The Faith of Barack Obama

by Stephen Mansfield

Book Overview

Get inside the mind and soul of Barack Obama New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield takes readers inside the mind, heart, and soul of presidential hopeful Barack Obama--as a person of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595552502
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.2" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Well Worth Reading...

Mansfield's The Faith of Barak Obama is an excellent read. I began the book with some skepticism, expecting an attempt to make Obama say something that he hasn't or twist his own words against him. What I found was a refreshing surprise. Instead of seeking to provide a definitive answer in regards to Obama's spiritual state, Mansfield provides a helpful survey of the spiritual influences - family, church, and political - that have shaped the faith that Obama holds today. His purpose is to "...understand the religious life of Barack Obama and the changes in American religious history that he has come to represent." (p.xxiii) His chapter on Trinity United Church of Christ beautifully portrays the tension between the gospel and political liberation as seen in black theology and is worth the price of the book alone. Mansfield understands that Obama's description of his conversion to Christianity is frustrating to American evangelicals for its lack of clarity. But rather than pick Obama's wording apart in order to verify true conversion, Mansfield is content to let the ambiguity and uncertainty stand. If you're seeking the definitive answer about Obama's eternal destiny this book will disappoint. But if your goal is to better understand both why Obama frames his faith in the way he does and the fascinating relationship between faith and American politics, this book is well worth your time.

The Faith of Barack Obama-well worth the read

The Faith of Barack Obama At first look I was not sure what to expect out of this book. Was it the unauthorized religious biography of President elect Obama or would it have enough dept to allow readers around the world a chance to understand this man's religion? What I found was a solid offering from author Stephen Mansfield. Although a bit formulaic I found this book to be a quick and thought provoking read. It is short, less than one hundred and fifty pages and only six chapters. Mansfield does a nice job of explaining the wonderful mixed-up upbringing of Barack Obama, Catholic primary school with Mass every morning, Islamic services on the weekends and a professed atheist as a mother, all things that have lead this man to be more than a little wary of organized religion. Most of one chapter dispels the current urban myth of Obama as a Muslim, now or in the past, it just never happened. In the early eighties his heart lead him to become a member of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright's, "United Church of Christ." The church fit him both personally and professionally and likely benefited him politically. This part of the book is a must read and a real eye opener to people from mainstream WASP environments. It does a fine job of explaining the feelings of a very educated, very complicated leader like Jeremiah Wright. The fifth chapter of this small book is of interest to anyone that takes more than a passing interest in politics/religion in America. This chapter entitled, "Four Faces of Faith," focuses on the religious beliefs of the four big political players in this year's presidential race; President Bush, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and President elect Obama. Although the book may not do anything to convince evangelical Christians that he is the right person to lead America it will at least give hope to the far right that he is not anti-Christian, anti-American or anti-white. The only bad taste left for the far right may be Mr. Obama's unyielding stance as a pro-choice liberal, a section that Mansfield covers very well in this book. Overall this book is an excellent read, showing a side of our next president that most Americans will embrace. It is a truly open look at a man that has already lead a truly extraordinary life.

Fair and Balanced Insight into Obama's Faith

Stephen Mansfield has written yet another insightful book regarding the religious faith of some of those in the public eye. It gives the reader insight into Barack Obama's faith and his embrace of black theology. It is an easy read and one will find it difficult to put down. Whether or not you agree with Obama's faith or his political ideology it is a must read if you want to understand from whence he is coming.

Excellent introduction to Obama and the place of faith in US politics in 2008

[This review was originally written for a UK-based magazine] This is a short book at about 130 pages (although with a 45 pages of appendices including texts of speeches) but it provides an excellent introduction to Barack Obama and the place that his Christian faith holds in his life. It briefly describes his upbringing by an atheist mother and Muslim father, his conversion to Christianity and his relationship with his mentor, Jeremiah Wright. The book doesn't delve deeply into Obama's political history but discusses a few of his political views and how they fit with his faith. There is a particularly helpful chapter which looks at Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and George W Bush and the way in which the faith of each of them works out in their lives. The book was an easy read with some interesting anecdotes and no strong political axe to grind although I didn't feel that I got a very in-depth look at the character of Obama, he still felt somewhat distant. The book accurately portrayed the rising importance of Christian faith in American politics and showed the different ways in which the faith of the candidates can be demonstrated. It is a helpful resource for those interested in American politics and in the man who may well be the next President.

The tools to finish the job

"Give us the tools and we will finish the job." Winston Churchill. Stephen Mansfield has written a book that will give every voter the tools they need to make a much more informed decision about Barak Obama come November. This book does not praise Senator Obama nor does it bash or criticize Senator Obama. Some people may see this as an evasive way to write a book. I see it as a responsible and courageous way to write a book. This book is well researched and extremely well written. I have already used the information in the book to combat and correct emails I have received from friends and colleagues regarding Senator Obama. I am by no means a supporter of Senator Obama and will not vote for him this November. However, I am not a believer in the politics of fear and am certainly not a believer in the politics of misinformation. This book helped me to better understand Senator Obama's roots, his faith, and the path he has taken that may lead him to the White House. Dr. Mansfield has hit a home run with this book, and I would encourage every voter to pick up a copy before the November election.