Articles of faith

There has been much talk online of the Ron Suskind article this weekend in the New York Times. Most seem to deal with the articles main theme, that being Bush's seeming reliance on faith over fact, on his gut feelings over truth. This is, indeed disturbing.

On that issue, it seems, the nation is in trouble. Not relying on the real ideas that are shaping the world in my opinion would make it difficult to be decisive leader in the world today. While Bush tries to run on this idea, we learn that it is not the case. One is not decisive if one never listens to the other viewpoint. That instead shows the intellectual blindness that seems necessary in the modern world, and is witnessed by Bush's repeated failures to admit his mistakes.

It is always easier to think you know G-d's will than to pray for guidance. It seems through this article that Bush's faith is in himself, and since he feels like a tool of the divine, that by extension this leads to faith in the Lord. I'm not a biblical scholar, but I'm pretty certain that's not the way things are supposed to work.

One of the best lines in John Kerry's acceptance speech at the DNC was a reminder of the words of Abraham Lincoln:

I don't want to claim that God is on our side. As Abraham Lincoln told us, I want to pray humbly that we are on God's side.

I'm not sure that Bush is concerned about this issue at all.

Later in the article there is frequent mention of supporters who believe the President is here on earth to do G-d's will. One of Bush's top contributors relates the following:

"I think he's religious, I think he's a born-again, I don't think, though, that he feels that he's been ordained by G-d to serve the country." Gildenhorn paused, then said, "But you know, I really haven't discussed it with him."

Gildenhorn pulls back at the end because he realizes what he is saying. If Bush indeed feels he is here to do G-d's will, then what need does he have to talk to him anymore? What need does Bush have to make sure he is on the right path? This is the frightening idea that emerges for me, that Bush no longer listens to Providence, but rather acts and thinks Providence listens to him.