I have written previously (here) on how both Republicans and Democrats, including President Obama (here), have continued to embrace faith-based politics. This week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) added her own promise of pious policies -stating that she actively tries to legislate public policies “in keeping with the values [of Jesus Christ] . . . “The Word made Flesh.”
Many conservative Catholics are likely to disagree given Pelosi’s votes in favor of abortion and against the ban on late-term abortions.
For secularists, the concern is even more significant. It is interesting how many citizens (rightfully) condemn countries like Iran that expressly tie their political and legal systems to Islam but applaud our own leaders in seeking Christian policies.
At the Catholic Community Conference on Capitol Hill, Pelosi added
“They ask me all the time, ‘What is your favorite this? What is your favorite that? What is your favorite that?’ And one time, ‘What is your favorite word?’ And I said, ‘My favorite word? That is really easy. My favorite word is the Word, is the Word. And that is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, you know the Gospel reference of the Word. And that Word is, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word. The Word. Isn’t it a beautiful word when you think of it? It just covers everything. The Word.
Fill it in with anything you want. But, of course, we know it means: ‘The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.’ And that’s the great mystery of our faith. He will come again. He will come again. So, we have to make sure we’re prepared to answer in this life, or otherwise, as to how we have measured up.”
It is certainly true that John 1:14 states, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw His glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” The problem is that political and religious leaders seek to define what is “truth” for the country — cloaking their political judgments in a divine rationalization. It also suggests than non-believers and non-Christians may not agree but must adhere to the policy priorities found in “the Word by Pelosi.”
There is an alternative. Instead of promising “we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word,” Pelosi can promise to give voice to the Word in her personal life. Of course, that type of promise of a pious life does not work quite as well at the polls. (Indeed, given Pelosi’s low polling numbers and that of Congress, I am not sure the Almighty wants even partial credit for this situation. He is still trying to spin that whole biblical flood incident).
One can easily dismiss this as just another politician trying to rally the faithful — particularly at a time of record low polls. However, Pelosi is adding her voice to a growing chorus of politicians who want to use the flame of faith to light a fire under their campaigns. You can look around the world to see how dangerous the combination of faith and politics can be.
For the full story, click here.
“They are pro-choice because the left has led them to believe that their ain’t nuttin of import in that there womb.”
Unlike the ridiculous right who leads them to believe that ain’t nuttin of import once that zygot comes out of that there womb.
You freak shows on the right kill me with how important the “child” is while in the womb, but kick said “child” to the curb once it’s out. Gee, Toots, how many unwanted children have you taken in today? LMAO – don’t bother, I already know the answer.
MrAtomSmasher:
“sky genie” LOL
Of course they are pro-choice (but obviously too stupid to make the choice when it is logical to do so, i.e., BEFORE the sex). Clearly, these people missed Birds and Bees 101: sex likely creates babies, etc.
They are pro-choice because the left has led them to believe that their ain’t nuttin of import in that there womb.
And now the truth will be told to them and the leftists will be disgusted by it and the results.
Which I think is why Pelosi is doing this: she has discovered the evil she has promoted.
Man, I gotta love that one, Tootie. Science is “catching up” to your imaginary sky genie. By the way, I think you may be surprised how many of those “young ladies” out there in America are pro-choice. Run along, now, and let the adults talk.
Typos, regrets.
When you sit on a big pile of missing humans (48 million strong) AND call yourself a person of faith, I guess you have to somehow deal with the horror of what you have advocated. So it’s best to blame god.
Especially after this hits the fan with young people (espeically young pregnant ladies)
http://www.jillstanek.com/pampers-pro-life-infommerical.html
(the second video is about the new ipod app called Hello Baby
Science is finally catching up to God. As usual.
My summary: stupid bible thumpers: One
smarty-pants, holier-than-thou leftists: Zero
Bush was a buffoon who talked to God, he claimed. I could pardon his “God Bless America” crap because he was and is an idiot.
However, Obama is another story. Even during the campaign I was shocked and deeply troubled by his use of “God Bless America” tag line. I am wracking my brains to think of what other President, other than Bush and Obama used this phrase. I can just say that I agree with everything that Prof. Turley says.
And what if the Word was not made flesh … what then?
Swarthmore mom, Congrats on your daughters graduation and the best of luck (and courage) on the college choice.
NEVER ceases to amaze the overwhelming levels of pandering these clowns do to religious nut-bags.. I’m sorry but one of the FOUNDING principles, directly articulated in the documents that started this republic was the dedication those folks sought and showed to the CHOICE and FREEDOM of religion NOT the public flouting of ANY religion at every turn…
It has become sickening….
“‘My favorite word? That is really easy. My favorite word is the Word, is the Word. And that is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, you know the Gospel reference of the Word. And that Word is, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word. The Word. Isn’t it a beautiful word when you think of it? It just covers everything. The Word.”
Excuse me while I go brush my teeth – just threw up in my mouth after reading this.
You all have to read The Family by Jeff Sharlet to understand how deep and how long this goes.
And my dislike of her has noting to do with her plumbing but rather everything to do with Pelosi’s spineless Janus style of politics.