Friday, February 6, 2009

Bush and Obama

Since I've already posted today on President Obama, I figured I'd add to that with something on our most recent president, George W. Bush.

Yesterday I started what looks to be an excellent book, Christless Christianity by Michael Horton. In it, Horton quotes Bush in a 2007 interview:

"I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God. That's what I believe."

It is not my place to judge the faith of any man, especially those I have never even personally met. But my question is this: why do so many conservative Christians regard Bush as a man of great Christian faith, while Obama is demonized as the devil-incarnate? Based on this quote, it seems that both Bush and Obama have the same non-Christian view of God (I can't find the quote from Obama, but he basically says the same thing). They both deny a fundamental tenet of Christian faith, which is that Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Don't get me wrong; I have significant disagreements with our current president. I am not seeking to defend him, per se. I am just wondering why so many church folk seem to regard Bush as a strong Christian man while doubting Obama's profession of faith.

Is my head in the sand on this one? Leave a comment and let me know.

2 comments:

  1. Lar - Have enjoyed the new blog. I'd have to say that I was one of those Americans who thought Bush was of devout Christian faith. After reading that quote, certainly it is hard to remain in that camp. Thanks for bringing this to light!

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  2. Like I said, Kev, I hate to make a judgment on someone's faith without ever speaking to them personally or getting to know them. Who knows how the reporter might have distorted his words.

    But I think it's at least worth asking the question of why Bush seems to have (among evangelicals) more of a reputation of authenticity in his faith than Obama does.

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