Which British politician would quote Isaiah? (Barf Alert)

Independent.co.uk ^ | February 3, 2003 | Andreas Whittam Smith

[CedarDave]

Which British politician would quote Isaiah?

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests Americans consider themselves a chosen people

Andreas Whittam Smith

03 February 2003

First comes the numbness, the mourning and the praying. In comforting the American people for the loss of the space shuttle Columbia with its crew of seven, President Bush turned to the bible, indeed to the Old Testament and paraphrased the prophet Isaiah: "The same Creator who names the stars also knows the names of the seven souls we mourn today."

President Reagan had done the same when the Challenger exploded shortly after launch in 1986. He compared the shuttle's crew members with the great explorers of history and declared that they had "slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God". On Saturday, democratic leaders of the House of Representatives, who were meeting in Pennsylvania to plan strategy, immediately gave up their confabulations when they heard the news, and began to pray.

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests that in a way Americans consider themselves a chosen people. The British had the same delusion in the 19th century. But whereas we thought God had directed us to civilise the world, the Americans evidently believe themselves instructed to pacify it. This explains their astonishment that the rest of the world should fail to share their view of Iraq.

The open espousal of Christian values by politicians in the United States also contrasts strongly with the timidity of the average Brit in talking about religion or spirituality. The famous British reserve, which, so far as showing emotion is concerned, seems to be breaking down, is still absolute when it comes to the existence of God. In the face of national tragedy, we cancel sporting events but we don't immediately fall to our knees.

[oyez]

I find explanations of religious symbols and spirit by the untrained and the non-religious to be highly nauseating. Its like a bushman trying to explanin a wrist watch..

[onedoug]

Thanks for posting, CD.

w, would you put this on your print-list? Thanks.

We are "chosen". Ain't no "...in a way...." about it.

[Wait4Truth]

The best part of this article is that George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, leader of the free world, doesn't give a DAMN about what Europe has to say on his scripture quoting or his war on evil.

[windcliff]

You got it.

[onedoug]

Thanks.

[CedarDave]

Thanks for your comments in response to my posting this. I came across it by accident while looking up one of Drudge's Independent.co.uk. stories last night. I have read all your comments and responses. I am continually impressed by the breadth of FReeper knowledge on many subjects and, in this case in particular, scripture. Beyond just knowledge, I see in your remarks how you take the words of the Lord to heart and that they are not just words spoken on a Sunday morn, but they guide you in your life. I wish that my own words could have the eloquence and persuasiveness that your words do.

I don't want to slight others, but two short respnses struck me as capturing the essence of this thread:

I find (true) religious feelings are strongest in humble people, who realize that they are imperfect and who do not think they are gods.

I find explanations of religious symbols and spirit by the untrained and the non-religious to be highly nauseating. Its like a bushman trying to explain a wrist watch.

Thanks again for all your thoughtful remarks.

[Wait4Truth]

Thank you for posting this. FR is a place that keeps people from losing their minds...God bless.

[oyez]

Thank you for your review.

Sometimes, like in this a case, a bushman with an attitude trying to explain a wrist watch..

[Elsie]

We must remember, that we are NO different than that bushman/watch as we try to understand so many of God's creations.........

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

This religiosity, as we would describe it, suggests that in a way Americans consider themselves a chosen people.

Andreas Whittam Smith...you sir, are a chancre.

The British had the same delusion in the 19th century.
So, you are saying that prayer is a form of delusion?

But whereas we thought God had directed us to civilise the world, the Americans evidently believe themselves instructed to pacify it.
So you are saying that killing people in the name of God is a way of civilising them? I see. Religion is a little lift in your shoe, so to speak. So the British, finding so many savages in the world that don't wear shoes, decide to nail these lifts onto their feet. Is that it? How civilised.

This explains their astonishment that the rest of the world should fail to share their view of Iraq.
We are astonished because you are as blind and addle-minded as Neville Chamberlain was...and yet you fail to learn from his failure.

Do the world a favor sir. Shut up, sit down and please decide not to reproduce.

[syriacus]

Thanks for correctly interpreting what I wrote. I wasn't sure I could get the point across.

I don't agree with every single thing that President Bush does, but I certainly admire the fact that he seems genuinely humble.

He seemed humble, back during the debates, from the way he handled Gore's aggressive maneuvers. He seemed that way during the political battles after the 2000 presidential election. In Bush's case, an openness to God seems to generally go hand-in-hand with a clear-eyed openness to reality and with a strong dedication to goals he thinks are important.

Bush is only human, but the way he has conducted himself is an inspiration to many of us as we carry on our daily tasks. That ability to inspire seems like true leadership to me.

Sometimes, it seems that some other countries could use a religious recovering alcoholic (or two) in their leadership.