Faithful Bush calls on God's blessings

Washington Times ^ | 1/21/05 | Julie Stahl

[kattracks]

President Bush mixed images of the Almighty as a just ruler, as a judge, and as a freedom-loving deity in a speech that surpassed his 2001 inaugural address in references to God.

[snip]

Four years ago, Mr. Bush, a born-again Methodist, had referred to God in vaguer terms as a "higher power" and "author"; used such words as "democratic faith"; and referred to a saying by Mother Teresa and the parable of the good Samaritan to bolster his doctrine of "compassionate conservatism."
    This time, he called Americans to the kind of character necessary in wartime and according to high standards of greatness and morality set by God.
    Last week, in an Oval Office interview with editors and reporters of The Washington Times, he made it clear that his would continue to be a faith-based presidency. He said he couldn't see "how you can be president, at least from my perspective ... without a relationship with the Lord."

[snip]

Mr. Bush's spiritual adviser, the Rev. Kirbyjon H. Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, gave the benediction.
    "Respecting persons of all faiths," the clergyman said, "I humbly submit this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ."
    Mr. Caldwell prayed in the name of Jesus Christ four years ago during the benediction.

    The U.S. Marine Band followed up with "God of Our Fathers," a 19th-century hymn composed by Daniel Roberts.
    Mr. Bush swore his oath of office on the family Bible, which his father used during his 1989 inauguration ceremony, ending with "So help me God," a phrase added by former President George Washington.
    Holding the Bible was Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who on Wednesday denied without comment California atheist Michael Newdow's lawsuit to prevent clergy-led inaugural prayers.

[DJ MacWoW]

I enjoyed the Rev. Kirbyjon H. Caldwells prayer. I also enjoyed the rendition of God of Our Fathers. I learned the song in grade school. It was in our music book.

I thought todays inauguration was VERY American.

[digger48]

Should we all send Michael Newdow a transcript of the Swearing In Ceremony? Surprised we didn't hear from him today.

[exhaustedmomma]

I enjoyed the Rev. Kirbyjon H. Caldwells prayer.

Me too!!

Here it is: Prayer for the Nation

[Cobra64]

W's speech brought tears to my eyes. W is a good man. God Bless this man, and everyone who Loves America.

[Caipirabob]

Meanwhile in some steamy San Francisco bath house, Michael Newdow ponders the President's message...