George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

I've read in so many places that George W. Bush is a religious fanatic and the support of Christian religious fanatics got him elected. I'll say that IMO Gay Marriage in the United States is not supported by 50% of the voters and those that oppose Gay Marriage are not all religious fanatics. IMO Christian religious fanatics don't even come close to being 50% of the electorate so I don't believe the opposition to Gay Marriage comes from mostly religious fanatics. I suppose there ought to be an operative definition of a religious fanatic since what I view religious fanaticism to be and what others view religious fanaticism to be could be very different. So what is a good operative definition of a religious fanatic? I think it indicates an extremelist of some sort who believes in imposing their religious beliefs on all, who expects people to adhere to the precepts of their religion, use that religions precepts to guide their actions, and place those precepts above any law created by man. A clumsy definition perhaps (feel free to clear the definition up) but if that's the operative definition why do you believe George Bush is a religious fanatic?

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

Good post and question. I think the answer to why some view Bush that way is simply their inability or unwillingness to discern the finer pooints or differences of degree. I will also note that I have noticed these traits (in a more general sense) quite a bit lately!

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

"Religious fanatic" is basically just an insult and isn't really definable IMO. The point at which I have a problem comes when people start pushing what I think should be personal beliefs and values very publicly and politically, and talking as if everyone shares or should shares those beliefs. When beliefs in far out things like prophecies etc start to affecct actual policy (as many believe they do in relation to Israel and the second coming for example) you are in serious trouble.

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I've read in so many places that George W. Bush is a religious fanatic and the support of Christian religious fanatics got him elected. I'll say that IMO Gay Marriage in the United States is not supported by 50% of the voters and those that oppose Gay Marriage are not all religious fanatics. IMO Christian religious fanatics don't even come close to being 50% of the electorate so I don't believe the opposition to Gay Marriage comes from mostly religious fanatics. I suppose there ought to be an operative definition of a religious fanatic since what I view religious fanaticism to be and what others view religious fanaticism to be could be very different. So what is a good operative definition of a religious fanatic? I think it indicates an extremelist of some sort who believes in imposing their religious beliefs on all, who expects people to adhere to the precepts of their religion, use that religions precepts to guide their actions, and place those precepts above any law created by man. A clumsy definition perhaps (feel free to clear the definition up) but if that's the operative definition why do you believe George Bush is a religious fanatic?

[/ QUOTE ]

Very good definition. Here is why I believe Bush at least is very close to being a fanatic.

1 - stem cell research. Why would someone put a ban to scientific research that improves life for many people. I can never except when ideology is more important than suffering.
2 - Abortion ban. Why would you dictate that a woman who has been raped should have the child? Again: So much suffering.
3 - Gay questions. Who is he to say what is right and what is wrong? Why would he care if they marry?

And these are jsut a few... I just don't think these questions are for the state to decide.

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

Thanks for your thoughts but just to clear something up. I take it then when people refer to George Bush as a religious fanatic then you feel that he's being insulted.

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

Of course its the states responsiblity to define them.
If not the government then who else? Microsoft? Jimmy Dean?
Michael Moore?
Give me a break...

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

The standard of truth for Bush tends to be his feelings. If it feels good, if you feel good “down in your soul” about something, then it must be true and right. He talks often about how God talks to him or leads him. Granted, some people believe this is a tenet of faith, but is it really a good way to lead a country?

This is where I think Bush comes across as a religious fanatic. His religious views shape his policies on gay marriage, abortion and foreign policy and he attempts to impose them on the country.

“It is an odd thing... that each man wages war believing that God is on his side. I wager that he is on neither.” - Oliver Cromwell

But since you only brought up gay marriage, let's discuss that for a minute. Would somebody please explain to me what, outside of religious beliefs, makes gay marriage / civil unions, much less the act of homosexuality, a crime? Heck, with sex change operations and transvestites out there, gender is a blurry thing to begin with.

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Of course its the states responsiblity to define them.
If not the government then who else? Microsoft? Jimmy Dean?
Michael Moore?
Give me a break...

[/ QUOTE ]

You are aware we are talking about religion here? What does Microsoft and James Dean have to do with this question?

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

I think they mean it as an insult, yes.

Re: George Bush - Religious Fanatic?
 

Funny too how they use "cowboy" as an insult. Cowbows were brave and hardy men.