Obama's biblical reference

Posted: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 12:55 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House

From NBC's Athena Jones
As mentioned earlier, President Obama said this in his speech: "We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things."

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Comments

I like that Obama peppers his speeches with biblical references. Perhaps this will touch some of the hard-core Evangelicals who think he's the Anti-Christ?

jenpanda, boston, ma (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:08 PM)

worst speech i ever heard from a new president, of course what did i expect

Craig c (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:12 PM)

Obama was referring to a passage in Corinthians. Here's the whole verse, from the King James version: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
If only we as Americans can all try to be as mature. Let's put aside our petty bashes and work together for a better existence. I, for one, will consciously try.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:14 PM)

Craig C, you must be young or not paying much attention. This is obviously your first and only inaugral speech. Perhaps those in the past did not interest you, you were too young to care, or in a coma. While not the most profound inaugral address ever delivered I thought it was pretty good. I have heard 14 others plus some very historical ones delivered by past presidents. Believe me this was pretty good.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:23 PM)

President Barack Obama is a great and courageous man. May God continue to bless him

Vera James-Thomas, Signal Hill, Tobago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:24 PM)

For all of those who did not vote for Barack, please know that he is the president for All Americans. Get over it, he won, and he will fight for you as well.
He is truly anointed and that you cannot take away, therefore, just try to give him a chance.

Jackie McGuire, Chicago, Il. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:25 PM)

Jackie McGuire, Chicago, Il. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:27 PM)

Oh stop it, Craig C. He's black and he's the pres.. Your candidate lost. Sorry dude...Move to Canada if all your going to do is cry about it and spew venom.

BamaBoy - Proud of his president (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:28 PM)

Craig C, just grin and bear it, sore loser

Miguel, Coral Gables FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:29 PM)

Biblespeak itself is childish. Far too much religion in this inauguration. We've not come very far in some respects.

USF (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:29 PM)

jenpanda, just commenting on your statement, the anti-christ would also use biblical references in an effort to persuade believers he in the Messiah returning. That itself is stated in Revelations.

Waiting to see (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:31 PM)

it was awsome......i guess.

john jacobs jingle himer schmit (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:33 PM)

USF -
Won't YOU be surprised if it's all true!!?!!!

me, michigan (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:36 PM)

God will not bless obama cause he is a baby killer

b tex (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:37 PM)

God w
ill not bless obama cause he is a baby killer
just because he quotes scripture don't mean he knows God

b tex (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:38 PM)

The speech was OK...but what happened to "ask what you can do for your country" there seemed to be a lot of "what your country will do for you"

Steve, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:39 PM)

Just a puppet being told what to say....he is a man-child and has no idea what the passage means...he is clueless and this country is doomed!!

Wake up America (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:41 PM)

hypocrasy from beverly in chicago....i didn't see you put aside your "petty bashes" towards Bush and McCain during the elections!!!

Wake up America! (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:43 PM)

To all you Nay sayers Obama, Did what the bible says, Seek first the Kingdom of God and all its righteouness and all things shall be added on to you. Quit your envy, jealous, prideful, bitter, lustful, lazy , gluttoning, lying self. He and I were made just like you. All you Nay sayer. Since he remembers to keep God First. Now look who just like his Father who are in Heaven. Every knee shall Bow! Where are you sitting?

Dionne Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:44 PM)

USF.... the great thing about this country is we are FREE to express are religious beleifs whehter you like it or not. And many of the settlers of thsi country were coming here for reliegious freedom. Now we need freedom from idiots like you who beleive that our expression of faith limits your freedom, it does not, in fact it enhances it. God Bless you

T (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:45 PM)

USF, The Country was founded on Religious/Biblical reasons and documents. In my opinion we have move to far from what our Founding Fathers envisioned!

Nick (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:45 PM)

As an atheist, while i was somewhat disheartened by the religious overtones of the speech, i was more impressed by Obamas inclusion of non-believers. I'm not certain, but i feel this must be a first in presidential inaugural speech history

D MacDonald, London, Ontario, Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:46 PM)

Plese don't judge a man on what he says or how he says it, but on what he does, lets give him a chance. Everyone deserves at least one chance.

Craig (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:47 PM)

We all should support our president. But those who are on the bandwagon, such as all the celebrities who showed up this weekend, where were you the past 8 years. You should serve and do service no matter who is the freely elected president. The speech was bland. I was expecting more. However, actions, not rhetoric will get the job done.

