This video is part 2 of Jon Stewart’s interview with Bill Maher, whose promoting his new movie/documentary called Religulous. About 4-minutes in the video, Stewart brought up the role of religion on politics in the discussion:
Stewart: People like Sarah Palin or.. you know… very religous people, like Barack Obama – a very religous person. I don’t think their beliefs are very different in terms of religion. Do they compartmentalize it?
Maher: First of all, I don’t know if Barack Obama is a very religous person. He have of course, has to say he is, because he’s running for president in United Stupid of America. So he’s got to say this. But I hope he’s lying.
I don’t have a problem with people with fake piety. McCain is another one who is not really religous. My problem is that the people who really believe it. Sarah palin really believes it. And she could be a heartbeat away for being president. A person who, even the stupid people now are going “wow, she’s pretty stupid.”
Stewart: Yeah, say that again the next time you have to field dress a moose, my friend.
I have been pondering about that idea since I’ve read Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope”. In the book, Obama wrote:
I thought of Sasha asking me once, what happened when we die. ”I don’t want to die daddy,” she had added matter-of-factly – and I had hugged her and said, “You’ve got a long, long way before you have to worry about that,” which had seemed to satisfy her. I wondered whether I should tell her the truth, that I wasn’t sure what happens when we die, any more than I was sure where the soul resides or what existed before the big bang. ….
And there is also this video of Obama’s speech where he discussed the “dangers of sectarianism”:
Now, is it possible that Obama is somewhat borderline agnostic? it seems so. And I think that’s a good thing for America. I think, understanding that lack of knowledge doesn’t mean we have to concede to supernaturals for answers, is a sign of intelligence. It’s nice to know that there’s a leader who is capable of critical thinking and does not decide based on faith. And I’m fed up of leaders who mesmerize us with G-d language to persuade us to do something we won’t necessarily agree on. Obama, for me, is a breath of fresh air. However, will I vote just because of his world view? Not really. Yes, it’s a factor but I don’t think it’s the most important criteria for a persident.
I agree. the thing that scares me most about mccain palin is palins defient belief in her religion. if for some reason she should become president, she has the ability to push her beliefs on an uninterested public. separation of church and state is the best thing to ever happen to our country, and the number one thing we should all thank our founding fathers for.
I for that matter hope he is as well. Also I like the fact that Maher vocalized that idea that Obama may not necessarily be religious, but he feels compelled to act this way in order to be able to be elected. In other words don’t take a politicians religiosity at face value, but look also at the political strategy involved.
I too think that Obama is not really religious, but I have news for you’all I do not think Bush is either. However Bush never had the class of Obama and used “his belief” more like a used car salesman. I liked to watch his eyes when he professed “doing God’s work” there was a streak of boredom and disdain in them! He was running on auto pilot!