by Allison Moore

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Although Barack Obama does not have the "look" of a cult leader, he definately possesses the charisma and charm needed to woo the world, which he has. While a new president has been elected, promising change and hope to all Americans, some have expressed their belief that he is the second coming of Christ. I will leave the scripture up to the theologians and Bible scholars, but can I ask if we are witnessing the "Obama cult?" Endorsements were overflowing, contributions were in abundance, and people felt as though he had already changed their lives. I believe, whatever it is, it will definitely impact how his presidency is viewed. During the election, more people than you could imagine were brought to tears by his victory. Thousands waited in line to see him wherever he stopped. Members of the audience have been known to rush the stage during campaign rallies, forcing the announcer to plead with them to back off. There were even reports of a few who fainted during the rallies. Some claimed to be overwhelmed by the fact that he is the nations first African American President. I beg to differ. People across the nation seem to have this uncanny "connection" to Mr. Obama, and have defined him as their hope. It is as if they believe they belong to him and worship him in some strange way. One blog, titled "Is Barack Obama the Messiah?" gets right to the point. What does this all mean?

First, this means that many people believed that Obama was destined to be president; that it was God's will. In their view, it is as if the hand of God was in his victory after so many years of struggle. With this mindset, most of his followers, or should I call them Obamanites?, will do just about anything believing in the hope and change he has promised. People have been searching for signs from God in difficult times, and have found spiritual significance in Obama's win. Skeptics compare the campaign unnervingly to the hysteria of a cult, or the fervour of a religious revival. He is on a pedestal and people are willing to fall down and worship him. Many have said that God comes from strange places, comparing Jesus being born to a virgin in a manger to Barack Obama coming to save the lost through the White House. That is where the cult comes in. Merriam-Webster defines it as : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work, Random House Unabridged Dictionary's definition is: an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of

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