Stephen Mansfield, the author of the best-selling The Faith of George W. Bush (Charisma House), will tackle another politician's beliefs in his latest book, The Faith of Barack Obama (Thomas Nelson), which releases Aug. 5.

Politico.com said the Obama biography's tone ranges from "gently critical" to "gushing." The Web site also said that Mansfield defends the senator-and his controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright-from conservative critics, portraying Obama as a compelling figure for Christian voters.

The book focuses primarily on Obama's religious journey, describing how he came from a skeptical view of religion to his faith in God and his membership in the United Church of Christ. It also discusses how he sees his faith influencing future policy decisions.

Mansfield, a former pastor who describes himself as a conservative Christian, concludes in the book that Obama is " unapologetically Christian and unapologetically liberal."