"What if God is trying to make a statement?"

In the last generation, a motivated, organized "religious right" has flexed its considerable muscle in both electing candidates and shaping American public policy.

But what if God is trying to make a statement in 2008 through the meteoric rise of a new symbol -- a charismatic, eloquent senator from Illinois who is turning conventional American politics on its head? That food for thought will form the basis of Sunday's sermon by Pastor John Van Sloten at New Hope Church, . . .

Van Sloten admits he's become an unabashed fan of Barack Obama after watching his TV speeches and reading his book The Audacity of Hope.

"I know Obama has been criticized for being all about vague ideals and not about specific policies," Van Sloten says.

"But unless you have ideals, nothing is going to change. You have to be able to dream outside the box."

Sunday sermon cheers rise of Obama, by Graeme Morton, Calgary Herald. February 23, 2008.