Bush W. Christ?

[daylily]

http://www.truthout.org/docs_03/050503A.shtml

In the 835 days Americans have passed since the inauguration of George W. Bush, we have come to know him as a man who wears many masks to suit a variety of political purposes. Even before he won the lawsuit that put him in his lofty position, we saw a man who cloaked his vision in terms that smacked of humility. "Ours will be a humble nation," Bush said during the Presidential debates. There are a number of words which can be applied to the actions of this administration, but "humble" is not one of them. At the time, however, it suited his purposes to make Americans believe he saw himself as unassuming, perhaps even small.

This was the same man, however, who mocked Texas death row inmate Karla Faye Tucker so viciously before she rode the lightning to whatever awaits us on the Other Side. He was asked, in an interview for Talk Magazine during the campaign, what Tucker might say to him if she were given the chance to plead for her life. "Please," said Bush with pinched face and lips drawn down in a quivering bow as he imitated the woman about to die, "don't kill me." Then he laughed.

Another mask was donned by Bush on the deck of that aircraft carrier, one whose implications are far more dire and disturbing. Bush was there to tell the world that combat operations in Iraq had ceased. He did not go so far as to declare victory, as such a declaration would have required, under the Geneva Convention, the release of POWs and the withdrawal of American forces. The banner hanging across the control tower -- "Mission Accomplished" -- said all that needed to be said.

In his remarks, Bush closed with a paraphrasing of the Book of Isaiah: "In the words of the prophet Isaiah, 'To the captives, 'come out,' and to those in darkness, 'be free,''"

This was a quotation from Chapter 61 of Isaiah, the very book Jesus Christ used when proclaiming that Isaiah's prophesies of the Messiah had come true. Using this passage from Isaiah, Jesus presented himself as the Son of God in Nazareth. Thus it is told in Luke, Chapter 4, Verses 16-22:

[Marlena]

What kills me is that this is the same person who's adamantly opposed to the development of any religious regime in Iraq. I suppose it would be ok if the factions in Iraq were Baptist and Presbyterian, rather than Shiite and Sunni.

[Joyce in the mts.]

Glad to see this posted here, Sister.

Pretty grotesque stuff taken altogether, isn't it?

Joyce in the mts.

[CollegeMama]

[1jooj]

I suppose it would be ok if the factions in Iraq were Baptist and Presbyterian, rather than Shiite and Sunni.

It's so obvious...aren't more people concerned about this? I mean mainstream regular people who value their own freedom.

[Joyce in the mts.]

I have seen that many people were positively panicky about the biblical reference and/or pronouncement made by Bush. I really think that no good will come of it ultimately.

GW professes to be a member of the United Methodist Church, but sure doesn't reflect any part of it in his actions or thinking AT ALL!!!

It is beyond me what is going on with Bush, except he is manipulating vulnerabilities/drunk with power...or he really thinks he is bringing about or even IS the second coming and that gets really really dangerous in my opinion. And this is, at least in part, the marketing...er...political strategy promoted by the administration.

It's amazing really isn't it?...Joyce in the mts.

[dlb]

Hi Guys--

I am a born again christian, and I find his use of the scriptures, without quoting the verse, and as if they are his own words, just short of blasphemy.

I read another quote some time ago, where in reference to his planned action in Iraq, he said something along the lines of "there is wonderworking power" in something like the faith and strength of the American people. That comes directly from a song, but the power is in the "precious blood of The Lamb." It just creeps me out, how he is pulling these things out of context, and using them for his own purposes.

Oh, yeah, I've heard people say "well, you know the president is a *christian*! Sorry, in my 20 years or so hanging out at various churches, I have know some "christian" men I wouldn't trust with a goldfish, let alone the fate of the world. Some people use religion to hide behind, instead of dealing with their issues, and they just get sicker; sadly, I suspect Mr. Bush dry-acholic, ect. may be one.

I am embarassed as a Christian, that so many who take the name of "christian" have so little regard for the teachings of Christ. He had so much more to say about social justice than nationalism. And, I am horrified that so many feel that Jesus should be wrapped up in the American flag--they have raised that symbol to beyond icon status, and this flag worship is coming very close to idolatry.

Count me creeped out!


dlb

[frogertgrl]

I am creeped out, too. Beyond worried about the religious fanatacism and intolerance exemplified in W.

But it seems that all of this is completely acceptable in America, doesn't it? The state religion is evangelical Christianity and Bush is reflecting that in his words.

[CollegeMama]

Originally posted by dlb
I am embarassed as a Christian, that so many who take the name of "christian" have so little regard for the teachings of Christ. He had so much more to say about social justice than nationalism. And, I am horrified that so many feel that Jesus should be wrapped up in the American flag--they have raised that symbol to beyond icon status, and this flag worship is coming very close to idolatry.

Count me creeped out!


dlb

Wow, you're the first "born-again Christian" that I've ever heard make a statement like that!
I totally agree! Slap my hand for stereo-typing you dlb!!!

[dlb]

marcy74--

No problem-- its probably just the "other side" that gets the most publicity!


slb

[hydrangea]

I don't think you're alone, dlb. I have another internet friend who considers herself a fundamentalist, and generally her beliefs and actions point that way, but she feels very similarly to you.

I wish that those of you who thought like this would start a movement! I know it's not that easy though.

[JessicaS]

"wonderworking power"

Just the term "wonderworking" makes me feel all creepy inside. I totally agree with you dlb.

[dlb]

hydrangea--

I think perhaps that has been tried-- the problem is that as soon as any of us starts quoting Jesus, you know "do unto others," "blessed are the peacemakers," ect. ect.... the others start saying we are *horrors* "liberals* and try to take away our fundie credentials. (For the record, I was raised in a conservative community church, married in an Assemblies of God church, and take my children to a Four Square church.)

I don't want to risk the necessity of changing forums, I didn't start this thread, so I won't pull out that many Quotes from the new testament. Just wish more prominent Christians would act as if they have ever read the book.

dlb

[daylily]

Thanks, dlb, for your perspective. I know exactly what you mean. I'm not born again, but I'm a Catholic and I hate to see Christ's teachings twisted for evil uses.

Oh, and BTW, everyone, I feel like a real idiot because of this thread's title. I meant to call it George W. Christ. I guess I was suffering from Bushbrain.

[CollegeMama]

Daylily,
if it's really bugging you, you can ask a moderator to change the title for you. They've done it before for me and were very kind about it!

HTH,
Marcy

[Ms. Mom]

Daylilly, let me know if you want it changed - Abimommy or I will be happy to do so.

[Hilary Briss]

Bush for Christ

Nail him up! Nail some sense into him!

[mahdokht]

Re: Bush for Christ

*

[hahamommy]

Not being a Christian, but having upmost respect for Jesus and his teachings, I giggle when I think that one day George W. (among many others) will have an opportunity to sit down, face to face with JC and account for all the UNchristlike things they've done using his name :LOL If only they would think that before they rush out to kill innocent people in the name of Jesus and Peace.

~diana

[JessicaS]

Wow, HB. But I see what you're saying.