Doug Fulton, Gainesville, Va (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:53 PM)

Correction: The passage is in FIRST Corinthians. There are two books of the Bible by that name, not just one.

Jon Swerens, Fort Wayne, Ind. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:54 PM)

Not only was Obama's speech eloquent, but his use of Biblical references gives me hope for this country's leadership. We have had too many years of those afraid to disappoint the minority of non believers by referring to the Bible. Bible references are not childish, Scholars far smarter than most of us have studied the bible attempting to gain more and more from its simplicity. Only a fool would call it childish. CWT

Carol Temme (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:56 PM)

Lord Grant Barack OBAMA and his administration the courage and strenght to restore hope and being about common good at this perilous time in history.
WITHOUT GOD THEY CANNOT ACCOPLISH ANYTHING.

Paula Myers, Upper Marlboro Maryland (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:58 PM)

This was a decent speech for this day and this time. The speech called for us to remove from the bitter hate we have seemed to hold onto. Most viewed the speech as relevant and on point. For those of you nay sayers get over your hate, racist views, get past your unbelief and your hate of people of color. All white men are not suppose to be a president. Neither should they be senators or congressmen. If that was the case John McCain and Payless would have won. God decided to change the landscape of history and allow the people to make history by electing this man President of the United States. We are better for it and the country is as well regardless of how you feel about him god did it and that settles it. You can sit in your apartment, condos, houses, or ranches and hate him but in the end he is still the President, Commander in Chief, The Leader of the Free World, and a man with a Christian Vision for this country. God is not mocked god is in control. For all those non-believers who don't believe that god allowed this you need to get past your un-belief and realized all these people across the country didn't just vote for him because of his ability to speak how dumb can you be. They felt something special and honest about him and they gave him the same chance that you would want someone to give to you if your father ran for office, your son, your daughter, your nephew, or anyone who is running for office. Get past your issues and realize he is for us ALL.

Tim- Maryland (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:59 PM)

Thank you, President Obama, for continuing to not point fingers and instead reference unity and how we can do it together regardless of our faith and political stand. We need to heal and grow together as a nation not apart. We all need to take responsibility in our own lives and reach out to others to show our children the hope of the future and not childlike coments that cause more pain. Let's all grow up!

L. B. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:02 PM)

If you can find fault with President Obama's Speech, you are looking to find fault and it would not have made any difference what he said because in my opinion he left no one person, race, religion, country, or status out of his speech. When you point your finger at his faults, remember the three fingers that are pointing back at you. Learn to LOVE!

Sharon Guidry, Vernon, Mi / and Cape Coral, Fl (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:04 PM)

Our Father,,Thy kingdom come,they will be done,fore give us of our trespass, as we fore give those that trespass against ,deliver us from evil.To some these words mean nothing,and I pray for your souls.In God we trust,isn't just words on a dollar bill,but words to live by. No matter what you think,or belief,they will inspire us forever.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:06 PM)

Wake up America! (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:43 PM)
hypocrasy from beverly in chicago....i didn't see you put aside your "petty bashes" towards Bush and McCain during the elections!!!

Wake up America!:
I haven't bashed your precious lord in the past several posts. It's time to bury the hatchet.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:08 PM)

Not impressed. Bible quotes do not a great president make.

Eff (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:10 PM)

I am happy for Mr. Obama, even though I did not vote
for him. What gets me is, since this whole campaign started, I have seen and heard so much racial bigotry
on the part of " african americans ". How are people
supposed to get past all of this racial division when
all we hear are things like, " hes president so get over it ", with all of its racial implications intoe.
Even here in my work place, its be almost unbearable.
I for one am so glad this is all over and hope and pray that people " can and will " get back to some normalcy. What has " really " changed? We have a new President, who happens to be black, so all of you
with the attitudes, " get over it " for pete sake
and give it a rest!

Melba Marchant Cottondale Al. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:12 PM)

The Message I got was we cannot judge and rely on our past to get us out of this mess. Each individual has to make his next day better than the last, even if it effects the next man. We are here becuase our blood believed in something better and good. They died for us and we shouldnt let their memory fade away. Thus we do our best to honor them by our own successes, fulliments. yet always thanking God for loving us and blessing us with such a collective country of peoples.

