Random Essay
I know that I haven't really posted in a long time...... and it's coming, after midterms, I promise.
I just finished a paper, and I'm going to post it...... I would like any input that anyone has. I've been researching this for so long that I've kind of researched myself into a corner, and I'm afraid that this paper loses focus. here it is, any thoughts or criticisms?
George Bush and Biblical Standards
Although President Bush appears to plant his feet firmly in the doctrine of Christianity, his interpretation of what is required of a Christian, specifically one in a position of power, is seriously flawed. He claims to be born again and waves that banner assuming that he is justified in all of his political acts, regardless of how contrary to the Bible they may be. He professes faith in God, not Christ, and seems to be incapable of grasping the concept that the basic obligation of a Christian is to ultimately aspire to be as Christ-like as possible, and emulate Christ in every aspect of life. The very basis of claiming adherence to a religious faith implies that there is an effort to pursue the wisdom contained within it. Even though Bush is able to persuade hoards of Christians with his proclamations, the fact remains the same; Scripture is inherently clear about the standards that a leader must live up to. The Bible specifically speaks about vengeance, peace and freedom; Bush has drastically misinterpreted these principles, and is ultimately leading a country astray.
Christian faith is based on the premise that one delights in righteousness, seeks out peace, thirsts for divine wisdom, and lives for the opportunity to obey the word of God. Rather than operate on this basis, Bush declares Christianity as his foundation and wages war in the name of revenge and security. Although it is biblical to promote security and strength of a nation, (RSV Matt 8:5-7) it is not permissible to retaliate in the manner which he has done. Strangely, he has a large Christian following, regardless of how this behavior is despised in the Bible. There is a stern denunciation directed against those who claim to be Christian, and do not adhere to the doctrine.(Erdmann’s) The Bible implies that those who wage war unjustly, or promote violence will be left to their own devices, and allowed to wallow in their own peril. “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another”. (RSV, Gal. 5: 14-15) This is elaborated on, when Christians are warned against vengeful behavior, and are told to leave revenge up to God. “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(RSV Rom. 12:17, 19)
Bush is in direct defiance of the Bible when he is quoted as saying, “Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or justice to our enemies, justice will be done.”(Quotationspage) The Bible is extremely clear on what standard a Christian must live up to, who is qualified to seek vengeance, and who is not. "For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. (NIV Matt. 26:52). Bush has misused his position in office, directly defied his “faith”, and taken vengeance on those who have wronged him.
Leaders in today’s society that either claim an adherence to Christianity, or actually practice their faith have quite a high standard to live up to. Because the aim of a Christian is always to be as Christ-like as possible, one in a position of power, especially a position as highly regarded as President of the United States, has an even greater obligation to set an example for the people that are being led. Specifically in the book of Matthew, there is a very clear outline of the lifestyle that a Christian is to lead: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” (NIV Matt. 5:5-9) President Bush does not adhere to this definition of Christianity, even though he has said, “As Americans, we want peace -- we work and sacrifice for peace.” (Quotationspage) Biblical peace is a spiritual, intangible peace, it is not something that can be fought for or earned, but rather something that is a gift through redemption. Because of his claim to Christianity, Bush has an obligation to demonstrate this kind of peace, and set an example for the people he is leading.
Bush is quoted as saying, “Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to humanity.” (Quotationspage) Bush’s quest for freedom and “God’s gift” of it, as he has defined it, is far removed from the Biblical definition. The freedom spoken about in the New Testament is a freedom from sin, from temptation, and freedom from the confines of religious ceremonial rites and the Mosaic Law. Christians are given this freedom, but instructed not to abuse this freedom for their personal gain. There is nothing in the Bible that would endorse Bush’s self-serving initiative to force “freedom” on the Iraqi people. In fact, the Bible actually is very specific about this definition of freedom in Galatians, and even goes on to say, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. (RSV Gal 5:13)Live as free men yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God,” (RSV 1 Peter 2:16) The freedom that is Biblically taught is freedom from the ritualistic practices outlined in the Old Testament such as circumcision or sacrifice at an altar in the name of atonement. This freedom is not justification for waging war with a personal agenda.
As President of the United States who declares Christianity, Bush has an obligation to live up to his claim to be a Christian. He is in a position of power, and because he has professed a belief in the Bible, he must ensure that his actions reflect this. His translation of what is demanded of a leader is detrimentally flawed. Bush wages war in the name of the Lord, and hides behind religion as some sort of supernatural justification for his actions. He puts lives at risk and ultimately is responsible for taking lives in the name of some sort of religiously based vendetta. Whether it is "God" or "Allah", war waged in any name or with a religious justification is terrorism in itself. Those who can justify preaching peace in the same speech as they preach war in the name of their God, are the types of people who are capable of flying airplanes into buildings.
Works Cited
Eerdmans Bible Commentary WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. London: Inter- Varsity Press, 1989 Ed.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Edition. Ed. Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.
The Adventure Bible: The Holy Bible, New International Version: Oxford Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1989
Quotationspage.com: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/George_W._Bush: quotes from Sept 20, 2001 and the State of Union Address January, 2004.
