Views of God
Oct. 22nd, 2008 12:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pyatFrom CNN.com:
"FINDLAY, Ohio (CNN) –- In an interview posted online Wednesday, Sarah Palin told Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” that she is confident God will do “the right thing for America” on Nov. 4.
Dobson asked the vice presidential hopeful if she is concerned about John McCain’s sagging poll numbers, but Palin stressed that she was “not discouraged at all.”
“To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder,” she told the influential Christian leader, whose radio show reaches tens of millions of listeners daily. “And it also strengthens my faith because I know at the end of the day putting this in God’s hands, the right thing for America will be done, at the end of the day on Nov. 4.”
She also thanked her supporters — including Dobson, who said he and his wife were asking “for God’s intervention” on election day — for their prayers of support.
“It is that intercession that is so needed,” she said. “And so greatly appreciated. And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation. And I so appreciate it.”
The interview was taped on Monday by phone while Palin was campaigning in Colorado Springs, where “Focus on the Family” is headquartered."
I'm not quoting this to spark debate about the election, or basic politics. I feel their comments raise interesting questions about how they view God, and prayer.
If Palin loses, will she say it was because:
A) God did not consider her or McCain to be the best candidates?
B) God had no control over the outcome of the election?
C) God did not chose to "intervene" because people didn't pray hard enough?
I'm sure there are other options.
Does Dobson's comment about praying for God to intervene mean that he believes God is usually "hands off," unless specifically petitioned?
It seems to me that they regard God as a magic fairy who gives you things, but only if you want them hard enough.
In any case, they might win, so... we'll see.
"FINDLAY, Ohio (CNN) –- In an interview posted online Wednesday, Sarah Palin told Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” that she is confident God will do “the right thing for America” on Nov. 4.
Dobson asked the vice presidential hopeful if she is concerned about John McCain’s sagging poll numbers, but Palin stressed that she was “not discouraged at all.”
“To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder,” she told the influential Christian leader, whose radio show reaches tens of millions of listeners daily. “And it also strengthens my faith because I know at the end of the day putting this in God’s hands, the right thing for America will be done, at the end of the day on Nov. 4.”
She also thanked her supporters — including Dobson, who said he and his wife were asking “for God’s intervention” on election day — for their prayers of support.
“It is that intercession that is so needed,” she said. “And so greatly appreciated. And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation. And I so appreciate it.”
The interview was taped on Monday by phone while Palin was campaigning in Colorado Springs, where “Focus on the Family” is headquartered."
I'm not quoting this to spark debate about the election, or basic politics. I feel their comments raise interesting questions about how they view God, and prayer.
If Palin loses, will she say it was because:
A) God did not consider her or McCain to be the best candidates?
B) God had no control over the outcome of the election?
C) God did not chose to "intervene" because people didn't pray hard enough?
I'm sure there are other options.
Does Dobson's comment about praying for God to intervene mean that he believes God is usually "hands off," unless specifically petitioned?
It seems to me that they regard God as a magic fairy who gives you things, but only if you want them hard enough.
In any case, they might win, so... we'll see.
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Date: 2008-10-22 04:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 06:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 07:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 07:49 pm (UTC)The funny thing about a lot of modern North American Christian fundementalism is that it has a good deal in common with middle period non-monotheist faiths. The idea that god/gods are things of massive power, that are particular to you over other people because of your superior worship, and that they must be bribed/appeased with sacrifice (of prayer and say, enemy soldiers) are all pretty common to pre axis-age religions the world round.
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 07:51 pm (UTC)I mean really, that's some magical era pre-Classical thinking right there.
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Date: 2008-10-22 08:02 pm (UTC)WTF?
That man does not have the basic qualifications required to perform his job function.