November/December 2003

Plain Truth Presidential Poll

In our September/October issue, we invited readers to send us their viewpoints on President Bush—his role as a Christian, as Commander-in-Chief and the war in Iraq. We asked if a Christian President of the United States has a biblical mandate to eradicate evil on an international level. We asked you to tell us what you think—and many of you did!
Responses were immediate, numerous and controversial. As we went to press, about 56 percent of respondents supported the president, 32 percent were critical of the president, and 12 percent were neutral. Some respondents attempted to back their opinion with Scripture; others did not. Here are some of the thoughts we provoked!
—the editors

As a Christian and a disabled Gulf War Veteran, I have a viewpoint many of your readers won't. Jesus said peacemakers are blessed and that is what our president is trying to do. Until terrorism and thugs like Saddam are gone, peace can never occur. Jesus said render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Our government has a responsibility to protect us and other innocents from terrorism. We have been told to render to Caesar what is his (that is supporting the government) even when we don't know all that is occurring.—Vic, New York

It seems fairly simple to me. We were attacked and I thought the main responsibility of the federal government was to protect us.—Judy, Arizona

In a sense, our opinions don't really matter. History is unfolding and the question is: Where do we fit in the scheme of things? I personally am a pacifist and believe Jesus said to turn the other cheek. If we kill our enemies, are we erasing their opportunity to have their lives changed by the gospel? The apostle Paul was a wicked man before his conversion, so who are we to limit God's power to change Saddam and his sons and followers? —David, Canada

The real issue is not governmental authority, but God’s sovereignty to mete out his justice through human governments, wherever he deems the time is right, whether or not we acknowledge God’s sovereignty. —Chris, Arizona

I believe that God gives national leaders authority, with accountability, to use force when required. Cyrus is a biblical example. But, the Iraq war was neither about Christianity nor the Bible. If eradicating evil is America’s purpose, let’s attack China, North Korea and Sudan. The New Testament was written to Christians, not national leaders. Human religion sparks wars. Religious people often mistakenly think that killing someone evil is serving God. Wasn't that the idea of the 9/11 attackers? Christians beware! Respect and pray for the president, rally around the Lord Jesus Christ; uphold his name before the non-
believers of this world.—Martin, North Carolina

It is time to take some of these militaristic Christian fascists to task. We live in a representative constitutional republic where we have legal channels to challenge our government when they violate our rights. The Bible says we should live at peace with others. The founding fathers of the country foresaw what is happening today. If we do not use the means to legally challenge our government, we are making our president into a “Caesar.” The apostle Paul challenged the authorities of Rome by citing the Roman laws. We need to do the same—peacefully and legally—or this country will no longer be free.—Phil, New Jersey

As a Christian I appreciate so much what President Bush is doing in our fight against terrorism. If there was ever a just war, this is it. Certainly we all hate to see our American soldiers injured and killed in Iraq, but better that than the killing of civilians without notice in our own land. I am proud that he is our president. I believe he looks to God for guidance, takes his oath of office seriously and genuinely loves the people of this country and will do the right thing to protect us regardless of world opinion.
—Danny, Florida

I am 87 years old. I’ve seen quite a few presidents and Bush is the worst. He stole the election, and he lied to the people about the reason for going to war. Now look at the mess he made. My grandson is over there, and I would like to see him before I leave this world. Bush has no concern for our troops or how many die. All he is after is power. I hope they kick him out of the White House and put someone in who is honest and people can trust.—Matilda,
Pennsylvania

Our country is filled with those who rush to criticize Bush's policies but offer no realistic solutions. To suggest you can peacefully negotiate with terrorists is foolish and naive. It's too bad we're so accustomed to weak leadership that we fail to recognize someone with fortitude and resolve. I'm glad this administration works tirelessly around the globe to defend the safety of my children and community.—Joe and Kelly, Indiana

As a believer, I am ashamed of President Bush's handling of the Iraq situation. During his presidency he has used opportunities to pray publicly and invoke the name of God. He since has embarked on a crusade to rid the world of
“terrorism.” The public is becoming increasingly aware that the true motivation for the war and our presence in Iraq is control of its oil resources. Bush's invocations of
God's name have become cheapened through his constant promotion of an insidious and greedy foreign policy. —Jennifer, California

Ever since George Bush was elected president by the Supreme Court, nothing but bad things have happened to our country. I think this man adopted God as a way to achieve his true call in life—his appetite for power. A person who so calmly sends thousands to die day after day, a person who loosens regulations so that big corporations can pollute more and more, a person who gives so much to so few and so little to so many, can hardly call himself a Christian.—California

God allowed ancient Israel to use force to subdue its enemies after being attacked. Since 9/11 the United States has been in a war to avert more terrorism. Pacifists have always hoped that aggressors would repent and live peaceably. But from Hitler to Hussein, force is all the aggressor understands. Bad things happen when good people do nothing but talk.—William, Washington

  A Christian president of the U.S. does not have a biblical mandate to use force to eradicate evil on an international level. The U.S. does this because it believes itself (like many superpowers in history) to be some kind of liberator or deliverer. God does not want the U.S. to be the world's policeman.—Richard, Illinois

I think that President Bush is doing what is best for this country. Hopefully, he knows things that the public is not told. We do know that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and that many who have been arrested or killed were linked up with the Al Qaeda terrorists. I praise President Bush for trying to do something to stop this.—Janis, North Carolina

Bush claims to be a Christian, but he will never bring peace to the world. It seems ironic that while he has declared war on states that support terror and harbored terrorists, he is now taking specific and concrete steps to create another one of them. He is too cocky for his own good and thinks he's absolutely right about everything.—Minnesota

