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Obamianity: A new political movement lead by Senator Barack Obama that is sweeping across the United States in the early months of 2008. Obamianity is not a new form of Christianity, or an exotic religion, or even a cult, but it does appear to be a political movement that is rare and special because of its unique communal and spiritual power. Obamianity is the hope that the best democracy is the one in which we ourselves organize.
After 8 years of a president largely supported by conservative Christians, it will be interesting to see how Obama, if he wins the nomination, will be supported, ignored or deeply criticized by conservative Christians. Around 75% of evangelical Christians supported President Bush in 2004. Given the way Obama talks about Christianity and the way his campaign has reached out to conservative Christians, it is possible that Obama could get the support of up to 50% of evangelicals. This would change the religio-political map in a significant way.
Some have made a distinction between Christians and Christianists. What they mean is that Christians follow the "true" and historic spirit of Christianity and Christianists are merely fraudulent fundamentalists who distort the true meaning of Christ. Maybe Obamians are those who are inspired by Senator Obama and who want to thoughtfully and critically engage with his ideas and Obamianists are the few who are indeed somewhat brainwashed into thinking that Obama is their political messiah who has all the answers.
Is Senator Obama really starting a new religion? Is is really a cult? Why are so many people in the media so suspicious and cynical about the political enthusiasm that Obama has inspired? Could it be they are so dismissive of this enthusiasm because it is so rare? Why are there so many Obamian believers? It seems to me that Obama is simply tapping into something long dormant in the American soul. People are indeed hungry for belonging to a movement, a community, a government that promises to be democratic in the most authentic sense of the word. Obamianity is not a new Christianity, but a humble movement that is encouraging people to believe again in the power of a truly communal and participatory government.
According to my research assistant, Mr. Google, there is no reference for the word "Obamianity". So I thought I would quickly put it out there and see what happens. The reality now seems to be that many people are starting to have faith in politics again largely because of the inspiring words of Mr. Obama. Yes, words do matter. And Obama's words are filling large basketball arenas. Why is this happening? Also, I will be curious to see how Christians and non/anti-Christians react to Obama. Will conservative Christians be able to vote for Obama? Will non/anti-Christians tolerate Obama's Christian worldview?
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