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Caveman Logic: The Persistence of Primitive Thinking in a Modern World
page 261

If we elect superstitious persons whose dependence on unenlightened belief systems shapes their private worldviews, then it should surprise no one that their running of the country could also reflect such thinking. Educated or enlightened voters may be horrified by such a prospect, but it is part of the deal etched into our Constitution. Is this so much hyperbole? Will our valiant leaders set aside their private superstitions and irrationalities when it comes times to decide America's actions and policies?

Probably not. In fact, it is almost surely the case that a candidate for the US presidency would face certain defeat if he or she did not profess belief in a supernatural controlling deity or did not attend regular (and probably Christian) church services. Thus, statements such as George W. Bush's well-publicized words about God wants him (Bush) to run for office are viewed with equanimity, if not admiration by the American electorate. As for presidential advisors, here is a sample of the thinking of televangelist James Robison, a close friend and spiritual advisor of for President George W. Bush: "I was driving down the road with my wife one day when I heard God speaking in my mind and my heart. It was not an audible voice, but it was nonetheless real. I heard Him say, I really like the way you come to me. You don't just come to me with a list of requests and concerns. Instead you crawl up into my arms, lay our head on my shoulder and rest. I like that."

One can only hope that Robison's wife was driving at the time.

One can have a religious/spiritual experience in parallel with carrying out a very normal activity. Nowhere is it asserted that Robison literally “crawled” on the spot. That is to willfully misunderstand. It is a very apt metaphor in a spiritual sense for finding comfort in trouble.