I am a Christian as well as a Veteran
of three years in the U.S. Army. War is
certainly evil but it happens. If we do not fight the terrorists on their own soil,
we will certainly be forced to fight them here on our own—9/11 proves that. Thank God we have a real Commander-in-Chief and not a pusillanimous political hack! —Robert

President Bush is just a human being as flawed as we all are. Because of his upbringing and position, he is unable or unwilling to look beyond the comforts and privileges he was born into, and understand the daily struggles of the lower and middle classes. I believe that Bush believes his stand on military actions is correct. I did not vote for the man, and I will not vote for him again, but I would not go so far as to label him a warlord. In my heart, I believe the best description for him would be myopic.—Theresa, New York

The first duty of a president, Christian or not, is to protect and defend the nation from all threats, foreign or domestic. That G.W. Bush calls upon God to defend the
innocent and condemn evil should not surprise Bible believers. That some professed Christians oppose Bush's reference to and reliance on Jesus is not a statement
about religion, but about politics. Christians have a duty to pray for the hand of God to lead the president regardless of political affiliation and for God to protect our nation.—James, North Carolina

  As an American citizen who trusts God, I support my president on issues of foreign policy up to and until he clearly violates the expressed will of God. The American people will never know the information he considered before going to war. President Bush must do what he believes God is calling him to do because after all, he answers to God just like the rest of us.
—Thomas, Texas

The weight of a country on your shoulders, planes crashed into the very heart of the country you love, and the loudest voices of your people are raised against you! America! Wake up! Why are we belittling and finding fault with a man who has done more house cleaning and good in our country in the short time he has been president than a few previous presidents even cared to do. Let’s put down our picket boards and keep this guy around for awhile! And then may God really bless America!—Tina, Wisconsin

God has given President Bush his authority (Romans 13:1) and he has decided to use it to fight terrorism. God commanded the Israelites when they entered the promised land to wipe out all the evil living there. Why wouldn't he want us to do the same now? I believe that President Bush is doing his best to follow God's will.—Rachel, Oregon

As a Christian, I do not believe in killing. However, can
we as Christians sit in our comfortable homes day after day, knowing that the people in other countries are being abused and killed, without trying to help them out—even if it means sacrifice to us and to our country? Are not these God's people too? Are we not to love them too? Or are we to just look out for number one?—LaVina, Kansas

I believe that a Christian President of the United Stated does have a biblical mandate to use force to eradicate evil on an international level. Deuteronomy 7:2 says, “...then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.” Wars are fought for the future of the world. How selfish would it be to sacrifice future generations by not standing up against evil?—Debbie, Oklahoma

How can you reconcile the love of God with not caring about the poor? Christ’s total message was about the disenfranchised, not the rich. Christ said “blessed are the peacemakers” and “vengeance is mine.” I guess Bush reads a different text. Peace comes through prayer. Violence begets violence. Martin Luther King had the right idea. Kill them with non-violence. Unfortunately, the prophets usually get slain.—Dorothy, New York

There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that George W. Bush is one of the biggest disasters ever to happen to the United States. It is obvious that he has no touch with the "common man," and that he doesn't understand the world and what makes it run. He is not a leader. He is a calamity that this country may not survive.—John, Pennsylvania

I don't know if God wants us to be the world's policeman, but I do know that right now, at this time in history, God is using us to free the Iraqis from a dictator who has done great evil to his own people and many others.—Sandra, New York

I would like to thank Mr. Bush for a job well done in the road into a safer world. Liberal Christians say we are to forgive as Jesus forgave. This is absolutely true. However, that is not to say that we are to stand by and watch as innocent
people suffer. Thanks to Mr. Bush for defending those who cannot defend themselves.—Danielle, Wisconsin

No Christian can faithfully serve Christ and be president, for the two loyalties conflict. You cannot advance the kingdom of God—a kingdom of love and peace and righteousness—while trying to defend the interests of an earthly kingdom. We are to bring good news, not bombs and death. We are to lay down our lives, not take the lives of others.—Steve, Colorado

God put Mr. Bush here to do a job, and it will get done. There will be tough times ahead but a leader who has the support of most loyal Americans will prevail. We have no recourse.—Larry, Georgia

The justice preached by Jesus Christ is not enforceable by the United States or any other nation. Using force is intrinsically evil and George Bush, though his motives might be good, is simply using one evil to counter another. Jesus Christ would not agree. War, terrorism, torture, violence in its myriad forms are all evils. No matter how we try to justify their use they remain forever evil. It is more to the point to say we use less evil methods to counter greater evils.—Patrick, Ontario, Canada

Is Bush’s projection of military power overseas associated with a “just war”? No nation on earth is better suited than America to be the world’s policeman and to contain evil regimes. But America does so selectively, and war always involves mixed motives, sadly guaranteeing mistakes and the death of innocents. God, however, operates on a scale beyond human comprehension, taking flawed actions of kings and conquerors and folding them into the divine plan.—Gregory, Washington, D.C.

Sometimes you have to have war to have peace. Saddam terrorized his people, gassed them, tortured them, etc. Part of the reason we went into Iraq was humanitarian in nature. Anti war people are nit picking—trying to find any reason to oppose Bush.—Sue, West Virginia

If no one stands up for justice…who will??? The President of the United States must rise with his nation to defend those who suffer unjustly—to stop this madness of corruption—with God's blessing. In today's world we need more courageous people like him to rise and
do something. It is always better to do that than to do nothing.—Jean-Louis, Alberta, Canada

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