In what some consider a controversially titled book, Mansfield takes the reader on a journey through Obama’s cultural, ethnic and religious lineage in an attempt to bring clarity and understanding of the Senator’s current spiritual convictions. He touches on Obama’s mother’s atheistic beliefs and his partial Islamic upbringing under his step-father’s leadership. He also provides touching detail on Obama’s search for a place to belong as he struggled with his faith and his bi-racial background.

Written from the prospective of a man who has claimed publicly that he has no intention of voting for Obama in the 2008 General Election, “The Faith of Barack Obama” can at first glance evoke feelings of anger and disbelief for supporters of Obama. Certain portions of the book seems to dissect Obama’s walk with GOD, his service to Christ, his community, and his country to determine if he is a Christian based on the conservative, judgmental yardstick of the political “Right.” Evangelicals and traditional Christians may realize the same feelings of anger and disbelief as they review the “politically pro-choice” actions of Obama while he admits that he is personally pro-life.

The most compelling part of the book is the final chapter, A Time to Heal. Mansfield strategically and objectively discusses the plight of Obama as a black man, part of an oppressed people, and his potentially “ordained” place in the world’s spotlight. He even brings light on the Theology of the black church, including Jeremiah Wright, in a manner that even the most unapologetically condemning person could understand.

“The Faith of Barack Obama” is a must read for those looking to gain insight into how Obama reached his faith.

To read the first 2 chapters of “The Faith of Barack Obama”, courtesy of Thomas Nelson, please click here