Bush and Jesus

While I agree with Madison T. Shockley II’s Jan. 3 commentary, “A Closer Walk With Bush and Jesus,” the discourse over George W. Bush’s declaration of faith has missed the point. The most obvious explanation for Bush’s surprising claim that Jesus Christ is the political philosopher who influenced him the most has been missed by political pundits and the public alike. The real reason for this answer, in my opinion, was that he couldn’t think of any philosopher and was afraid that if he gave a random name he might be asked about the philosophical ideas, much as he was asked about the book he was reading or about the names of foreign leaders of the “hot spot” nations.

I, too, am not as well read as I should be, and as I age I grow forgetful, as well. In a similar situation I might seek the help of Jesus, too.

BARBARA S. THUET

San Diego

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I believe that Shockley was mistaken about his theology regarding Bush. Shockley claims that Bush wasn’t following his beliefs by not supporting all kinds of government programs. Actually what Christ taught was personal responsibility, where instead of giving duties over to the government, we are to be personally involved with helping the poor. We are each to become involved with helping people, be it getting them fed, medical care or educated.

One thing we know for sure is that the government is not the answer to any of those questions. I believe that if we gave more to faith-based charities and less to the government we could go a long way to accomplish the goals Shockley listed.

It is also a two-way street; the recipients of our help need to be ready and willing to receive our help, which may mean they need to work for it if they are able. Feeding people will only solve their problems for a few hours.

DOUGLAS HAMMONDS

Chatsworth

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Amen! to Shockley. If people of all faiths would spend more time living out the tenets of their faith in their own lives instead of simply talking about their beliefs and trying to force them onto others, this nation and this world would be much more compassionate, just and loving.

DAVID CAVANAUGH

Long Beach