Who's the most Christian prez? Bush or Carter?

[Christiandem]

Here is one thing I have observed as a Christian. I always hear the same old crap about how politics are evil, but if christians should help one side, it should be the GOP, because their leaders are the most christian and real believers in the Lord. Anyway, the coming of *** is equated by a lot of Christians like the coming of Jesus. It is actually pretty scary. But, I always hear at church and the media, how *** is the most Christian prez in our history. Haven't they forgotten about Jimmy?

[flygal]

1. Carter - no contest!

He makes me want to go to Church - I think he's one of the greatest people on this planet!

[TankLV]

20. I was going to say the exact same thing.

[madmax]

2. Carter

He actually does something. bush talks the talk but has NEVER in his life walked the walk.

[Christiandem]

3. AMEN

[flowomo]

4. the word "Christian" has been hijacked since Carter......

By the fundie maniacs... very sad development in our cultural history.

[AntiCoup2K4]

5. Jimmy's the only President in my lifetime who acted like a Christian

They ALL have claimed to be. Junior and Reagan most of all. But Carter was the only one who really made an effort to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. And if you don't do that, the name "Christian" is meaningless. I doubt Junior's ever read the Sermon on the Mount in his life.

[Sugarbleus]

76. I agree. That's probably why he got booted out...he put

CINO to shame!! Conservatives in this country wouldn't vote for Christ either. Neocons would call him a socialist "aggitator" and put him in Gitmo.

[Christiandem]

6. But why?

Why did every Christian I know support Reagan in 1980? By their same principle of voting for the only "Christian" leader out there, shouldn't they have voted for Jimmy en masse?

[flygal]

26. They're "TV Christians"...

The kind who keep those televangelists on air. Remember the whole Tammy Faye thing.

[Zynx]

72. No real Christian would have supported someone like Reagan or Bush.

I'd say 90-95% of Christians do not take Christ's teachings to heart and would rather embrace the Republican values of greed and bigotry.

[dave502d]

7. Carter is a real Christian.

Bush is a fake Christian made up by Rove.

[Christiandem]

8. Sometimes Christians are so naive...

If they actually compared Bush's religious behavior w/what Jesus preached, I cannot understand how people can still say that Bush is more religious or Christian than Bill.

[Socialist Dem]

9. PLEASE!

Carter walks the walk.

Let's see Shrub go to "Habitat for Humanity", or spend the rest of his days speaking out for those who don't have a voice.

[Bullshot]

10. Carter, by far is the more Christian president.

He's backed it with all of the humanitarian work he's done since his presidency.

Bush is phonier than a $3 dollar bill when it comes to Christianity. I think it's all an act to appeal to the evangelists and Bible Belters. It's a facade, just like him living on a ranch just before he ran for president in 2000 to convey a Reagan-like image.

[tsuki]

11. Is this a trick question?

[Christiandem]

16. nope.

Just wanted some answers and suggestions, so that I could show my brothers in the faith that it is not their Christian duty to vote GOP all the time.

[tsuki]

51. You only have to listen to President Carter

talk about the long, slippery slide to realize...This Man is For Real.

[snowbear]

12. The difference

President Carter is SINCERE about Christian beliefs.

Bush was told to find the Lord, and find it QUICK when he went into politics.

Carter = Sincere
Bush = Bogus (all show)

[Mr_Spock]

13. Um, no GOPers are actual Christians. Jesus would hate these people.

They are the Hypocrites, the Wolf (hehe) in Sheep's clothing. They ARE the people who will be taken if such an thing as a Rapture were to happen - but they would be in for a surprise at the end of their journey!! The conservatives of Jesus' time were the one's who killed Him, just like they killed JFK, RFK, MLK & X.

Carter was a true Christian, a representative of the values that Jesus brought to the Earth - and he knew enough to keep his personal beliefs to himself while in government. Great interview on NPR where Carter is aghast at the mixing of church and state - he said he never brought up his evangelical upbringing and was rarely asked about it.

[Wind Dancer]

23. Well said, Mr. Spock!

Don't believe for a second that * is a Christian, it's a front to gain the votes of fundies, nothing more.