Raiders4Obama (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:13 PM)

as soon as i heard obama allegedly "quote" scripture that doesnt exist it worried me.its nice to see that first read will rewrite history again and make it look as if obama ever read a bible in his life.it was so weird to see the obama family seem almost unfamiliar with prayer.so weird to see.also what happen to obama saying he would use his real name barack hussein obama?now hes barack h. obama?god bless america and god bless everyone!(someone needs to get the obama family in church regularly or who will guide the president if he doesnt seek jesus and only uses the word christian)

jesus lover (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:14 PM)

Melba Marchant Cottondale Al. (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:14 PM)

As an American I believe President Obama made this statement and addressed all religions and even non-believers so he could give us a view of his open mind & heart. He simply but strongly told Americans it doesn't matter what you believe we are in this together. We can only strive and achieve greatness together (Government & the People). We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and eat of the same earth. We all cry and laugh the same. We all want what’s best for our lives as individuals and as a country. There will be people who Do Not desire to see unity, togetherness or greatness because they have fear. People live for the enjoyment of seeing others suffers and experiences strive and grief. It is our duty, Americans to fight for our freedoms, liberty and success. If we succeed as individuals our country the world will succeed as it is destined to do.

Koren (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:19 PM)

Is America the land flowing with milk and honey? The promised land that MLK(Moses) spoke of is a place that we may not cross over into but Joshua's
(Pres. Obama)Generation was ordained by GOD to receive an overflow!!!! GOD Bless America.....

G, Kemp (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:20 PM)

Once again the ‘bible’ continues to show to us that it’s true, current and it does not change. From slavery to racism, from white to black from the richest country to one of the poorest country, from America to Africa, from booming economy to bailout and bankruptcy, out of adversity still can produce a seed of hope, opportunity and prosperity. What have come to my mind are the stories of Joseph, Moses and Jesus. Is this history repeating itself? Hoping for the best to Barack Obama….

ismaia58 (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:22 PM)

Theres alot of hostility where there shouldnt be. Alot of people were needing a change and unhappy with the previous government and how the country was running. Negativity seems to be the focus in any situation instead of the positive. Its unfortunate, I see that your country is going to benefit from this change of leadership. His focus is on the whole instead of seperated groups of people, with that nobody can loose. Put your prejudice beside for a moment and be happy that maybe the war might actually stop your family might be looked at more and hopefully health care for you might be less. Dont focus on what he cant do, because you dont know what that is yet. One man can do only so much be greatful that you have your freedom and that your country still has hope.

Emily,Ontario Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:23 PM)

he wrote most of this speech himself. so perhaps he's his own puppet? or maybe just a damned good ventriloquist.

dan b (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:24 PM)

Lord,give him wisdom to lead us with humility
give him courage to lead us with sincerity and give him compassion to lead us with integrity.

May God bless Obama.

Susan george,Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:25 PM)

The various quotes and rhetoric are not important. What matters is the message--we are the greatest nation on earth and we have a responsibility to lead the way in this new era of change. The decisions we make now will shape the world for the next hundred years and we need to put aside our differences and work together.

John, Morgantown, WV (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:32 PM)

Pretty down right insulting for a man who says he wants to unify the country.

Joey, Chattanooga, TN (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:32 PM)

Apart from the fact that this is biblical prooftexting, it has nothing to do with what he was talking about in his speech. The context of the passage is about ... you guessed it, salvation. We, of course, know that he cannot provide that. Well, most of us know that. Apparently, 52 percent of Americans believe he descended from on high to provide that. Congratulations, America, on electing your first Marxist president. Enjoy working the rice fields.

GT, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:37 PM)

God bless America and the President of the United States of America!

Just a citizen from Massachusetts (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:38 PM)

I for one will treat OB with all the respect and dignaty which the left has shown to President Bush.
Why for starters I promise to never call him President during his entire four year term.
Just OB, or maybe Barry.
Remember at least 49 million of us didn't vote for him.

Rick, South Dakota (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:42 PM)

It's a great speech and a very inspiring one. Thou I live on the other side of this world, I can say still that Obama is a man chosen by God to bring forth changes in America and to all other countries that look after it. God bless us all...citizens of this world.

Fernando S. Fernandez, San Carlos City, Philippines (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:42 PM)

From Europe. Its interesting for me that he mentioned "the Scriptures" , not the Bible as such. To me, it makes a big difference. -Cheers, lets take it form here. Whatever comes, it can hardly be worse than the last 4-8 years or so. Or then again, it may well be? - Whatever, let us make a genuine effort that it will not be ;

tuija, finalnd (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 2:47 PM)

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