When people ask what America is, we might say "diversity", "freedom", or "hope", but our very understanding of these words is always changing. "Diversity" has always been a fact, but is not always welcomed. Feminists used the cry of "freedom" to demand the legalization of abortion in the '70s. "Hope" is encouraged for people already living in America, but is often witheld from those who come to our shores seeking a new life. There are people who still believe we are "one nation under God". The Declaration of Independence says people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" and shows their "firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence". The new system of government was based on the idea that God wanted them to create this new country where they could be free. The United States may have originated as a "Christian" nation, but that isn't true any longer.

Just out of curiosity, I looked up "Sharia" Islamic law on the Center for Foreign Relations website. "Sharia" refers to a government based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunna which governs daily life, relationships, and finances. "Hadd" punishments are punishments for marital infidelity, consumption of alcohol, theft, and highway robery. These punishments include can include flogging, stoning, amputation, banishment, and execution (sounds more harsh than most Republicans). Thousands of women are killed every year for bringing dishonor on their families or for suspected infidelity. In Saudi Arabia, "Sharia" law forbids women from driving and states they must always be completely covered and escorted by a male relative when in public. I can imagine why Americans wouldn't want these laws.

President Obama is one of the only presidents who lived in other countries during some portion of their childhood, so there is understandably a bit of confusion about that. I think there are very few people who dislike the president for reasons other than religious preference and political opinion. One of the more interesting comments I heard was from a friend of mine who said during elections that it was racist NOT to vote for Obama. That statement in itself was racist. There are things he does I agree with, and things he does I do not agree with. I don't care who the president is as long as they know what they are doing and do it well.

On the subject of Muslims and tolerance: I make every effort I can to learn about other cultures and religious beliefs. I wish I had time right now to read the rest of the Quran like I had planned. The truth is, people are afraid of Islam. My pastor friend Matt went to seminary with a man who had come from overseas to learn more about the Bible and teach his community. The man was killed by the Islamic government when he returned. There was another man at the seminary who gave a conference I attended on the subject of Islam. He had fled his home country when his brother tried to kill him. There is a couple from Africa attending our church who fled from one country to the next seeking refuge when his family discovered he was a Christian. It is true that Christians have done terrible things (the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, etc.), but the New Testament, unlike the Quran, does not condone them. Until you know someone who has fled it, it is easy to say be tolerant of Islam. In your desire to be welcoming to others, don't forget why others still may cringe in fear.

I am culturally egocentric if that is to say that I believe Christianity is a true and preferable way of life. That does not mean I have any desire to prevent others from practicing their own religion in their own way (short of practices which cause bodily harm to others).

I find it difficult to believe abortions are as much an act of freedom and independence as you suppose. Too many women receive an abortion out of fear of what their parents or others will think. Women are often persuaded to receive an abortion because having a pregnant teenager would look bad for their parents or cramp a boyfriend's style.

Although too often misinformed, fears about Islam are well founded. How many Christians do you hear of killing their family members for converting to Islam? If we are to speak of religious tolerance, let us consider also Islam's toleration of Christianity. The United States is neither a Christian or a Muslim nation and I do not forsee it being either in the near future. Indeed, the United States is a secular nation. It is shameful to call it a Christian one. I say this not because of the idea of separation of church and state, but because of our history and present state of disrepair. I wouldn't dare blame God for the mess we've made.

I am probably very naive in this respect, but the comments I have heard about Obama's presidency have been with regard to policy and what people do and don't like about it (bailouts, cash for clunkers, etc.). Maybe I just hang out with the abnormally high-brow Republicans. If I remember correctly, people thought nothing of bashing President Bush or President Clinton either.

To me, the religous beliefs of politicians are vitally important. What you believe impacts your values and decisions. It is my preference to have a president who believes and values the things I do. I'm sure you feel the same way. For example, if a president believes God created man in His image, it is easier for him to value human life than if he believes our existance to be an accident of cosmic chance. Beliefs and actions are inseperable and, therefore, important.

@David: Oh man, it's ridiculous for ppl to be so hateful. Most online venters wouldn't have the nerve to slander ppl to their face. Ppl like that are why I studied psychology. I just don't understand them.