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God talk by McCain

Posted by Michael Paulson September 4, 2008 11:12 PM

McCain.jpg

John McCain is the least openly observant of the four men and women on the major party tickets -- Barack Obama was an active member of a United Church of Christ congregation in Chicago (until he quit after his pastor's controversial remarks started damaging him politically), Joseph Biden is a churchgoing Catholic in Delaware, and Sarah Palin is an evangelical Protestant who worships at several Alaska congregations. McCain, who was raised Episcopalian, now sometimes worships at a Southern Baptist congregation in Phoenix; he has talked about the importance of faith in his life, but has not talked much publicly about his churchgoing practices. (Manya Brachear, a religion writer at the Chicago Tribune, takes a look at McCain's relationship with Baptist faith here; and at On Faith, David Waters examines the same issue here.)

But his remarks tonight included, at least as I heard it, the most religious references of the four acceptance speeches, as the GOP nominee repeatedly referred to God, faith, and blessings when describing both his own biography and his passionate patriotism. And, like Obama, he seemed to conflate a faith in God with a faith in America. Some samples:

"I don’t mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I’ve had quite a few tough ones in my life."

"We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential, from the boy whose descendants arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We’re all God’s children, and we’re all Americans."

"We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench."

"I’ve been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I’ve never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn’t thank God for the privilege."

"I was blessed by misfortune. I mean that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of heroes, and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love."

"I’m not running for president because I think I’m blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God."

"Nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself."

"I’m going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I’m an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach."

"Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America."

(Photo by Dina Rudick, Globe staff.)

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6 comments so far...
  1. Fight, is that all McCain wants! It seems he thinks America wants to fight with someone, anyone.

    Like a schoolyard bully America foists its ideals and ammunition without apology.

    Guys like McCain need the limelight and the bravado to "scare" American enemies away? More like he needs the attention!

    And I thought Jesus was a pacifist, don't remember reading about him fighting, except in the temple he chased out the businessmen (with a small rope whip)who were ripping off the poor. They were selling them defective offerings and charging high prices for money changing.

    I don't see McCain chasing out the money changers(remember the Keating five)?

    Posted by Dave Welch September 5, 08 11:05 AM
  1. You know we all have views on Mccain and what he would like to do for us and the USA. So vote your way then when push comes to shove you can say I did this with my vote. God or Bad. But please vote. For we the USA are under attack on all sides to take us down and it will not stop till we stand up for ourselfs be it fighting or praying. God Bless (ASAP)

    Posted by arthur mills September 5, 08 11:58 AM
  1. All politicians have to say certain things to get elected. In this country, as far as the majority is concerned, it's all about defense, God, the economy, and all the other hot-button items people are concerned about. God especially however, is something that often comforts the masses when their leaders invoke his name, and, during election-season, I would be *highly* surprised if any politician hoping to BE elected, didn't at least mention God once in a while. Otherwise, they risk losing their "electability" in the eyes of the people. Whether they truly believe what they say, and whether what they say actually drives their conscience can only be seen in the deeds they've performed in the present and in the past. Has McCain shown that what he's saying now corresponds with his behavior in the past? Has Obama? Also, both men are trying to become President of the United States, not to become Pope or Bishop, or to head a religious order. Can't we just judge these men based on what they do, instead of on solely what they say? After all, actions speak louder than words. If nothing else, the current administration in DC has *certainly* taught us that!

    Posted by Don September 5, 08 01:24 PM
  1. John McCain is a reasonable enough man that he must cringe inside every time he makes a capital G reference for the purpose of placating the Republican base. To his credit, and unlike Bush or Palin, he's no mystic and seems unlikely to make political or military decisions based on the voices in his head. But all those G-bombs in his speech are yet another indication that this country is still at least a generation away from the end of religious prejudice.

    African-American president? Sure.

    Woman president? Someday soon.

    A president who doesn't claim to be a personal friend of the creator of the universe? Dream on.

    Posted by T. Moran September 5, 08 01:39 PM
  1. I personally do not care about any of the candidates relationship to God. I care about how they would govern if elected. What scares me is someone like Sarah Palin who has such extreme views on moral issues. She is absolutely frightening. I can't imagine even thinking about banning certain books from a public library.

    Posted by MAngeline September 5, 08 01:56 PM
  1. "God especially however, is something that often comforts the masses when their leaders invoke his name, and, during election-season, I would be *highly* surprised if any politician hoping to BE elected, didn't at least mention God once in a while. Otherwise, they risk losing their "electability" in the eyes of the people. "

    Not a good reason for god to be involved in politics, seeing how he, she or it isn't present for the precedings.

    I am not talking about santa claus. the easter bunny or fairies. People are making important decisions based on a fairy tale man!

    Posted by Dave Welch September 5, 08 03:25 PM
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Michael Paulson covers religion for The Boston Globe. He shared in the Pulitzer Prize in 2003, won the Mike Berger, Templeton and Supple awards in 2008, and is a four-time winner of the Wilbur Award.
E-mail mpaulson@globe.com.

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