President Obama Draws Ideas From 5 Ministers

“While he may not put ‘Honk if You Love Jesus’ bumper stickers on the back of his car, he is the kind of guy who practices what he preaches.” -- Rev. Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, the senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston.

This was the quote du jour in The New York Times yesterday, pulled from a story about how President Obama consults with five ministers, since he no longer has a home church and pastor. In its interviews, the ministers explained how President draws ideas and inspiration from each of them.

President Obama seems to possess an immense respect for alternate viewpoints, and his approach allows him to get enough input to make wise choices. While he may be under the gun for doing so much in such a short amount of time, while also being criticized for not changing government enough in terms of the budget, he is not intimidated by the challenge. Contrast that to how President Bush hid from the media and sent his press secretary out to deal with the wolves.

While the result of such soul-searching on major and minor issues may not be obvious yet, Obama's actions speak louder than words in how he is keeping the majority of faith-based initiatives intact, while reforming other actions of the previous administration that rewarded the rich and hurt the poor. His push toward reforming health care and energy policy will not only strengthen the country economically, but will also make all of the difference to the have-nots.

Ultimately, as Jesus said, we will know whether people are good are evil by the fruits of their actions. We saw the "fruits" of the previous President's actions: unnecessary war, increased poverty, economic collapse, world disdain. I am praying that President Obama will plant the seeds that grow into a bounty of good.