Dubya’s Political Sunday School

By Scott Horton

It may be owned and operated by Rupert Murdoch, but the Times (London) is still able to report in a free way about politics in the United States that is forbidden to Murdoch’s domestic empire. And today, Times religion columnist Libby Purves comes through with an article well worth reading all the way to the end. My take: if the word “blasphemy” doesn’t come to mind at least once as you read this, then I’ll wager you’re either agnostic or a lapsed member of your congregation. Here are the first five entries out of fifty:

1. I am driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, ‘George go and fight these terrorists in Afghanistan’. And I did. And then God would tell me ‘George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq’. And I did.–Sharm el-Sheikh August 2003

2. I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn’t do my job.–Statement made during campaign visit to Amish community, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Jul. 9, 2004

3. I’m also mindful that man should never try to put words in God’s mouth. I mean, we should never ascribe natural disasters or anything else to God. We are in no way, shape, or form should a human being, play God.–Washington, D.C., Jan. 14, 2005

4. God loves you, and I love you. And you can count on both of us as a powerful message that people who wonder about their future can hear.–Los Angeles, California, Mar. 3, 2004

5. I tell people all the time, you’re equally American if you’re a Christian, Jew, or Muslim. You’re equally American if you believe in an Almighty or don’t believe in an Almighty. That’s a sacred freedom.–Washington, D.C., Mar. 10, 2006