Dobson says Obama 'distorts Bible'

WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) -- Conservative leader James Dobson has accused likely Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama of personally attacking him and "distorting the Bible."

Dobson, who claims a following of hundreds of thousands through his "Focus on the Family" syndicated radio program, blasted Sen. Obama, D-Ill., on the show aired Tuesday.

In a speech, Obama is heard saying, "Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation and a nation of non-believers."

He then adds: "And even if we did have only Christians in our midst, if we expelled every non-Christian from the United States of America, whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would we go with James Dobson's or Al Sharpton's?"

"Obviously, that is offensive to me," Dobson said. "Who wants to expel people who are not Christians? I've never said anything near that."

Dobson also said Obama is "deliberately distorting" Biblical teachings to "fit his world view."

Obama spokesman Joshua DuBois told The Washington Post that a full reading of the speech shows he is committed to reaching out to people of faith and standing up for families.