tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147000415127454560.post2399878233006470287..comments2023-12-09T12:13:00.212-08:00Comments on AOL Journals 1st Old Hickory's Weblog: The Pope, the President and politicsBruce Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022449143502020665noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5147000415127454560.post-72142046754358082542005-04-11T06:21:00.000-07:002005-04-11T06:21:00.000-07:00As an atheist, I am not sure that the Lord works i...As an atheist, I am not sure that the Lord works in mysterious ways, or any other way for that matter.<br><br>As I see it, the role of the Lord in the affairs of the United States of America is the same as his role in Aushwitz, Banda Aceh, Nagasaki, Darfur, etc. etc. etc.<br><br>In short, He seems to be otherwise occupied. I think this is probably what Lincoln thought too, but in his language, Lincoln always respected the assumptions of believers without endorsing them himself. He spoke in moral terms that were enriched by Scripture and Christian compassion, without wrapping himself in faith in the tawdry manner of the current Preacher-in-Chief.<br><br>My guess is that Bush's faith in His God is not matched by the approval of Providence for his policies. But Americans like to assume that a man of faith who claims to consult Scripture and prays for guidance will ply a righteous, wise, and blessed path through life. That belief holds even when there is some evidence that the man is a bumbling and dishonest fool -- the evidence must be overwhelming before the illusion can be destroyed.<br><br>I disagree with your thoughts on the future of anti-clericalism, Bruce. I see the evil of jihadism in Islam, and the mob politics of the American radical right, as pushing liberal democratic forces into resistance and active opposition. The reaction to militant religion is likely to be suppression, ridicule, and militant anti-clericalism. <br><br>That pendulum is swinging, and the harder the American religious right push the worse it will be for them when it snaps back at them. I can't wait.<br><br>Neil<br>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com