Speaking of Rick Perry, which we were doing in passing back here…
I don’t go in for blasphemy, which means I don’t like it when politicians (usually conservatives) claim to be tighter with God than other people, or when critics (usually liberals) make fun of them for it. I especially, speaking from my own brand of conservatism, don’t like it when people presume to put words in God’s mouth.
But I must confess to you, my brothers and sisters, that I did find the point brought up by The Onion here at least worth discussing:
July 21, 2011 | ISSUE 47•29
AUSTIN, TX—Describing Texas Gov. Rick Perry as grossly unqualified for the position, God, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe, urged Perry not to run for president of the United States Wednesday. “I prayed last night and asked the Lord to support my candidacy, and He said no,” Perry told reporters outside the Texas Capitol, explaining that God had cited the governor’s rejection of federal stimulus funds to expand state jobless benefits, his irresponsible speculation about Texas seceding from the union, and his overall lack of concrete solutions to nation’s problems as reasons why He could not endorse a Perry presidential bid. “I believe God made some valid points about my lack of credentials, and He’s absolutely right. My extreme beliefs when it comes to social issues and states’ rights are not only disturbingly narrow-minded, but would also make me a horrible president.” When reached for comment, God said He would not be present at Perry’s much-talked-about Christian day of prayer on Aug. 6, calling the governor’s use of his public office to endorse a religion both “irresponsible” and a violation of the Constitution.
OK, it’s not as funny or creative as some Onion stuff. I’ll confess that, too. I think they sort of called this one in. They thought, “Somebody needs to make this point, and it might as well be us.” What keeps it from being brilliant is that the writer couldn’t resist making serious points, and even doing it in a sort of preachy manner.
But hey, I thought that referring you to it would be one way of bringing up the topic of Perry suggesting that he is on a mission from God. So we could discuss it.
Personally, I don’t think God wants to get involved in the Perry candidacy one way or the other. I am, of course, not positive about that. I could ask Him, in order to make sure, but I really don’t like to bother Him with stuff like that.
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Speaking as a conservative Catholic myself, I think we could stand to have more leaders who enter public life because they feel called by the Lord to do so.
Well, speaking as a Catholic who is neither “conservative” nor “liberal” in the popular senses of those terms — yes, I do, too.
But I can’t help being put off by language such as this, which seems to translate to, “I’m God’s gift to America:”
“I’m not ready to tell you that I’m ready to announce that I’m in,” Gov. Rick Perry told The Des Moines Register. “But I’m getting more and more comfortable every day that this is what I’ve been called to do. This is what America needs.”
Brad, there you go again. Republicans have used this whole piety weapon to attack Democrats for years. They are vastly more disgusting when it comes to misguided use of religion than the Democrats. Yet here we go again with the whole balancing act. Sure the Dems make fun of the Repugs for their ridiculous pandering of religion. They deserve all the ridicule they get and more. It’s no contest, the GOP on this, like most issues, is far more wrong-headed than the Democrats.
I’m not sure of the wisdom of Gov. Perry’s approach in all this–but I also haven’t read the details of how or who is coming. If the speakers or leaders of this proposed/planned day of prayer and fasting represent the general spectrum of political views, then I fail to understand how it is promoting one religion over another.
Does it say anywhere that people of other faiths will be refused admittance?
No, they’re not.
I find mocking someone’s testimony of religious faith almost precisely as offensive as trying to use other people’s faith to advance yourself.
Which is what Perry SOUNDS like, but you know what? I don’t know what’s in his heart, to use evangelical language. I SUSPECT that there is a convenient confluence here: He both believes what he’s saying, and it happens to be what he thinks furthers his ambitions.
If these were indeed Gov. Perry’s exact words, then it is a little unsettling when governor sounds like he is reinforcing his political agenda with God’s authority.
Well, given that Michelle Bachmann also cited “the Lord’s leading” in running for president, and assuming they are both correct in their statements, I can only assume that while God may want them to run, it does not necessarily follow that He wants them to win.
As I recall, Osama also was called by God, excuse me Allah. Theocracy is theocracy regardless of the theology.
@Lynn, No. Obama was Christian before he began to run for office, and he has never mentioned being called.
“Did Judas Iscariot have God on his side?”
I would like to see ethics in politics and morals in daily life. While life can be lived ethically, politics can never be considered moral. Those politicians who push their morality and godliness push themselves close to the precipice of hypocrisy. Doesn’t matter the stripe.
Nice, Susan!
If he feels the call, can’t he just keep it to himself? His need to share calls the call into question.
I’ve no problem with someone who responds to a call to service from God. I teach because I was called. I don’t have a problem with a person relying on their faith to make decisions in their elected position. If Perry feels called by a Higher Power to run, I’ve no problem with that. (With all these folks being called to run, how long before someone refers to an opponent as a CINO–Christian in Name Only?)
I do have a problem with anyone trying to legislate their beliefs on the rest of us. Rely on your faith for your personal life. Rely on the Constitution for your legal and societal decisions. Respect the difference between the two.
As a Christian, I would like to think other Christians (or Jews or Muslims) who run for office would consult with God about their decision to run. I just wish they wouldn’t STOP listening to HIM when they get into office.
Jim DeMint says he considered not running but God told him to keep going. Unfortunately, DeMint believes in a C Street theology that is nothing more than self-reinforcing twaddle for narcissists. I wouldn’t be surprised if Perry was part of the gang.
“self-reinforcing twaddle for narcissists”
-Lynn T
Where’s that LIKE button when you need it.
@bud and lynn. Yes.
@ Lynn T–
[Like]
You know Molly Ivins called him Governor Goodhair, and for good reason.
Speaking if god. Look what god supposedly told this guy to do:
The same man — a blonde-blue eyed Norwegian with reported Christian fundamentalist, anti-Muslim views — is suspected in both attacks. He has been preliminarily charged with acts of terrorism.
-USA Today
Seriously folks, this whole religion-driven approach to dealing with the world can be very dangerous, no matter what religion is involved.
Brad: “I find mocking someone’s testimony of religious faith almost precisely as offensive as trying to use other people’s faith to advance yourself.” Fair enough, but as Kathryn points out, it’s one thing to have religious faith guide you in your decisions, it’s another to make a big public display of it, which for many of the culture warriors, is the whole point, to score political points, to send signals to the electorate. To mock THAT, a la the Onion or whoever, is not only NOT offensive, it’s essential and, in a nation that is supposedly not a theocracy, it is American and the height of patriotism to do so.
My last comment was referring to the twin terrorist acts in Norway. Not sure this was clear. After all this outrageous non-stop condemnation of Islam by conservatives this is a chilling reminder that religious extremism comes in all denominations. Not sure this message will get through to the true koolaid drinkers who will continue their misguided assualt on Islam but perhaps a few folks who are fair minded can see the problem for what it is.