"...The God I know is one that promotes peace and freedom. But I get great sustenance from my personal relationship. This is a direct quote from President George W. Bush at a speech given on October 22, 2004 in Pennsylvania. "Abraham Lincoln's Daily Devotional" includes various scripture such as (Eph. 4:29), "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus" (Thomas Jefferson). These proclamations are evidence that the office of President of the United States has been influenced by scripture and it should continue to be inclusive in their daily decision making process. Monday ( Feb 6 ) on "The View", Elisabeth Hasselbeck was incensed that President Obama quoted scripture at the National Prayer Meeting, "... to whom much is given, much is required..." (Luke 12:48). Certainly, Republicans were appalled that the president would mention taxes at a prayer meeting, especially when it reflects their attitude of refusing to pay any tax increase or eliminate tax loopholes.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck pompously exclaimed that "Jesus would be pissed..." at the president for asking the wealthly to pay their fair share of taxes. Somehow, using the term "pissed" regarding Jesus Christ's attitude seems innately wrong, since "His" attributes represent love, patience and forgiveness. Why would it be wrong to ask anyone to "do the right thing"? Reliance on faith requires that one acknowledge their conscience. American society ungrudgingly accepts the concept of capitalism which supports attaining wealth through private corporations or individuals. Regrettably, this same concept allows those individuals the freedom to discriminate and alienate those who are deemed unworthy according to their personal predjudices. It is the responsibility of elected officials to work for the benefit of all their constituents and genuine faith reinforces that principle. As long as the elected official's faith is not a detriment to America, why should it be considered inapproriate to combine politics and religion?
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