The Boykin critics
John Podhoretz:
". . .Boykin is an evangelical Christian. That is his right. He believes that the terrorists threatening us are working for Satan. That is also his right. It is crucial to note that he was notcalling Islam a Satanic faith.
"And though the use of the phrase "Christian nation" is offensive to many non-Christians, it's hardly the sort of thing that should get a guy fired - especially when he takes care to refer to the "Judeo-Christian" tradition as well.
"Unless, that is, you believe that anyexpression of religious conviction in public life is inappropriate. Which, of course, is something many in the media and elsewhere do believe.
"They think there is something illegitimate about anyone on the public payroll making open and passionate professions of their faith. There's more than a hint of anti-Christian bigotry at work here.
"That's made crystal clear when you take note of the offense shown by Boykin's critics at his depiction of George W. Bush as Heaven-sent: "Why is this man in the White House? The majority of Americans did not vote for him. Why is he there? And I tell you this morning that he's in the White House because God put him there for a time such as this."
"Evangelical Christians and others are inclined to see the hand of the Lord working in all sorts of ways. A friend of mine once told me he believed God had answered his prayer by helping him find the downpayment for a car. I considered the idea silly, but then, I don't subscribe to the view that God is actively involved in my life.
"People like Boykin do believe this, and they are entitled to express their views as they wish.
". . .Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria says Boykin must go because his words will whip around the Muslim world and make it look as though we are engaged in a religious crusade. And strictly as a matter of practical politics, Boykin may be in the wrong place. His words will be used against the United States by radical Islamists out to make our task in the Middle East more difficult."
Zakaria is exagerating the influence of Boykin's words in the Muslim world. The bigotry against Christians and Jews is far deper than reacting to some perceived insults spoken by members of the Christian faith. What Zakaria and other critics are saying is that expressions of the Chrisian belief disqualify people from public service. This is not consitent with the right of every American to freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
John Podhoretz:
". . .Boykin is an evangelical Christian. That is his right. He believes that the terrorists threatening us are working for Satan. That is also his right. It is crucial to note that he was notcalling Islam a Satanic faith.
"And though the use of the phrase "Christian nation" is offensive to many non-Christians, it's hardly the sort of thing that should get a guy fired - especially when he takes care to refer to the "Judeo-Christian" tradition as well.
"Unless, that is, you believe that anyexpression of religious conviction in public life is inappropriate. Which, of course, is something many in the media and elsewhere do believe.
"They think there is something illegitimate about anyone on the public payroll making open and passionate professions of their faith. There's more than a hint of anti-Christian bigotry at work here.
"That's made crystal clear when you take note of the offense shown by Boykin's critics at his depiction of George W. Bush as Heaven-sent: "Why is this man in the White House? The majority of Americans did not vote for him. Why is he there? And I tell you this morning that he's in the White House because God put him there for a time such as this."
"Evangelical Christians and others are inclined to see the hand of the Lord working in all sorts of ways. A friend of mine once told me he believed God had answered his prayer by helping him find the downpayment for a car. I considered the idea silly, but then, I don't subscribe to the view that God is actively involved in my life.
"People like Boykin do believe this, and they are entitled to express their views as they wish.
". . .Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria says Boykin must go because his words will whip around the Muslim world and make it look as though we are engaged in a religious crusade. And strictly as a matter of practical politics, Boykin may be in the wrong place. His words will be used against the United States by radical Islamists out to make our task in the Middle East more difficult."
Zakaria is exagerating the influence of Boykin's words in the Muslim world. The bigotry against Christians and Jews is far deper than reacting to some perceived insults spoken by members of the Christian faith. What Zakaria and other critics are saying is that expressions of the Chrisian belief disqualify people from public service. This is not consitent with the right of every American to freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
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