Barack Obama and the Public Administration of Faith

Abstract

For American presidents, spiritual faith and religion have been an important vehicle for expressing national vision for the future as well as understanding the collective past. As President Barack Obama advances into his term in office, the question posed is this: to what degree will spiritual faith play in his leadership and resulting public policies? This question is addressed by examining the President's inaugural address and by taking a preliminary look at the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Indications are that religion and faith will maintain a customary role, but President Obama will most likely find ways to remind the American people of the diversity of beliefs in the American political community. He will welcome such diversity into the mainstream of political and policy life.