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Not Perfect. Not Complete. But Very, Very Good.
I’m not saying you should vote for him. And I can’t make you vote for him. But here’s why a lot of people will vote for him:
And I can’t say I mind.
Published in Elections, General, Religion & Philosophy
But some people have the modesty to admit what they don’t know. What does it say about someone who claims great familiarity with the Bible but when it’s time to show it he claims it’s too private to mention a verse or he flubs it. If you are running for president and trying to gain the votes of people who care about such things you should put in the little bit of time necessary to learn it, so as not to appear to be such a big phony.
And yet, they loved him. Maybe they appreciated him visiting and making the effort to pull a quote, which is the important part to get right. Perhaps those denominations to whom scripture is central appreciate a little effort from one where other sacraments or sermons are weighted more heavily. When amplified by a media superstar, any brief remark sends faraway ripples and is appreciated.
[A casual off-hand mention of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale by Trump sent me, and I assume others, searching B&N for a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking. It was there, and made an interesting browse!]
Everyone quotes the Bible like everyone quotes Shakespeare. Often you don’t even know you’re doing it. But if that’s all someone tweets, outsiders will unfollow.
We have such a range in this country, from Biblical fundamentalists; through Churches with the Greyhound approach (let us do the interpreting); through showman televangelists; and on through all the little groups — Adventists like Carson; Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses — the GOTP (Get Out The Prayer) contingent: and on through the wide range of Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and New Age groups, not to mention Scientology, Mindfulness, etc. all protected by the same #1A.
Engagement across groups is important to a tolerant society, but everyone has their own idea of what’s polite in mixed company. It’s a whole topic we could discuss in detail some other time.
If someone wants to pause and bow his head before eating, so be it, don’t ask him to pass the butter. But if someone asks “shall we all say grace?” in a non-religious gathering, I suppose the host is free to say, “we don’t do that here, but please take a private moment if you want.”
People I know feel very strongly that recruitment, “mine is better than yours,” or uninvited outbursts of religiosity or prolonged testimony in mixed company are bad form overall. I dislike it in politicians and know many who feel this way.