President Bush on Islam and non-believers

And why this non-believer supports President Bush

In a little publicized interview with Christianity Today on May 26, 2004, President Bush talks about Islam, gay marriage, and faith-based initiatives.

The President's view of our foe shows that he fully understands the forces we are up against:

Interviewer: Do you believe there is anything inherently evil in the way some practice Islam that stands in the way of the pursuit of democracy and freedom?

President Bush: I think what we're dealing with are people—extreme, radical people—who've got a deep desire to spread an ideology that is anti-women, anti-free thought, anti- art and science, you know, that couch their language in religious terms. But that doesn't make them religious people. I think they conveniently use religion to kill. The religion I know is not one that encourages killing. I think that they want to drive us out of parts of the world so they're better able to have a base from which to operate. I think it's very much more like an … "ism" than a group with territorial ambition.

He twice makes space for non-believers:

Interviewer: What do you think about being criticized for open expressions of faith?

President Bush: I just think that I have a fantastic opportunity to let the light shine, and will do so however, as a secular politician. It's really important that you know—I say to our fellow countrymen that my job is not to promote a religion but to promote the ability of people to worship as they see fit.

There's nothing more powerful than this country saying you can worship any way you want, or not worship at all.
...

Interviewer: How you do balance not promoting a particular religion, while still being influenced by your personal faith?

President Bush: My job is to make sure that, as President, people understand that in this country you can worship any way you choose. And I'll take that a step further. You can be a patriot if you don't believe in the Almighty. You can honor your country and be as patriotic as your neighbor.

I also admire the sentiment he expressed in his closing words:

I'm in a world of, sometimes a world of fakery, and obfuscation, political back shots, and so I'm very mindful about the proper use of faith in this process. And you can't fake your faith, nor can you use your faith as a shallow attempt to garner votes, otherwise you will receive the ultimate condemnation. And therefore, the best way for faith to operate in somebody is, as I said, to let the light shine as opposed to trying to defend or alter or get my job mixed up with a preacher's job.

And the only way you can do that is just be yourself, without crossing any lines of politics and religion. Separation of church and state [is] important in America. And by that I mean the people of faith should participate in the state, and there's a difference.

There is a lot more in that interview and it is well worth reading. It sure goes a long way to countering the secular Left's caricature of the President as a Bible thumping zealot. I saw a man of tolerance, faith and a good understanding of the relationship between religion, the state and the Presidency.

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