An effort has been made to portray presidental candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) as a Muslim, and to plant the idea that, consequently, he is a terrorist.  No doubt there are people only too happy to pass along this bit of misinformation, whether because they believe it (because of his name and family heritage), or because they are opposed to his candidacy (for a number of reasons -- pick one).

Of course, it is decidedly untrue, but Obama's campaign now is accelerating the pace in disputing these claims as southern states begin holding primaries.  Through his public statements, endorsement letters, and on his official website, Obama is touting the fact that he is a long-standing member of the United Church of Christ, and that if he is elected president, he will be "guided by his Christian faith."  He has stated, "I believe in the power of prayer."

The intent of this response, while no doubt genuine, is to appease the masses and make Obama an acceptable, if not appealing, candidate.

There have been times, and still are places, in which serious trouble resulted from making these kinds of self-assertions.  Check the New Testament, especially The Acts of the Apostles.   Review news accounts from officially atheistic or otherwise non-Christian nations.

Christianity in North America continues its descent into being a non-factor in our culture, despite some who cling to the myth that we are a "Christian nation," but there is no persecution of adherents.  In fact, the whole matter, on the whole, has become pretty "ho-hum," even among many church members.

Seeing a candidate as a "Christian," likely translates into, "he or she is not a threat to the status quo."  Sometimes it seems we imagine we have domesticated God.

Why were the Romans so opposed to Christians back in the First Century?  Why do oppressive regimes tightly clamp down on believers?

Perhaps they understand better than we the faith's potential for "turning the world upside down," an action attributed to the early followers of Jesus.