Time apparently caught President Bush in a chatty mood in a recent interview. Among other things, Bush blames the post-war mess in Iraq on the American military’s “catastrophic success.” Hmm, is that also the problem with our economy? Did the Bush tax cuts bring about catastrophic economic growth?
Bush also revealed that he doesn’t pray for Saddam Hussein. (“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” ).
Given how much of an influence Bush’s faith supposedly is over him, wouldn’t it be interesting to have a reporter who is well-versed in Christianity interview Bush on how his religion shapes his world view? Not just the standard questions on abortion and gay marriage. I’m talking about the morality of war, human rights, religious diversity, America’s “moral” responsibilities in the world, the Middle East–that kind of thing. Questions that go beyond, “how important is your faith to you?”
If Bush’s faith is that significant to him (it is used as a selling point for religious conservative voters), shouldn’t voters know how it may influences his policies?
this is sumthin i dun been wishin fer the longest. i jes caint fathom how ye kin call yerself a follower of christ while practicin shock n awe, while lyin bout yer opponents, while laffin bout folks bein executed. as matthew 7:15 puts it, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Yeah. It’s unrealistic to hold politicians to everything in the Bible. But I religious beliefs are something that could be examined when they may have a direct impact on how an official views the world and makes policy.
For instance, many of Bush’s supporters believe Israel must be standing at the end of the world. Does this have any impact on our Middle East policy?