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To: Diddle E. Squat
If Bush is a Christian, he must believe in his heart that Islam is a false religion and Allah is not the same as Jehovah. What is your position on this?
157 posted on 10/23/2003 11:40:16 PM PDT by Sir Gawain
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To: Sir Gawain
My position is probably the same as his. I choose my religion and others choose theirs. If I can proselytize, and my attempts are welcomed, I will. Many times, like Paul, I have to shake the dust from my feet and move on. Then it becomes a passive and subtle evangelism by example, focusing on those I can reach, and staying aware for when unexpected opportunities arise.

But also recognizing that there are professional positions where direct evangalizing is not possible. Should Christians not take those jobs? Of course they should, because the visibility often allows them to evangelize by example and raise awareness of who good Christians really are. Such jobs also allow for networking, acquiring power, and becoming better able to serve for the goodwill of others. Christians are called to do far more than just evangelize, we are also called to serve. While we are not saved by works, works are an expression of our faith. "And they'll know we are Christians by our love." Love serves, aids, and works hard.

The Presidency is a job that leads a country of ALL residents, of ALL religions, who ALL have constitutionally guaranteed rights. He serves by treating others with respect. One can do that without compromising one's morals. Did not Jesus treat the woman at the well with respect? Sure, he threw the moneychangers out of the temple, and Bush is going after the terrorists, but Jesus didn't attack the unbeleiving just because they were unbelieving. He was tolerant, without compromising his message or morals, but reached people where they were at, through reasoning, compassion, and enticement, not anger and suppression. I think he can distinguish between a peaceful muslims(and there are plenty, ask Daniel Pipes) and an overzealous/threatening one. Perhaps if he were alive today he would be telling the parable of the Good Muslim.

Yet Bush never denies his faith, has used numerous subtle opportunities to note how it changed him, saved him, and influences his life, and lives by example. Right now he ministers through service, though neither you nor I know what his evangalistic efforts are in private, among his friends. Our concern is what he does with his position and in public, and so far I see nothing to criticize him about.

Remember how in the New Testament many of his followers were deeply disappointed that Jesus did not overthrow the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom? Sometimes in our zeal, we may want God to use people in ways different than want his plan is. Do I know God's plan for Bush? No, but I see little to criticize him about.
165 posted on 10/24/2003 9:25:20 AM PDT by Diddle E. Squat (www.firemackbrown.com)
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