Reply #5: I suppose it's just so different from the British system... [View All]

[LeftishBrit]

In the UK, if a political leader was thought to be strongly under the influence of any religious adviser - especially a specific individual preacher - in a political and not merely spiritual sense, then that *in itself* would be seen as an indication of unfitness for office. Regardless of the exact content of the preachers's beliefs. There would be references made to Rasputin, various cults, etc.

I doubt that Obama is under Wright's influence; but sometimes I'm startled at the extent to which religous preachers have an influence on politics and politicians in America, and the extent to which it's accepted and assumed that this will be the case.. I suppose you'd have the right to be similarly startled at the fact that bishops here sit in the House of Lords. (I oppose this - roll on COMPLETE separation of church and state!)