Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What Matters to Christianists in Congress

With the nation faced with a nearly unprecedented financial crisis, a deep economic recession, two ongoing wars in the Middle East, and tens of millions of Americans without health insurance coverage, one would think that all members of Congress would be focused on these and other life and death issues. But not so for the Christianists in Congress such as Congressman Randy Forbes from nearby Chesapeake, Virginia. No, for these individuals what matters most is seeking passage of a resolution "Encouraging the President to designate 2010 as "The National Year of the Bible." I swear I do not understand such people. Are they merely pandering in a shameless way for the Christianist vote or are they just plain living in some twilight zone unhinged from reality? The text of the resolution sponsored by Mr. Forbes can be found here. Here are some highlights of the resolution's efforts to rewrite history not to mention insult all non-Christian Americans:
*
Whereas shared Biblical beliefs unified the colonists and gave our early leaders the wisdom to write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, both of which recognized the inherent worth, dignity, and inalienable rights of each individual, thus unifying a diverse people with the right to vote, and the freedoms of speech and vast religious freedoms, which inspired courageous men like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the Civil Rights Movement;
*
Whereas the Bible has been the world’s best selling book since it was first published in English in 1526, and has influenced more people than any other book;
*
Whereas the Bible has been a cornerstone in the development of Western civilization, influencing the nations in the areas of history, law, politics, culture, music, literature, art, drama, and especially moral philosophy;
*
Whereas the Bible, used as a moral guide, has inspired compassion, love for our neighbor, and the preciousness of life and marriage, and has stimulated many benevolent, faith-based community initiatives and neighborhood partnerships that have healed and blessed our families, communities, and our entire Nation, especially in times of war, tragedy, and economic and social crisis;
*
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the President is encouraged--
*
(1) to designate an appropriate year as ‘The National Year of the Bible’; and
*
(2) to issue a proclamation calling upon citizens of all faiths to rediscover and apply the priceless, timeless message of the Holy Scripture which has profoundly influenced and shaped the United States and its great democratic form of Government, as well as its rich spiritual heritage, and which has unified, healed, and strengthened its people for over 200 years.
*
I may get personally attacked for saying it, but I would ask Mr. Forbes and his fellow Kool-Aid drinkers why they have failed to mention the countless wars and millions of deaths, the rape and pillaging, and the other horrors sparked by or done in the name of the Bible? The trail of death and destruction is immense. Or is that inconvenient truth inconsistent with their goal of attempting yet again of fostering the "Christian nation" myth?

No comments: