In May of 2013, members of Congress and the religious right gathered for a prayer event at the U.S. Capitol called “Washington: A Man of Prayer.” Among the speakers was Michele Bachmann, who raised a few eyebrows when she seemed to suggest that terror attacks targeting the U.S. were the result of God’s judgment…. “It’s no secret that our nation may very well be experiencing the hand of judgment. It’s no secret that we all are concerned that our nation may be in a time of decline,” Bachmann said, referencing the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001, and the attacks of the same date in Benghazi Libya in 2012…. “If that is in fact so, what is the answer? The answer is what we are doing here today — humbling ourselves before an almighty God, crying out to an almighty God.”…. “Our nation has seen judgment not once but twice on September 11. That’s why we’re going to have ‘9/11 Pray’ on that day. Is there anything better that we can do on that day rather than to humble ourselves and to pray to an almighty God?”
This one may take us back to mid-2013, but I’m offering it as a parting shot to Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and those in her district who elected and re-elected her. As I’ve said many times, Bachmann represents the Congressional district I went to high school in…and I had NO idea that I grew up around so many knee-jerk zealots who believe Bachmann to be both godly and worthy of their vote. I’m frankly ashamed to claim her district as the place I grew up, because I somehow expected better from people I grew up around.
For Bachmann to claim 9/11 as God’ judgment against an America that’s lost her way only demonstrates how little she really knows about the God she professes to revere. Her interpretation of Scripture is something conveniently crafted to buttress her fears and prejudices. It’s the product of a cafeteria Christian theology based far more on hatred and ignorance than the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I find it interesting that seven states still (unconstitutionally) bar atheists from holding public offices, but religious tyrants like Bachmann are given a free pass. Then again, I suppose that says far more about those who elected and re-elected Bachmann than anything else. Who knew their standards were so impossibly low?
I’d crow over Bachmann’s leaving Congress, but the truth is she being replaced by a man only slightly less objectionable and hyper-religious…and it’s not as if there aren’t others in Congress willing to bastardize Christianity in their lust for power.
Is it any wonder the Founding Fathers felt so strongly about the separation of Church and State?
