Reading notes

Bush came pretty close to proclaiming the fight against radical Islam the divine mission of the United States [in his Tues press conference]. He may not have meant that, but you can rest assured that is just how much of the Islamic world will view his comments, especially in light of his actions the next day on behalf of Israel. You can also bet it will be read that way by the American religious right, which sees in defending Israel a way to bring about Armageddon and the second coming of Christ.

On top of the danger and foolishness, I think the Religious Right thinking they can define and control Jesus’ second coming this way exhibits an arrogance almost beyond measure. The phrase “God is not mocked” comes to mind.

As Paul wrote in Romans (3:8):

Why should we not do evil that good may come? — as some slanderously charge us with teaching. Such [false teaching] is justly condemned by them.

In what way is this presidential behavior — and Religious Right behavior — not doing evil that good may come? That’s exactly the motivation in play here, seems to me. And I — justly, according to Paul — condemn it.

Peterson puts this passage even more clearly in The Message:

It’s simply perverse to say, “If my lies serve to show off God’s truth all the more gloriously, why blame me? I’m doing God a favor.” Some people are actually trying to put such words in our mouths, claiming that we go around saying, “The more evil we do, the more good God does, so let’s just do it!”

This “perverse” wording nearly matches what Mr. Bush said/meant in his Tuesday press conference, seems to me (transcript). And I’m not putting these words in his mouth; they’re already there. I find this translation’s particular applicability now eerie.

[via comment to Atrios]