Over my lifetime, I have seen a handful of Presidents come and go. From my earliest memories of Richard Nixon to our current President, each have brought their own beliefs and personality to the White House.
I remember that Ronald Reagan was a man of quiet faith. Jimmy Carter was supposed to have been a born-again Christian, though his failed policies leads me to believe he was listening more to special interest groups than to the voice of God. George Bush Sr. didn't seem to integrate his faith into his presidency. And Bill Clinton wore a faith as phony as his two terms in the White House, making special appearances at "religious" ceremonies, with Bible in hand, but I sincerely doubt he believed a word written within.
That brings us to our current prez, George W. Bush. There are those who would seek to label him as the worst kind of evil our country has ever experienced. He has been called every name in the book. Of course, the enemies who call him by these names are most likely guilty of the very sin they accuse him of.
Bush has frequently commented on his faith in a very open manner. He invokes the name of God and Jesus Christ regularly in his speeches. His faith-based initiative plans to encourage people of faith in their works to help society are a positive trend in our country.
But is it all just lip service? Does Bush's faith really play that strong a role in his policy and decision making? A new video, George W. Bush: Faith in the White House, makes a very strong case for a faith that transcends all that our President says or does.
According to the dvd/video web site...
This program examines the extraordinary faith and prayer life of President George W. Bush, and how it impacts his personal life and his decisions as the leader of the free world.See how his faith has been unshakeable in dealing with the 9/11 terrorist attack, fighting al-Qaeda, ridding Iraq of the Saddam Hussein regime, rooting out terrorists in Afghanistan, and how his religious beliefs bring personal peace and clarity in a time of terrorism and chaos across the world.
According to Newsweek magazine, "this presidency is the most resolutely faith-based in modern times - an enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God."
The 70-minute video is well produced, but I was disappointed at the lack of actual footage of the President. The testimonies of friends and associates of Bush support the case that he is indeed a man of very strong faith and convictions.
Interestingly enough, the video also presents support for government's historical support of religion as a primary foundation for America. Quotes from Samuel Adams, Calvin Coolidge and many other great leaders make it quite obvious that our country was founded on the Judeo/Christian faith, and that our Founding Fathers put a necessary emphasis the teachings of the Bible for instruction in every day life.
The video has many interviews and anecdotes that intend to get to the nitty gritty of who George W. Bush is. I tend to believe Bush and the validity of his faith. It is no surprise that he is coming under attack for his faith and his policy making.
Jesus said, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. " (John 15:19) and "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:13)
Those who are opposed to God will be opposed to those who support and worship Him. It is a world upside down, where evil has the tenacity to call good, evil. You may read more about this new video at Grizzly Adams Productions.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
August 31, 2004 11:31 PM
Joel,
I would expect that Jimmy Carter has a faith far deeper than your own.
September 30, 2004 05:56 PM
The mockumentary claims that bush has vaccinated 22 million children in iraq.
Iraq has a population of 25 million.
this is just the beginings of massive inconsistancies in this documantary produced by people who are unoffically close to bush. :) not quite unbias ;)
Sure the country was founded on a religious basis, but it was founded under the tennant of the seperation of church and state, something our president has forgotten.
October 1, 2004 10:28 AM
To oppose Bush equates to opposing God? Hmmmm... I wouldn't count on Bush being first in line at the pearly gates just yet. Many horrendous actions have been underwritten in the name of faith and a belief in God. Perhaps those at home praising Bush's leadership should volunteer to go fight this "righteous" war. My brother is over there, and smooth talking evangelicals over here are just giving it lip service. I say put down the hair gel, pick up your rifle, and go fight. It might change your perspective on whether Jesus and Bush were truly separated at birth.
October 5, 2004 05:06 PM
Here is my prayer - Lord, Save us from pious men!!
October 8, 2004 07:48 PM
Jesus is Coming! So george bush better open his mouth.
HA!
November 8, 2004 05:55 PM
Virtually all negative responses, to be expected. So, it seems there's one error in 70 minutes? Let's discuss whether Joel or President Carter is the most (?) saved. I'm sorry for so many bad experiences with smooth talking evangelicals , Karen. I've been around a little and haven't found that at all (I'm not even sure what you mean by your statement). I would be there if I were able but this has nothing to do with the matter at hand.
Thank you, Joel. Count it a priviledge to suffer with Christ.
January 5, 2005 02:31 PM
Remeber, all those who judge President Bush, you too will someday be judged as well, but by the father not by your peers.President Bush uses God in everyday life it's a big part of his life you can tell by the ways he has been there for our country. Tell me have ya'll looked at the plank in your own eyes instead of the speck in President Bush's?
May 19, 2005 12:10 AM
Is there any way to e-mail you Joel? Or, can you guarantee me that spambots will *not* touch my e-mail address if I post a response to your blog?