Jesus Christ would be thrown out of the Republican Party, he was progressive. Can't ya just see the attack ad?

[Racenut20]

14. Junior is not a Christian, as a matter of fact

people like him give good Christians a bad name. Next thing they will be saying 'ole FU is a Christian.

Carter is a Christian. Junior "Dimson" is just a drunk that hides behind the Bible and Flag. Another form of good ole Republican lying.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

15. In words: Bush. In deeds: Carter by a landslide

Bush calls himself a Christian (very loudly and often) but his actions could not be any further from how a true Christian should behave.

[democrank]

17. BUSH or Carter?

Is this a joke?

[coloradodem2005]

18. Carter by far.

No question in my mind that Carter is far more Christian than shrub. Bush makes me not want to go to church. Any President (including President-to-be Kerry) are more Christian than the currnet Bush.

[TheDonkey]

19. I don't think we can pick, but Carter makes me proud of Christians

and has such a great heart.

Doesn't really matter and only their higher being would know for sure.

The whole, Democrats are all atheists is bullshit and pushed by the media to drive wedges in our party.

[punpirate]

21. Bush is the most vocal...

... of presidents about his faith, and the least interested in following its precepts. My guess is that if he'd never been able to get into politics, he would have wound up as a TV preacher (in fact, that's what he's been doing for most of the last four years).

Carter, on the other hand, has been more successful after his time in the White House in trying to find peaceful resolutions to conflict (I don't discount his diplomatic intervention between Egypt and Israel, but I think that success was blunted by his and his advisors plans to sucker the Soviet Union into Afghanistan--the blowback from that has been considerable). Particularly after his Presidency, Carter has really walked the walk--the work that the Carter Center has done is remarkable and his support of and involvement in Habitat for Humanity is commendable.

Bush, by contrast--when he's finally, finally out of our collective hair--will most likely be spending his time golfing and participating in his father's influence peddling.

[Johnny 99]

22. Easily Carter

Hands down.

[BamaGirl]

24. Carter, no doubt at all.

It's amazing that the one who actually lives and acts like a Christian is considered less Christian by the RR crowd. There is not one Christian thing about Bush.

[rogerashton]

25. But how about John Adams?

Carter over Shrub, of course. And I remember how the conservatives of the time sneered about his piety -- lust in the heart. I regard Carter as the greatest president of my adult years because he did the right thing when doing the wrong thing would have gotten him re-elected. He could have sent the Marines into Iran, cried "rally round the flag," and been re-elected. Chose to do the right thing and take his chances with "democracy."

But Adams was the one committed Christian among the Founding Fathers. Adams was one of the first to positively welcome Jews to citizenship in the new republic. His draft of the Massachusetts constitution promised freedom of WORSHIP, not of religion -- it was the Deist Jefferson who made freedom of RELIGION (therefore: also freedom from) the standard of the Virginia and therefore subsequently the US constitution.

[WCGreen]

27. Clinton....

He was completely comfortable within his Christian Skin while Carter is, or was, more of a preachy pereson and Bush is the furthest thing I have seen from Christianity since Hitler was doing god's work in Germany......

[fugue]

28. Jesus would pick Jimmy Carter

I'm not a Christian myself, but I've read the bible and paid special attention to the bits Jesus is actually credited with saying. Those words reveal a compassionate soul who would've rejoiced in the existence of a person like Jimmy Carter.

If Jesus had lived in our times, he would've chosen Mr. Carter for one of his disciples. Bush would've been the rich young man who refused to give up his wealth to follow Jesus.

[camero]

29. Carter has Habitat for Humanity

Bush has 100,000 Iraqi dead. Proof enough for you?

[Cerridwen]

30. Carter - as our next president just reminded us

Christian=Works.

[realFedUp]

31. Being a real Christian is hard work

Following Jesus isn't for people who just
say they are and then do the opposite
of what Christ preached.
It takes hard work and real conviction
to do the right thing consistently...I
know few people who can follow exactly.

Bush is a Christian in name only...if he
is at all.

[indigobusiness]

33. LOL...Osama is more of a Christian than Bush is...

no joke.

[indigobusiness]

32. Carter understands Christianity...Bush doesn't..

Bush perverts it...

