Wow, am I tired. I’ve been doing press interviews all day and I feel battered. It’s awfully hard to convey a whole book in a few minutes--let alone when the book is about your whole life and not just a few paragraphs that have become the center of a political debate happily engaged by both sides.
The strongest conservative attack against me is that I am doing this to hurt Republicans. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only didn't I have a say in when the book was published, I didn't really want it published now. That said, maybe this is the best time, because people are forced to deal with a central question--is politics so hurting the name of Jesus that it is counterproductive for Christians? That question is clearly touching a nerve--lots of people are discussing it even if they are just seeking to trash me.
Does that hurt? Sure. Is it surprising? No. Do I still believe what I said about the need to take a step back from politics? Absolutely. Definitely. Totally. The experiences of these past few days, including reading some of the responses to my blog posts, only convinces me further. It is a hard debate, but it is worthwhile.
This is serious business. The fact is that Christianity in America has been harmed by its association with a particular brand of politics. That to me is far more important than any of the calculations about how a particular congressional district or senate race might go.
To criticize the White House or even the president is to criticize, not to commit heresy. The issue people should be considering is whether idolizing politics is heresy.
Heresy?
Tuesday October 17, 2006
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David, I am amazed at some of the hateful things that have been printed about you in the past few days. I honestly cannot fathom how these people can call themselves Christians. And the way they demonize the Democratic Party is a perfect illustration of how their thinking has been corrupted by the Republican machine. I have always had the highest degree of respect for people who act out their Christian beliefs. Hate is definitely not among them.
David,
I admire your courage in speaking out now -- particularly after I read part of your story on Andrew Sullivan's blog. I certainly don't have the first-hand experience of the Religious Right that you have; actually I've considered myself Libertarian for most of my adult life. But I do share your concern that the desire for power has risen to the level of idolatry for many Christian leaders, and has blinded them to the cynicism with which the game is played. We know how the Administration reacts to all criticism, and we know that you will come under vicious personal attack. Short of a supernatural working of the Holy Spirit in many hearts, nothing could be more certain. Your courage in speaking out regardless should be a source of inspiration to the whole Christian community as it seeks to recover its purpose from this creeping idolatry.
"How very Christian of him." David seems to me to very much exemplify Christian values, as I understand them. Much more so than those who attack him, or those who call in death threats to people who oppose Christian prayer at school functions, for instance. Or one who, on Medved's blog, essentially said, "Jesus didn't care about poor people. Why should I?" I'm one of those people who think that many Republicans worship Bush. The funny thing is, when I say that, NO-ONE ever says it's not true.
I'd like to add a little more to that dovid. These folks, and many others who might not worship Bush but are certainly dependent on him, are so duped that they won't realize it until history reveals it to them in front of their faces. And this will happen very soon, as it already is in many circles.
I Want My Christianity back the state and this administration have stolen it and it is hardly recognizable...
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