In Obama's mind, what does "clinging to religion' mean, exactly?

[Redalgo]

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I think what he meant is when people spend their lives in a reality that falls short of the good ‘ole days, and public officials consistently fail to deliver on their promises, it is easy to become cynical about anyone or anything that carries with it the promise of a better future. Instead, people find scapegoats to blame for it all and then turn inward to God and tradition - the two most good and wholesome things in life to many of them that, no matter what happens, cannot be taken away.

Those who lack hope must fill in its place other things to cope.


Edit: Which in hindsight I suppose is a less thorough variation of what Lief explained!

[Redalgo]

really?  so "clinging" to honesty and integrity is "bad"?

Absolutes can oversimplify it. Integrity is subjective and honesty is not unconditionally good.

That is the whole point of this thread - what, exactly, was "bad" about their religion?

Religion can and for many people is a wonderful thing. It can inspire them to virtuosity, noble deeds, contentedness, and facilitate the achievement of a fulfilling life. Unfortunately though...

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In this sense religion can be a form of escapism - which is unhealthy if not practiced in moderation. We live in a society that was built up by the People's hands. It was not inevitable. It was not our destiny. It was not accomplished by the faithful throwing in the towel, assuming what ills our society cannot receive better treatment, and obediently going on with their lives wrapped up in fantasies - believing in whatever the Bible or tradition tells them to. No. Progress is an endeavor that has to be worked for. It demands of us that we recognize our flaws and set aside the fact that we have sinned - for without faith in humanity how would we ever deem it worthwhile to work together and construct for each other a better world? Religion can be part of the motivation to do that on one hand, or on the other it can be a source of negativity, distraction, and complacency.  

President Obama's problem is not with people having religion. If he were that opposed to religion why would he identify as Christian at all? In my opinion, his concern is that he sees communities in which jaded people use religion to hide from or dismiss - not actively confront - societal problems.

...or, was the "problem" the mere fact these clingers were willing to stand for something and therefore expose the flaws in Obama's character?

That depends upon what they stand for and why. POTUS has flaws. There is nothing wrong with drawing attention to them. It is also completely fine for them to have a different vision for the future of our country than President Obama. Still, if the "clingers" are willing to stand for something it had better not be sad, defeatist notions like, "Government does not care or work for people like us," "This is as good as it gets," or, "Why try? You cannot make a difference."