Other than being a pro-Black church, why does Obama affiliate himself with the church he belongs to?

Question

He has clearly and publicly distanced himself from his own pastor and Farrakhan.

RUSSERT: What do you do to assure Jewish-Americans that, whether it's Farrakhan's support or the activities of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, your pastor, you are consistent with issues regarding Israel and not in any way suggesting that Farrakhan epitomizes greatness?

OBAMA: Tim, I have some of the strongest support from the Jewish community in my hometown of Chicago and in this presidential campaign.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/02/complete_transcriptdemocratic.html

Answer 1

This answer like most of his answers is a non answer.  He wants us to think he is not a racist.

Answer 2

Sorry for my ignorance (i so hate politics) but...i thought he was muslim or the religion that studies the Karan.  I thought i heard that when he was sworn in as senator that he didn't do it on the bible but did it on the karan.  It was under the context that if he won the presidency, the karan would be used at the inaugeration.

Answer 3

Again, great point Steve. I have wondered the same thing. If he "really" disagrees with them like he has been saying recently to the American public, then why would he stay there? I can't imagine ever belonging to a church that spews racism and anti-semitism as part of it's Sunday sermon...and then he thinks nobody should question his beliefs? I question everything about him. I'm sure there are plenty of Christian churches in Chicago that don't say negative things about other groups of people. He happens to pick a really hateful one though. I don't like that at all. If I went to a church where they said just one racist or anti-semitic thing, I would get right up and walk out. He has stayed there for 20 years! He may be a slick eloquent and friendly talker but his actions and affiliations say otherwise.

I love it how Obama never really answers the question either.

Answer 4

Do you go to an all white church?  Most whites do.  Many participants in those churches don't like blacks.

Answer 5

His church is the only proof he has that he is not Muslim. Most Americans feel anxiety when hearing about the possibility that a Muslim could run our country so this is a PR move.

Answer 6

Perhaps that is where he is most comfortable and gets the most out of his time in the Lord's house.  Perhaps it is a "praise" worship.  If you have never been to an all black church and a "praise" worship service, you are really missing out. '

Elvis worshiped in a church with many blacks; perhaps that is why his spiritual music was so touching, so moving  and so inspirational.