Rev. Hamiton, who has written about the need to bring together concerns of both the left and the right within the United Methodist Church, sees a similar viewpoint in Obama. Hamilton writes, "Methodists have historically had the ability to hold together the concerns of both liberals and conservatives, to preach both the evangelical and social gospels, and to attempt to understand and acknowledge the important positions deeply held by people on opposite sides of the theological or political divide, bringing them together in what some might call a 'radical center.'" He goes on to cite several examples of this perspective in Obama's positions. Basically, he thinks Obama has the potential to bring Americans together around a common vision, and sees great leadership ability in the president-elect.

 

I think the article is interesting because of the connection the author sees between United Methodism's worldview and Obama's.