President Bush calls Muslim religion "great".

[Work in Progress]

In today's news conference, President Bush said that the Muslim leaders asked him why American's hate Muslims. Bush told us that he replied:

"The American people don't hate Muslims. The American people hate terrorists and realize that terrorists have taken over a great religion"

I was greatly dissapointed in President Bush. Had he said simply that terrorists had taken over a religion, that would have been fine. But, calling Islam a "great" religion is doing a grave disservice to the truth that he, as a self proclaimed Christian, is obligated to uphold. I have never been sure of his Christianity, but was somewhat sure and took him at his word that he is a Christian. Now, I'm not sure that he doesn't just speak the right words whenever he needs to. And, I have never bought the "when you're in high places you need to step lightly" argument. Fine, I understand that. But there are some areas where there is no room for compromise no matter the price. IMO, calling Islam a "great religion" is one of those areas.

That's strike two. (His leaving Trent Lott high and dry was strike one.) I'm not at all happy with our President today.

(Wasn't sure if this should go under the War forum. I trust the moderators will move it if it's in the wrong place. Thanks. )

[Catsmeow]

Hi, Louisa...so great to see you post.

I agree, this is disturbing. I wish he wouldn't "waffle" so much; this sounds too much like pure politics and nonsense flattery.

[Work in Progress]

I know. I just sat there, watching the news conference, with my mouth hanging open at what he had just said.

Sometimes, he boldy uses "christian" references and references to hymns and Scripture and I think he is truly a believer who makes no apologies.

Then, he goes and says something stupid like this. I try to cut the guy some slack, being as he is in a difficult position, but there is just no excuse for a Christian calling Islam a "great religion". Because other words could have been used, I must deduce that he wanted to call it a great religion. Very disturbing.

[Catsmeow]

Politics. I believe brother George was allowing his flesh to get the better of him.

Yes, I'm disappointed that he would kiss up to Baal. Very disappointed.

[WayneB]

I have never been sure of his Christianity

I agree--- it is sad that the President compromised his faith for politics. I also agree--- he could have made his point without calling a great evil a "great religion". BUT, be careful that you don't write him off. He made a big mistake (and its not his first) but his witness and testimony still overwhelming support his claim to be a born-again follower of Jesus Christ.

I am always in awe that only a few kings from David to Zedekiah were found to "do what was right in the eyes of the Lord." All of them ruled over Judah and none of them were perfect. One of the greatest was King Hezekiah who was responsible for repairing the temple of the Lord, restoring the priesthood, eliminating centers of pagan worship and so on. Although he was known as one of the greatest of kings, he had failures and shortcomings.

2 Kings 18:5 says, "Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him." But when we skip over to Chapter 20, we see that King Hezekiah really blew it when he entertained the envoys from Babylon. "Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the word of the Lord: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored uop until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.'"

So was prophesized by Isaiah...so it came to pass.

Bottom Line: There is only one perfect King at that is Jesus Christ. There is only possible perfect kingdom and that is one with Jesus as Lord and King. It will be so but in God's time. Until then, we have to hold our leaders to high standards but don't judge a leader by one stupid statement or a few mistakes. Look at the entire tree and judge it by all its fruit... and don't forget to pary for them!

God Bless,

Wayne

[WayneB]

Opps... forgive my misspelled words. I have come to depend too heavily on spell check. Know when I said "pary" that I meant "pray"!

[Catsmeow]

King David was the "apple of God's eye" but he sure blew it at times. I am very disappointed that one of our own has sold out to politics in order to be "politically" correct.

It's very sad and disappointing.

[traveller]

WIP!! Hey girlfriend! Nice to see ya here!

I'm disappointed in his choice of words. However, I'm just glad that I'm not in the limelight like he is. I mess up quite frequently, especially in speech. But he doesn't speak for me when he says that we "hate" anything, anyway. I don't hate the terrorists. I do pity them. I had hate in me once and I don't ever want that in me again. I would have felt better if he had just said that the American people are against the terrorists. I don't question his salvation because of his statement, I'm just sorry he said it. :down:

On the up side - maybe it is a great religion. As is buddhism and hinduism. Remember, ours is NOT a religion, ours is TRUTH.

[endure4salvation]

Opps... forgive my misspelled words. I have come to depend too heavily on spell check. Know when I said "pary" that I meant "pray"!

I thought you meant "Party"! LOL!!!

[Work in Progress]

Amen, Trav. I do NOT have a "religion". Religion is man made, IMO, and leads straight to hell.

Saved by Grace, yours was an excellent response. Especially that first paragraph. No, I will not write him off. I am just dissappointed. I sincerely hope he is contrite tonight and wondering why on earth he said that. It would be very hard, I imagine, to be in front of the world speaking, knowing that your every word will be picked apart and examined, and have no preparation for what you will say. It is probably especially hard for our President, as he is not exactly an eloquent (or even good, lol) speaker, a fact of which I'm sure he is aware.

River, that was nice of you to follow your momma's advice, lol. I fully support President Bush and like him not only as a President, but as a person. However, I am very dissappointed with him today, and hope it was a mistake. If it wasn't, then my opinion of him has greatly changed and I would not be 100% supportive of him. Unfortunately, I think he meant everything he said. (my gut feeling)