The Choice is Theirs

Easter is quickly approaching and a very interesting decision arises for Obama—the decision of which Church the Obama family will attend. This has been a huge issue of discussion because no matter what church he chooses, there is going to be scrutiny and he will be upsetting someone no matter what. A decision that generally would have zero impact on church goers is a decision that our nation anxiously awaits the results of his choice. The importance of this decision further shows the constant problem between the state and religion and in this instance the problem is one that ties into both because Obama’s decision for his religion will directly link to the state and to what people think of him.

All eyes are on every move that Obama makes because with his role as the first African American president comes a lot of scrutiny and commentary on all decisions. An article in the Washington Times by Joseph Curl states that due to the importance of this decision, “White House aides and close friends of the family have been quietly checking out D.C. churches on a shortlist - maybe a dozen in all - and attending services, speaking with pastors, reverends and rectors and reporting back to the Obamas”. For most families, this would be something that they could decide on their own and without having to worry about what others thought of their choice.
For Obama, his decision means upsetting various groups of people. As Curl points out, this is going to be a very tricky choice because choosing a “predominately white church” will offend blacks all over America. However, reverse the situation and there will be another upset. In a case like this, there is really no right choice. The only choice that he has to make is one that is right for his family and that will benefit his wife and children, despite who he may upset along the way. Regardless of his choice, he will face some harsh scrutiny but I guess that is just part of the package in being a part of a major historical moment.

I personally think that this decision is his and for everyone else it is a private matter and everyone should give Obama the same respect they expect. I wouldn’t choose a church based on what some neighbors would think; rather, I would choose based on my faith and what I believed was right. His decision will definitely have to be made by this coming Sunday and it will be interesting to see both the positive and negative press that he receives after celebrating Easter with his family.
For the full Washington Times article please click this link: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/09/obamas-seeking-the-right-church/

E. O'Neil