Reading notes

Kevin writes well concerning Bush campaign criticism of John Kerry’s scripture-based observation in a St. Louis church Sunday —

Speaking of the Bush Administration Kerry asked:

The scriptures say, what does it profit, my brother, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” Kerry told the congregation at New North Side Baptist Church. “When we look at what is happening in America today, where are the works of compassion?”

Bush’s response was predictably shrill and ridiculous:

Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt said Kerry’s comment “was beyond the bounds of acceptable discourse and a sad exploitation of Scripture for a political attack.”

As usual, when faced with a criticism, the Bush Administration runs from the substance and attempts to smear the critic. Anyone who says their favorite political philosopher is Jesus Christ had best be prepared to defend his actions in the light of Jesus’ teachings. …

The language of religion has always been spoken comfortably on the left, even if the principle of tolerance has caused it to occasionally be spoken too quietly. John Kerry is not speaking quietly now. Whatever George W. Bush may desire, whatever the editors of the Washington Post and New York Times may decree, Christianity and faith are not the property of the right wing. I have a faith, too, as does John Kerry and millions of others. It is strong, and sincere, and, as Kerry has reminded us, powerful. And in the face of provocation and distortion, it has no reason to be silent.

(I added the italics because I’m struck by these words’ power. There’s no briefly excerpting Kevin’s entry; it’s all good.)

Thanks, Kevin. I am a person of faith, too, a follower of Jesus — which to my understanding demands of me a liberal worldview — who remains more or less Episcopalian, who can in no wise be silent. Here’s my “Amen, brother!”

[via JaBitB]