Both Bush and Kerry made significant play on their Christian credentials in the run up to the election. It is now time for George W Bush to prove that his ‘faith-based’ politics goes all the way through.
If somebody genuinely wants to use their faith as a vote-winner, then they put themselves up for very strict scrutiny in office. It is not enough for George W Bush to support all the Christian issues which also happen to be Republican issues. He must tackle seriously the aspects of Christian faith which do not comfortably sit with right wing politics.
George W needs to prove that his Bible also contains the words ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’, ‘Love your enemies’ and ‘Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath’. He needs to take seriously our responsibilities to the world God has created. The Middle East peace process, the Kyoto agreement and compassionate policy both at home and abroad are the fruits by which we should know him.
He now has the opportunity to do so.
Otherwise, after using his faith to appeal for Christian support, he should consider where he stands in the light of the third commandment: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.”
Copyright 2004 martinturner.org.uk
