The President’s Pastoral Emails

Why do between a fifth and a quarter of Americans think that Barack Obama is a Muslim? I was interviewed this morning by one new outlet on this topic. Perhaps 10% of the population listens to the talk-radio conspiracy theorists who actually believe that Obama is a covert Muslim, which of course is wrong; as I wrote elsewhere, he is not even a Muslim.

Nonetheless, the fact that Obama prominently and incessantly praises Islam while showing no interest in Christianity easily might lead the casual observer to believe that he is a Muslim. Unlike past presidents who professed Christianity, he does not attend church. Earlier this year NBC’s Matt Lauer asked Obama why he has not chosen a church to attend. Obama said that his presence might distract other parishioners—a compunction not shared by his predecessors. Instead, he makes do with a daily devotional email from a group of pastors. Christianity by Blackberry, one might call it. No wonder folks are confused.