I just finished a paper, and I'm going to post it...... I would like any input that anyone has. I've been researching this for so long that I've kind of researched myself into a corner, and I'm afraid that this paper loses focus. here it is, any thoughts or criticisms?
George Bush and Biblical Standards
Although President Bush appears to plant his feet firmly in the doctrine of Christianity, his interpretation of what is required of a Christian, specifically one in a position of power, is seriously flawed. He claims to be born again and waves that banner assuming that he is justified in all of his political acts, regardless of how contrary to the Bible they may be. He professes faith in God, not Christ, and seems to be incapable of grasping the concept that the basic obligation of a Christian is to ultimately aspire to be as Christ-like as possible, and emulate Christ in every aspect of life. The very basis of claiming adherence to a religious faith implies that there is an effort to pursue the wisdom contained within it. Even though Bush is able to persuade hoards of Christians with his proclamations, the fact remains the same; Scripture is inherently clear about the standards that a leader must live up to. The Bible specifically speaks about vengeance, peace and freedom; Bush has drastically misinterpreted these principles, and is ultimately leading a country astray.
Christian faith is based on the premise that one delights in righteousness, seeks out peace, thirsts for divine wisdom, and lives for the opportunity to obey the word of God. Rather than operate on this basis, Bush declares Christianity as his foundation and wages war in the name of revenge and security. Although it is biblical to promote security and strength of a nation, (RSV Matt 8:5-7) it is not permissible to retaliate in the manner which he has done. Strangely, he has a large Christian following, regardless of how this behavior is despised in the Bible. There is a stern denunciation directed against those who claim to be Christian, and do not adhere to the doctrine.(Erdmann’s) The Bible implies that those who wage war unjustly, or promote violence will be left to their own devices, and allowed to wallow in their own peril. “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another”. (RSV, Gal. 5: 14-15) This is elaborated on, when Christians are warned against vengeful behavior, and are told to leave revenge up to God. “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(RSV Rom. 12:17, 19)
Bush is in direct defiance of the Bible when he is quoted as saying, “Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or justice to our enemies, justice will be done.”(Quotationspage) The Bible is extremely clear on what standard a Christian must live up to, who is qualified to seek vengeance, and who is not. "For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. (NIV Matt. 26:52). Bush has misused his position in office, directly defied his “faith”, and taken vengeance on those who have wronged him.
Leaders in today’s society that either claim an adherence to Christianity, or actually practice their faith have quite a high standard to live up to. Because the aim of a Christian is always to be as Christ-like as possible, one in a position of power, especially a position as highly regarded as President of the United States, has an even greater obligation to set an example for the people that are being led. Specifically in the book of Matthew, there is a very clear outline of the lifestyle that a Christian is to lead: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” (NIV Matt. 5:5-9) President Bush does not adhere to this definition of Christianity, even though he has said, “As Americans, we want peace -- we work and sacrifice for peace.” (Quotationspage) Biblical peace is a spiritual, intangible peace, it is not something that can be fought for or earned, but rather something that is a gift through redemption. Because of his claim to Christianity, Bush has an obligation to demonstrate this kind of peace, and set an example for the people he is leading.
Bush is quoted as saying, “Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to humanity.” (Quotationspage) Bush’s quest for freedom and “God’s gift” of it, as he has defined it, is far removed from the Biblical definition. The freedom spoken about in the New Testament is a freedom from sin, from temptation, and freedom from the confines of religious ceremonial rites and the Mosaic Law. Christians are given this freedom, but instructed not to abuse this freedom for their personal gain. There is nothing in the Bible that would endorse Bush’s self-serving initiative to force “freedom” on the Iraqi people. In fact, the Bible actually is very specific about this definition of freedom in Galatians, and even goes on to say, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. (RSV Gal 5:13)Live as free men yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God,” (RSV 1 Peter 2:16) The freedom that is Biblically taught is freedom from the ritualistic practices outlined in the Old Testament such as circumcision or sacrifice at an altar in the name of atonement. This freedom is not justification for waging war with a personal agenda.
As President of the United States who declares Christianity, Bush has an obligation to live up to his claim to be a Christian. He is in a position of power, and because he has professed a belief in the Bible, he must ensure that his actions reflect this. His translation of what is demanded of a leader is detrimentally flawed. Bush wages war in the name of the Lord, and hides behind religion as some sort of supernatural justification for his actions. He puts lives at risk and ultimately is responsible for taking lives in the name of some sort of religiously based vendetta. Whether it is "God" or "Allah", war waged in any name or with a religious justification is terrorism in itself. Those who can justify preaching peace in the same speech as they preach war in the name of their God, are the types of people who are capable of flying airplanes into buildings.
Works Cited
Eerdmans Bible Commentary WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. London: Inter- Varsity Press, 1989 Ed.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Edition. Ed. Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.
The Adventure Bible: The Holy Bible, New International Version: Oxford Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1989
Quotationspage.com: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/George_W._Bush: quotes from Sept 20, 2001 and the State of Union Address January, 2004.