By Randy O'Brien
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wmot/local-wmot-747020.mp3
Murfreesboro, TN – Barack Obama's religious faith is "the longest lasting relationship" in his life, according to a new book about the candidate's faith by Tennessee journalist Stephen Mansfield.
Mansfield is the author of the new book "The Faith of Barack Obama." He also wrote "The Faith of George W. Bush," published in 2003.
"I wasn't necessarily looking to do book on Obama, but this election came along, and it was so faith-based, and there were so many myths about Barack Obama on both the left and the right," Mansfield said.
"The fact is that Barack Obama, whether you like it or not, is very much where the country is going religiously," he added.
Mansfield's book refutes the story that Obama is Muslim. The candidate was exposed to Islam during his childhood in Indonesia, but after that Obama "never again had any religious connection to Islam," Mansfield said.
Senator Obama found faith and community when he first began attending Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago in the 1980s, according to Mansfield.
Mansfield said he admires Obama, but he will not vote for him in November.