for their first joint appearance, an unprecedented opportunity for America to hear both men back-to-back on the same platform," Warren said in a statement released by Saddleback. "This is a critical time for our nation and the American people deserve to hear both candidates speak from the heart -- without interruption -- in a civil and thoughtful format absent the partisan 'gotcha' questions that typically produce heat instead of light.’”

With the addition of Palin to the McCain ticket, America has the opportunity to do yet another religious background check on a potential leader of our country. As Natalie Rose stated in her post, Palin demonstrates “a boldness and unashamedness in drawing strength from her faith.” Palin’s love for God is to be applauded; yet her pastor has made some rather off-base comments.

Stay tuned for more religious fervor...