Bush is our terror, we shall want. He maketh us to lie down on park benches. He leadeth us in the way of tax hike. He destroyeth our lifestyle. He leadeth our children to Iraq for his oil sake. Yea though we walk in the valley of the shadows of 9/11, we still fear all evil: for Osama Bin Laden is still with us; his taped messages and scare tactics frighten us. Bush prepares for us a series of layoffs and unemployments; our bills runneth over. Surely poverty and depression shall follow us for the next four years: and we shall end up in the poor house forever. Amen.
Okay, so where did this come from? And there can be no doubt that a non-Christian penned those scandalous words to put President Bush into a bad light. But in doing so they only accredited Bush with being Almighty God, Who alone has the power to do the things he is being accused of in that trite bit of verbage. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" />
Isacco said: Why couldn't a Christian put Bush in a bad light?
I didn't say that a Christian is incapable of putting Bush in a bad light. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> My grievance is that the author, whether deliberately intended or not, attributes power to Bush which only God possesses. Further, George W. Bush did not personally bring about the alleged wrongs and woes which the author holds him responsible. Thus, if nothing else, his charges against President Bush are horribly inaccurate and in fact, virtually impossible. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
What powers are attributed in this that are powers of God alone? It seems to me that the writer is stating that Bush's policies have caused such to happen. The writer relates this to socio-economics, not God's (or Bush's) sovereignty.
Because I think it is relevant. I think too many people who call themselves Christian are oblivious to all the negatives of our current President. Simply because he is a professing Christian they jump to his defense.
li0scc0 said: What powers are attributed in this that are powers of God alone? It seems to me that the writer is stating that Bush's policies have caused such to happen. The writer relates this to socio-economics, not God's (or Bush's) sovereignty.
I really don't want to drag this discussion out, but I'll answer this one question. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
No man has the power to bring to pass that which he desires or thinks and therefore wills. God's desire always and infallibly results in that which He desires to occur; He is sovereign. President Bush, undeniably, has many ideas a desires in regard to what he would like to see happen for and in the United States. But he is powerless to bring them to pass. Nearly everything must be approved and voted on by the House of Representatives and the Senate, which consists of hundreds of individuals.
Second, any President may have a good (biblical) policy which is accepted and voted into law by Congress. But that is no guarantee that the policy will then result in its intended goal. Let's never forget that the "good citizens" of the United States, who are no different than any other country's citizens, are for the most part sinners. And thus it is impossible that any policy can be implemented perfectly and guarantee the results intended. But God can certainly do that and continues to do that by His providence.
Third, for the record, I have no delusion as to the spiritual state of George W. Bush. Just because he professes to be a Christian does not make it so. He has far too much "evidence" against him that would not allow me to accept his profession at face value. But nevertheless, he has been ordained by God to be the President of the United States and therefore I am obligated to pray for him, to support him in his decisions when they are not contrary to biblical principles, etc. I am also to respect the man as God's appointed agent and not denigrate him, bring unfounded and/or unwarranted charges against his character or his policies. Further, I am forbidden, as is true for all men, not to bring false witness against him as is forbidden in the Ninth Commandment. And thus, such things as is found in this corruption of the 23rd Psalm is subject to criticism and rejection.
Lastly.... it is my firm belief that the Federal Government is not responsible to cure all men's social ills, which for the most part, they have brought upon themselves. The homeless man who sleeps on a park bench in Central Park in the cold is NOT the fault nor responsibility of the office of the President of the United States, nor that of Congress. So, it is fallacious to blame this one man for his misfortune, for whatever reason the cause.
The writer relates this to socio-economics, not God's (or Bush's) sovereignty.
Then why use a passage from Scripture to make his case? Why use a Psalm that speaks to the guidance, power, and sufficient provision of God?
True godliness is a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death~ Calvin
Perhaps a contrast between the Biblical God and one who plays god on earth. Between the comfort of the Biblical God and a man who proclaims a mandate, who touts himself a chosen of the almighty.
li0scc0 said: Perhaps a contrast between the Biblical God and one who plays god on earth. Between the comfort of the Biblical God and a man who proclaims a mandate, who touts himself a chosen of the almighty.
Are you suggesting that President George W. Bush believes and has therefore touted himself as "a chosen of the almighty"? Of course, every leader of every country/nation has been chosen by the Almighty.
Romans 13:1-7 (ASV) Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God.[/b_color:yellow] Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Therefore, as long as President George W. Bush mandates anything; again his authority to "mandate" is very restricted and generally must be first approved by Congress) which is not contrary to biblical law and/or principle (not that which is opposed to one's personal opinion or political affiliation), he is to be honored, respected and obeyed by all who profess to be Christians.