Most Protestant pastors think Bush, Palin are Christians but not Obama | The Christian Century

Most Protestant pastors think Bush, Palin are Christians but not Obama | The Christian Century

Found this article today on the Christian Century purely by chance. Although I once subscribed to the Christian Century, I haven't been a reader or subscriber for many years. One of my Facebook friends had posted a link to a Christian Century article about a Lifeway (Southern Baptist) online survey indicating that a majority of respondents put family at the heart of their Christmas celebration, not the religious observance. This article was linked on the side of the page under "Related Articles."

A couple of paragraphs from the article stood out:

"Three-quarters of Protestant pastors surveyed called Bush a Christian, followed by 66 percent who included former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin in the Christian fold. Just 41 percent said they believe Obama is a Christian."

"Stetzer said the responses may indicate that Protestant pastors are more particular than other people when considering who is and is not a Christian. For some pastors, being "Christian" is synonymous with being "born again" or "evangelical," he said."

WHAT?? Excuse me? "Protestant pastors are more particular than other people when considering who is and is not a Christian," and three quarters of them consider George W. Bush Christian? Is this the same man who, as Governor, set a record for the most executions, refusing clemency even when evidence suggested the probability of wrongful conviction? And isn't this the same man who, as President, "bore false witness" to get us into not one, but two ill-advised wars? Is this the same man who approved torture for detainees?

If anyone wonders why I have become disgusted with the state of the church today, consider this "Exhibit A."