Is Bush's religiosity viewed as a bad thing by the general public?

[linazelle]

Jeanine Garafolo was on TDS yesterday and she talked about Bush being "high on Jesus." She added he believes in the Rapture.

Most here at DU understand what Garafolo is saying--that there's a danger in marrying religion and politics. But what is the danger?

I don't think the average American Christian, recognizes the danger that comes with the pRetzeldent's Christian beliefs. I see the majority of Christians as being sympathetic to other Christians--even *.

I have several devout Christian friends. They understand * is evil in other ways. But if you told them one of the problems is that he is a Christian, they would say, "what's wrong with that?" and look at anyone who thinks that's a bad thing as being crazy. I think that a lot of people think the way my friends do.

I'm concerned that unless the message about religion and politics is stated more clearly, the very people we need on our side will turn away from seeming anti-Christians. I also see this as a weapon for the shills--I mean, Hannity's even advertising a National Day of Prayer for the troops (tomorrow I think).

I'd like to hear what others think about this issue and whether it needs to be conveyed more effectively.

[coloradodem2005]

1. Well the thing is...

...it is not that Bush is a Christian. It is the way he employs his supposed christianity. He bastardizes it for one thing by being a hypocrite and he simply should not be intertwining it with politics.

Jimmy Carter was a christian but he knew better than to put the two together.

[linazelle]

7. Playing the devil's advocate here

How does Bush bastardize it? That's my point. That's the message not being communicated which is why I fear most people will not understand this issue.

[DerekGD]

2. There is nothing wrong with Christians

who do not think it necessary to crucify their minds, in support of their faith. It is the fundamentalists who are the problem.

[DenverDem]

3. Fundamentalists aren't Christians.

They worship Satan, though they do not know it.

[DerekGD]

4. They worship stupidity.

[DenverDem]

5. Pretty much the same thing.

Ignorance is no excuse.

[morcatknits]

6. Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism seems to have been able to co-opt significant portions of just about every religion. As a Christian, I consider fundamentalism the most dangerous force in society. What could be more dangerous or arrogant than an individual who thinks he/she speaks for God?

Knit on,
morcat

[lumpy]

14. Fundies have it all wrong.

They would do better to accept and FOLLOW the Ten Commandments and relegate the rest of the Old Testament to the myth/history bin... They would do better to concentrate on the New Testamnet and the accepted teachings of Jesus Christ i.e. life everlasting, resurrection of the spirit, loving thy neighbor, belief as a child, and every morning and every night go into a closet and recite the Lords Prayer.
God just does not appreciate all that ranting and raving from what appears to be an asylum escapee dancing around the podium. He/She doesn't mind joyous singing or solemn organ music but gets very upset with the weirdo ranting and sweating with feigned passion.
Sorry fundies, I got carried away. I was raised to show respect for God while in his house.

[linazelle]

8. Why are fundamentalists the problem? nt

[DieboldMustDie]

9. He isn't a Christian, he's a Kkkristian.

:evilgrin:

[LibDemAlways]

10. I caught some repuke on c-span who wrote about a book

about the chimp's "spiritual" journey - no doubt pure fiction. Anyhow, the author was at some sort of panel discussion and started giving the same lame excuse Reagan gave for not actually attending church - that it would be too "disruptive." What horseshit. If the chimp was actually interested in attending a church service, it could be arranged. It never seems too "disruptive" to arrange a photo op on an aircraft carrier or in a classroom - but attending church is too "disruptive." Who is he kidding?

As long as enough fundie types think the chimp is a "Christian" and he can count on their votes, he'll keep up the charade. Sort of like his service in the Guard. Do the minimum, let it slide, and hope nobody asks too many questions. The chimp is a phony and a fraud. A believer in the message of Jesus? Not.

[priller]

11. No, they have a problem with his PHONY religiosity

I'm still waiting for Dubya to actually *DO* something Christ-like.

[Gin]

12. his god is better than anyone elses god...retarded thinking...scary

to think he has such power at his fingertips.

[Only Me]

13. I think it can be dangerous.

I am Christian, and Christian is not a bad thing, in the way it was meant to be. BUT, even I really don't like the idea of the church and state mixing. In an ideal world, and if everyone believed the same way, that would be different. But obviously thats not real so... I really don't want other peoples religions making my choices for me. Even if they cause no harm. Simple example: Some religous groups may feel, television should be banned. My sloppy romance novels are the devils work and ban them. Electricity is of satans or who evers world, and we must not participate, Liberals are too liberal ban that party....

You all get the idea. I don't mind my government leaders having strong beliefs in their religion, their is no shame in conviction.
Whether Christian or other religion. But I think it gets dangerous when they think they should force it on others, or make important policy decisions based on their religious belief system.

[ancillaryidealist]

15. unhealthy combination

While I am not religious I respect other people's views and beliefs.

The problem I see is that Bush is politicizing religion.
He is playing to the Christian demographic, which in this country is quite sizable and using his belief to rally people around and influence his policies.

The related problem is if he holds fanatically beliefs (according to some accounts) or using it as a facade to suck in votes.
I feel he truly believes and Rove sees it as a political tool.

This is where I interpret 'Separation of Church and State'.
It is fine if he is religious and even profess his faith but when it enters into policy and rhetoric the way it has is what the authors of the Constitution had in mind when penning the aforementioned clause.