Obama finally talks about Jesus

Despite the fact many Americans continue to believe he's a Muslim, President Obama talked in depth today about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, perhaps his most in-depth discussion of the basics of Christianity since he took office.

"In a few short days, all of us will experience the wonder of Easter morning," Obama said to a room full of pastors at the annual Easter Prayer Breakfast. "And we will know, in the words of the Apostle Paul, 'Christ Jesus ... and Him crucified.'"

Sounding like a preacher, but adding he didn't wish to give a sermon because "it's always a bad idea to give a sermon in front of professionals," Obama continued:

"It's an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I'm sure for some of you, it's also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured – not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.

"For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him, Jesus told His disciples, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.' He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, 'If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.' And yet, in the end, He confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, 'If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'

Did Jesus die on a Friday, or was it really Wednesday? Learn the true story of what REALLY happened from your own Bible in the autographed No. 1 best-seller, "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told."

"So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered His fear, that we're able to celebrate the resurrection. It's only because He endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of the world that He burdened – that burdened His soul that we are able to proclaim, 'He is risen!'

"So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.

"We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are times where we have questions for God's plan relative to us – (laughter) – but that's precisely when we should remember Christ's own doubts and eventually his own triumph. Jesus told us as much in the book of John, when He said, 'In this world you will have trouble.' I heard an amen. (Laughter.) Let me repeat. 'In this world, you will have trouble.'"

"Amen!" the audience exclaimed.

"But take heart!" Obama said to laughter. "I have overcome the world," he added as he received applause.

"We are here today to celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation."

Some WND readers are not thrilled with Obama's remarks.

"This man who claims to be a leader knows nothing of our Jesus," said Jim Biven. "He wasn't a wimp and he was not 'afraid' of the cross or death. He knew who he was. THAT's why he was troubled. How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to execution by a bunch of ungrateful wicked people? How would you feel if you HAD TO submit to torture for people who did not care or understand what you were doing?"

Jeff Schueller writes: "This man says the same thing about the Muslim faith when he's in front of Muslims. He's a SNAKE, a fake and a fraud!"

Despite Obama's profession that he's a Christian, many voters, especially Republicans, continue to believe he's actually a Muslim.

As WND reported last month, a new poll in Alabama and Mississippi found about half of the likely GOP primary voters believe he's a Muslim.

Skeptics have pointed to his Muslim father and step-father, his Islamic training in Indonesia and his statements that America is no longer a "Christian nation" and can be considered one of the largest Muslim nations. The White House and the Obama campaign, meanwhile, officially have maintained Obama is Christian, sometimes citing his membership in the Chicago church of radical preacher Jeremiah Wright.

No matter to those polled by Public Policy Polling.

The survey of 600 likely Alabama Republican primary voters found only 14 percent believe Obama to be Christian. But 45 percent said he is Muslim and another 41 percent said they're unsure.

The same question presented to 686 likely Mississippi Republican primary voters found just 12 percent believe Obama to be Christian. But 52 percent say he is Muslim and another 36 percent were uncertain.

If you'd like to sound off on this issue, please take part in the WND Poll.