Why I Think the President should meet with Cindy Sheehan
August 28th, 2005 | by Scott |There is nothing more polarizing in my community right now than the presence of a group of protesters in Crawford.
After much thought and discussion we decided not to go to Crawford this weekend because of safety concerns for our children. But in the midst of this political divide I find myself firmly in the camp of Cindy Sheehan.
My position is not a political one. I write as neither a Republican or a Democrat.
My politics do not determine my theology.
Instead, my theology determines the way I believe politics should be.
I am against the war. However, I know that there are godly, devout people who sincerely disagree with me.
I do not support the protest because I believe that without alternatives there is no point. I also don’t support the protests of protesters.
However there are some things, to me, that are more important than political expediency: being Christ in the hearts and lives of people.
George W. Bush once said that his favorite philosopher is Jesus. He has been consistent in his message that his faith informs his decisions as leader of the free world.
I do not for a moment question the sincerity of his faith. I believe him to be a deeply devout man. That does not mean that I agree with all of his policy decisions. Nor do I believe that he is without fail.
One reason that I cannot be a Democrat is their seemingly unswerving commitment to marginalize religious thinking. As evidenced in the last election, when Democrats do turn to religious speak it seems forced and nothing more than an pandering for votes.
Likewise, I disagree with an Imperialistic Eschatology that many Republicans espouse.
So, I am a man without a party. But I am a man with a Kingdom. And the way I live my life must be more eternally-focused than merely here and now. I am not an American Christian but a Christian who happens to be American.
As a Christian, I believe it is the moral imperative for George Bush to meet with Cindy Sheehan. Scripture is clear, that if someone has a problem with you, you go to them and try to resolve the matter. I don’t see an exemption based upon position or title.
As a minister, if someone is offended by something that I say or do, then I have a responsibility to go to them and allow them the opportunity to be heard. It may not change anything. It may not alleviate their concerns or win them over to my point of view but it will be a sign of faithful sincerity to community and Christian love.
Most Christians I know believe that to be true. Yet for some reason we are quick to dismiss this principle in this situation. This to me is an example of a political theology rather than theological politics. The tale wagging the dog, so to speak.
Some people don’t want the President to meet with Cindy because it would begin a “slippery slope” that would cause other people to line up and demand the same. “Slippery Slope” arguments are argumental fallacies, an attempt to avoid solutions by painting worst-case scenarios. Even if more people did want to meet with him isn’t that one of the advantages of being a part of a representative democracy? That the people have access to their representatives?
Some are against the meeting because they have fallen prey to one of the greatest divides that our country faces: hatred of those with divergent viewpoints. But that is folly. There are good people in support of this war. And equally good people who cannot justify it. There are good Democrats and good Republicans. Let’s stop the either/or non-sense and talk with one another.
The Christian thing to do is to meet with her. It is not the politically expedient thing to do, but there is a higher, nobler purpose. We cannot be just if we will not be true.
To me, our positions on the war are irrelevant here. There is the duties of a Christian first, president second commingled with the purpose and intent of a representative democracy.
I mean, come on, if a woman decides to camp-out throughout the month of August in Central Texas where the average high is about 348 degrees, it seems that great opportunities abound to act in good faith toward one another. To do, as GW said in December of 2000 to reach across party lines and be a healer.
Do the Christian thing, Mr. President. Meet with Cindy.