This is the Saviour of the world said the shop assistant referring to Obama as the radio brought the Presidential inauguration in Washington into the local chemist’s shop. For a moment I found myself agreeing! Such has been the momentum generated by the rhetoric and the welcome distraction it afforded from the chill economic winds that are blowing that there was a strong temptation to buy into it – lock, stock and barrel. Barack Hussein Obama carries with him into the Presidential office the hopes of a fairer society in the US and justice for the rest of the world. Perhaps never has one man had had so much expectation placed upon his shoulders. Perhaps never have such flimsy shoulders appeared to carry the burden so lightly. But then this is only the first week in office! The traditional oath of allegiance, taken in God’s name and sworn on the Bible, demonstrates the dependence the founding fathers had on God, his word and the solemnity of the task being undertaken. Indeed the wording is so crucial that in order to ensure its accuracy following a slip-up the first time, the oath was taken again the next day. Conceivably, no President has faced a more daunting task and never has the wisdom of Solomon been more necessary. The choice of Gene Robinson and Rick Warren to offer the inaugural prayers was no doubt symbolic, the first representing the gay community and the second evangelicals. Robinson was an unfortunate choice as he announced in advance that he was shocked by the Christian prayers offered at past inaugurations and that he would not offer a Christian prayer. Instead he prayed to a “god of many understandings” making it impossible to know which god he was talking to. Fortunately Warren prayed along the lines St Paul commanded Timothy. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour” 1 Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1-3. The shop assistant got mixed up on who is the real Saviour of the world. I trust that Obama and all who support him will not make the same mistake.