faith

What role does your faith play in your decisions?

Bush talks about the importance of prayer, but then turns to the importance of tolerating diverse religions. An admirable sentiment, but I think the underlying assumption behind the question is that Christ preached a message of peace. Bush is answering it as if the underlying assumption is that he’s a religious bigot.

If Kerry uses the word “respect” one more time, I’m going to hurl. Also makes a nod toward religious tolerance. Students snicker at his reference to being blessed by Native Americans. “As president I will always respect everybody’s right to practice as they choose, or not to practice, if that’s their choice.”

Hmm. The last part of this statement seems like something that deserves more discussion in this forum.

Nope. They’re on to something else, now.

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2 thoughts on “faith

  1. I am not a Christian, and yet I cannot help but notice the contrast between what Jesus is said to have preached, and the actions of our president, who claims the teachings of Jesus as his guide:

    Luke 6:

    [24] But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
    [25] Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
    [26] Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
    [27] But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
    [28] Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
    [29] And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
    [30] Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
    [31] And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
    [32] For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
    [33] And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
    [34] And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
    [35] But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
    [36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
    [37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

    Matthew 5:

    [3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    [4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
    [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
    [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
    [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
    [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
    [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God…
    [38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
    [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

    Is this not a message of peace?

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