Kerry's Religious References (Bos. Globe web exclusive)

The Boston Globe (online) ^ | 10/26/04 | Jeff Jacoby

[raccoonradio]

I HAVE BEEN following John Kerry's career for 22 years, ever since his 1982 run for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. I have encountered him in small private gatherings and in large public settings. I have spoken about him often with people who know him well. I have read innumerable accounts of his non-political passions and pastimes. And if at any point during all those years you had asked me whether I thought Kerry was a religious man, I would have answered without hesitation: ''No, not at all.''

I would have had plenty of company, too. A Time magazine poll in June found that only 7 percent of voters would describe Kerry as a man of strong religious faith. But over the past few months - ever since that poll came out, come to think of it - a whole new Kerry has emerged.

The senator who had never shown much public interest in religion suddenly can't seem to stop talking about it. Biblical quotations now lace his speeches. He makes a point of referring to himself as a former altar boy. He frequently attends church - particularly churches in battleground states. He (or his staff) has let it be known that on the campaign trail he wears a crucifix and carries a rosary, a prayer book, and a St. Christopher medal.

(snip) Part of his message was about the sustaining power of faith, but most of the religious references were connected to a vigorous denunciation of the Bush administration. As The New York Times reported it yesterday, ''Kerry said that Christians believed in caring for the sick, housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and stopping violence but that the administration was not heeding those teachings

[raccoonradio]

John Kerry is suddenly religious. Boston Globe's conservative columnist (yes, one does exist!) Jeff Jacoby points out that Kerry may be using religion strictly for political gain--and he's a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to charitable giving! (This is a web exclusive; probably will not appear in the regular edition)

[Question Liberal Authority]

Biblical quotations now lace his speeches. He makes a point of referring to himself as a former altar boy. He frequently attends church - particularly churches in battleground states. He (or his staff) has let it be known that on the campaign trail he wears a crucifix and carries a rosary, a prayer book, and a St. Christopher medal.

Wasn't that Clinton's M.O. whenever he got in trouble?

[CitizenUSA]

Duh! It's obvious Kerry will do and say anything to get elected. But don't worry, he's got a plan. Trust him. It's a great plan, and Bush is ignorant, stupid, dishonest, crooked, etc. Just take Kerry's word for it.

[ladyinred]

John Kerry is indeed using religion, quoting scripture, out of context like Clinton always does, to help get himself the Catholic vote. He is clearly not really sincere, and hope he fools no one.

[BIOCHEMKY]

Gee, I should think that having been excommunicated from the Catholic Church IN COURT for HERESY with confirmation in writing on that proceeding FROM THE COUNCIL OF ROME to be somewhat of a religious drawback for the oh so genuinely religious Sen. Kerry! He probably still genuflects though - to the latest focus group!

[mowowie]

If anybody hasn't figured it out yet... KERRY = FRAUD!!

[Mo1]

And if at any point during all those years you had asked me whether I thought Kerry was a religious man, I would have answered without hesitation: ''No, not at all.''

The reason why he is now sooooooooooo religious is because he needs the votes

It's reported that 27% of the voters are catholic ... he doesn't have all their support and he can't afford to lose them either

[Ruth A.]

On Sunday, this flood of God-talk reached something of a crescendo, when Kerry managed to quote not only the usual passage from James, but three of the four Gospels, the Ten Commandments, and even ''Amazing Grace.''

Sounds as though he has been cramming for his performance.

[Mo1]

John Kerry is indeed using religion, quoting scripture, out of context like Clinton always does, to help get himself the Catholic vote. He is clearly not really sincere, and hope he fools no one.,

Most Catholics don't go around quoting scripture .. they incorporate it in their every day life.

The fact that he has to keep reminding voters that he is a catholic is very telling of the kind of man he is

[Selkie]

Kerry is a die hard ATHEIST.
Religion is yet one more tool him to use to manipulate.

[ladyinred]

Exactly. IF I hear "I was an altar boy" one more time, I will have to go to the altar and repent for the things I just might say! :-0

[Selkie]

John Kerry is suddenly religious.>>>>

Yeah just like death row inmates.

[M1911A1]

"During his Senate reelection campaign in 1996, I wrote a column contrasting his denunciation of Republican greed and heartlessness with his own record of charitable giving. During the previous six years, it turned out, Kerry had given less than $5,000 to charity - a minuscule seven-10ths of 1 percent of his gross income for the period. In some years he had given nothing at all; in others, his charitable donations added up to only a few hundred dollars"

Jacoby nails it here. The man will not voluntarily part with his own vast wealth with charitable donations unless the political spotlight is shined on his Grinchy behavior, and pays as little tax as he can. He has no problem, however, saying that you should be forced under threat of imprisonment to give up your wages for failed social schemes and that the rich who ain't him should pay through the nose to the tax man.

[bethtopaz]

If I hear "I was an altar boy" one more time, I'm going to have to go to the altar and throw up! I think his saint must be the one for lost causes!

[mowowie]

Yea, Like Howie carr says "Kerry throws quarters around like man-hole covers"

[maryz]

he doesn't have all their support and he can't afford to lose them either

But he can cite "Pope Pius XXIII" in his own behalf! What else does he need?

[Bonaparte]

"He (or his staff) has let it be known that on the campaign trail he wears a crucifix and carries a rosary, a prayer book, and a St. Christopher medal."

...as he continues to support the murder of the unborn and the elevation of degeneracy to the status of holy matrimony.

[Bonaparte]

He probably said, "altered boy."

[maryz]

He (or his staff) has let it be known that on the campaign trail he wears a crucifix and carries a rosary, a prayer book, and a St. Christopher medal.

Anyone have any idea of what sort of "prayer book" a Roman Catholic would routinely carry?