May 19, 2005 12:31 AM
Have a look here.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Ohara/debbie4.htm
http://www.newswithviews.com/Ohara/debbie33.htm
http://www.newswithviews.com/Ohara/debbie10.htm
http://www.newswithviews.com/McGinley/kelly13.htm
http://www.c-spanstore.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&cPath=6_17&products_id=169842-1
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=27597
http://www.drudgereport.com/mattlc.htm
http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2002/05/05/20020505_215216_ozzy.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/1911033.stm
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/entertainment/DailyNews/osbourne_bush020505.html
http://www.goodfight.org/e_ozzy.html
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002/2002-05-06-white-house.htm
May 19, 2005 12:55 AM
"Incredibly, President Bush heaped praise upon Ozzy Osbourne for his 'accomplishments' like an MTV-VJ. Ozzy who has helped Satan lead untold millions to destruction via drugs, occultism, rebellion and Satanism was given a respectable facelift by Bush before the world media. Ozzy's wife Sharon said in response to Bush's honoring of Ozzy, 'What can you say? It's the most incredible thing that he would even mention Ozzy. It's a bit overwhelming.' Bush praised Ozzy for a string of hits stating, 'The thing about Ozzy is, he's made a lot of big hit recordings: "Party With the Animals," "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," "Facing Hell," "Black Skies" and "Bloodbath in Paradise." Ozzy, Mom loves your stuff.'
"Sadly, while Bush has spent millions of the taxpayer's money fighting against international terrorism he has given moral support and public honor to one of the most accomplished spiritual terrorists and corrupters of youth the world has ever known. For Bush to Support one who unabashedly glorifies evil and praises Satan is unconscionable."
http://www.goodfight.org/e_ozzy.html
This excerpt was posted simply to clarify the context of the previous post.
May 20, 2005 10:11 AM
How strong is President Bush on abortion?
You decide.
"Today's appointment of long time Bush friend and White House counsel Alberto Gonzalez to replace John Ashcroft as United States Attorney General should render you apoplectic- but sadly it won't. This "pro-life" President just appointed a rabid pro-abort as the nation's top cop. You see, Alberto Gonzalez is the man who wrote the Texas Supreme Court decision to allow a minor girl to have an abortion without her parent's consent."
http://www.constitutionparty.com/news.php?aid=139
July 5, 2005 06:56 PM
I have voted for G.W.B in the two presidential elections I have been able to vote. He is a man of God in a Country that hates God. People snickered when Bill Clinton taught our children about sexual immorality. G.W.B is taking on an empire that stretches thousands of years to protect us. Don't be a stupid jerk and just support our president.
Thank You
July 5, 2005 07:07 PM
Furthermore, I would like to mention that this nation was founded on God and Biblical principals. Traditional Values have been tossed aside in favor or prgressive agendas that will surely be our demise. We are ONE NATION UNDER GOD dammit. Not GOD UNDER ONE NATION. The folks who are "anti-war" and "protest" are sadly unable to see the BIG PICTURE. Sadaaam Hussein saw himself as the next King Nebuchadnezzar. Weapons or no Weapons, Iraq was a black widow ready to strike on any surrounding nation. War is no easy task. Americans are so accustomed to everything FREE FAST and FUN and if its not, if it takes some hard work and vision, then the majority of the population washes its hands and turns the other way. Woah to you who protest against our men who are fighting for us.
GO GEORGE WAHOOOOOOOO.
Thanks Again
July 14, 2005 10:06 PM
Spoken like a God-fearing person. Darah, my friend, you would be wise to read the book of Psalms:
Psa 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.
I lovingly rebuke you in the name of our Lord, Christ Jesus. It would be wise to refrain from your cursing.
July 23, 2005 05:38 PM
What I meant to say regarding Darah Smith was, "Spoken like a foul-mouthed hypocrite." Darah's vile cursing is proof enough. Darah Smith should apologize for cursing on this forum.
June 7, 2006 11:35 PM
THIS FORUM ONLY PROVE HOW EASY HUMAN KIND COULD BE DECEIVED-BROTHERS AND SISTERS-THE EVIL MOST OF THE TIMES DOESNT SHOW AS EVIL-BUT AS GOOD,SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SAME REASON,SO THAT IT CAN CONFUSE AND WE PUT OUR TRUST IN IT.THE EVIL DONT JUST SHOW WITH ALL THE EVIL INTENSIONS THAT HAS UNDER THE HAND-IF NOT IT WOULDNT CONVINCE U-WOULD IT?
NOW CHRISTIANS UNDER PERSECUSSION IS ONE THING BROTHERS AND SISTERS-
BUT A TRUE BELIEVER AND CHRISTIAN-WONT MAKE REMARKS CONSTANTLY ON THE NAME OF GOD FOR "PURPOSES"
BEWARE OF THE FALSE ONES TRYING TO GET CREDIT IN THE NAME OF GOD.
GOD BLESS!
June 13, 2006 06:59 PM
You guys are the 54515 best, thanks so much for the help.
July 18, 2006 10:48 AM
You're all so quick to support W, supporter of torture and enemy of science. You think god condones torture?
Why are people of faith so proud anyway? More people have died in the name of religion than anything else. Twisted sense of morals if you ask me.
May 5, 2008 01:13 PM
The world is complicated ... sigh ... practice Yoga!
May 5, 2008 01:15 PM
War is bad anyhow...