The Bible and Politics
Re “Manipulating the Bible for Political Ends,” Column Right, Oct. 7:
Cal Thomas’ cynical denunciation of President Clinton’s religious views reflects more on the pettiness of Thomas than the shortcomings of Clinton. Thomas berates Clinton for intentionally misinterpreting the Bible for political ends, and for promoting “bogus theology.” He ridicules Clinton’s assertion that he prays about difficult decisions. And he poses the rhetorical question, “Who elected Bill Clinton theologian in chief?”
Thomas’ religious arrogance serves not only to diminish himself, but unfortunately, may reflect negatively on the Bible as well: Readers might mistakenly assume that Thomas learned his caustic attitudes from the Bible itself. He did not.
The Bible is a magnificent and diverse collection of ancient writings, the unifying themes of which are that God created humankind, and that people may, during the course of their lives, seek God. Everyone from private citizens to presidents has the right to read and interpret the Scriptures, and if we wish, to let them influence our political and moral convictions. As created by God, we are all theologians in chief.
EVAN POWELL
Westlake Village
Powell is author of “The Unfinished Gospel,” Symposium Books, 1994.
I am no theologian, but I must take exception to Thomas’ article. He, like others of the extreme right, claims ownership on all Bible interpretations as long as it suits their purpose. If anyone differs with them, they call it “Bible revisionism.” The country now has had a President who believes in God, and who has a history of attending church (not just for political ends), but his views are different than Thomas’ extreme views, so that invalidates those views to Thomas.
Theology aside, once a person is elected to office, isn’t that person supposed to serve all the people, not just those that hold one extreme viewpoint? Or is it just easier for Thomas to paint a lopsided picture of someone who does not agree with him politically?
VICKIE CARRILLO
Rancho Santa Margarita
Thank you for publishing Thomas’ commentary on religion. The Times does a great service to the theologically diverse community by voicing both liberal and conservative, Christian and Jewish opinions.
MARK JAMES CHRISTIAN
Los Angeles
It’s time to remind Thomas that the laws of this country are not derived from “his” Bible, but from the hearts and minds of Americans free from the ambiguities and prejudices of an ancient document translated in many different ways to suit the reader.
The President, pandering to whichever group he happens to be addressing, mistakes the real moral high ground as the Baptist publishers and their narrow constituency.
It’s the American people, the majority of whom work hard each day, don’t discriminate against anyone and feel medical conditions are the business of the doctor and his patient, that are the true moral strength of this country. When will the proponents of less government practice what they preach by keeping their religion out of my life, and minding their own business?
GARY W. GRAY
Costa Mesa