So the letter Bob Jones wrote to President Bush congratulating him on another four years is no longer available on the Bob Jones University site. I can't imagine why; the portion I read was certainly compelling:
In your re-election, God has graciously granted America -- though she doesn't deserve it -- a reprieve from the agenda of paganism*. You have been given a mandate. We the people expect your voice to be like the clear and certain sound of a trumpet. Because you seek the Lord daily, we who know the Lord will follow that kind of voice eagerly.
Don't equivocate. Put your agenda on the front burner and let it boil. You owe the liberals nothing. They despise you because they despise your Christ. Honor the Lord, and He will honor you.
I'm just sorry I couldn't see the part that, according to reports, pushed the President to:
[A]ppoint many conservative judges and exercise forceful leadership with the Congress in passing legislation that is defined by biblical norm regarding the family, sexuality, sanctity of life, religious freedom, freedom of speech and limited government. [emphasis mine]
You will remember Bob Jones University as the one that banned interracial dating until after the year 2000; there was something of a flap about it during the 2000 campaign, but Bush defended the visit. Bob Jones University also hates Catholics, what with us doing "the work of the devil" and all. So I'm thinking that maybe, conversations between Bush and the cardinals who were all about endorsing him might be a little strained. Good thing there's always that turning-the-other-cheek policy!
[ETA: Found a copy of the letter here.]
[ETA ETA: Backcountry Conservative has an excellent, informative weblog entry on the letter. He includes Bob Jones University spokesman Jonathan Pait's weblog.]
This does make me wonder. While the anti-choice religious right** is all about using the next four years to commence the revolution and all, will the President end up alienating any of them as factional disagreements simmer and politics obstructs ideological agendas? It's not like Dr. James Dobson doesn't have a mind of his own. ("The Religious Right's New Kingmaker," Slate, Nov 12, 04)
* Agenda of paganism? Does anyone else flash to a coven using PowerPoint here to outline Samhain action items? Just me then?
** Doing my part to increase the Google count since 2004.
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