Sad.

[cats4dems]

34. Since his presidency...

Carter's actions show that he cares about the least among us. Bush gives tax breaks to the wealthy, while cutting programs that help the poor.

[newyawker99]

58. Hi cats4dems!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[cats4dems]

81. Thanks!

Been lurking for awhile. Thrilled to be with such intelligent people.

[troubleinwinter]

35. It is an irrefutable scientific fact that Chimp lies every time he speaks.

So I don't really see the point of the 'question'.

[Toby109]

36. Another interesting comparison

is the actions of ex-Presidents. We'll start with Nixon, who was forced into political exile for his crimes against democracy. Ford played golf. Carter built houses for the poor and helped to oversee elections. Bush, Sr. joined the Carlyle Group to further aid the military-industrial complex. Clinton has promoted human rights around the world.

Hmmm...Makes you think, huh?

[idiosyncratic]

37. Carter . . . * is NOT a Christian, regardless of what he says. n/t

[Robeson]

38. Carter, in works and deeds

[The Wielding Truth]

39. Bush is Christian because

he can manipulate their vote. He would be a devote Muslim or
Buddhist if it would keep him in Power. Ambition is his true religion and don't forget it. Would you buy a used car from this man??
Carter has lived his life as a Christian. Just the truth.

[Maddy McCall]

40. Most Christ-like? Carter, but he didn't wear his religion on his sleeve.

He was on PRM a week ago, interviewed by Terri Gross, I believe, and he made the point that he NEVER displayed his beliefs in his administration.

He led by example. God bless him.

[Birthday]

41. Christian Prez

If "Christian" is the adjective for the noun "Christ", then one must first understand what Christ was like, before being able to say which person is more Christ-like. The source for finding out is, obviously, the Bible. In the Bible it says that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled himself...So, who behaves and speaks more humbly, Bush or Carter? I think we know the answer to that one. The Bible also says that the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus ( the by-product of the Spirit's presence) is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If one considers each of these qualities as, first, having marked the life of Jesus, and second, evidence of His life in a person, then we can use these qualities to evaluate a person's similarity to Jesus, or, in other words, to say, in some way who is more Christ-like, more Christian. Whose service to mankind, Bush's or Carter's, has been distinguished by love? Whose brings more joy? Who has been patient, kind, and good in his dealings with his fellow man? Whose faithfulness has shone in his service to others and to God? Who has been gentle and self-controlled? To me, the answer is completely clear.

I am absolutely-heart broken that so much of the evangelical church has swallowed whole the idea that the Republicans have a corner on God. To me, overall, the Democratic Party is more outwardly generous, servant-hearted and kind. I say this as a Christian, homeschooling parent of three. The Democratic Party also recognizes the need for laws that protect the weak and the poor from the strong and rich. That, to me, is the more Christ-like way to live. Remember, Jesus said that whatever we do, even to the least of people, we do to Him. I think that, in the Bible, Jesus' concern was not for those who had everything and were on top of the world. The Democratic Party reflects that ethic. That's what I appreciate about the Party. And that's what I appreciate about Pres. Carter, too.

[Christiandem]

65. You put it in a very beautiful way!

Welcome to DU by the way!

Anyway, I share your heart-brokedness, as a Christian, to see that our brothers and sisters in the faith are unable to understand what Jesus fully desires of us. I think that if they did, they would not be flocking in droves to the right on the cries of "abortion" or "homosexuals". I think those were Jesus' least worries. (in my recollection, Jesus never did mention either of the two topics, yet I do not know why they are being branded so highly by the church) Amazing isn't it, that many proudly wear the "What Would Jesus Do" bracelet, and yet couldn't give more than a passing glance to our current social problems and injustice. Do you think that there is something we could do to restore the sight of our brothers and sisters in the Lord?

[billyoc]

42. W is not a christian by any definition of the word.

Jimmy Carter continues to prove with his deeds even more than his words that he is a christian. He'll continue to do "for the least of his brothers" until his last breath.

DISCLAIMER -- I have got to be *THE* world's worst catholic. :(

[George 2]

43. No right-winger can be called Christian...

...because their life is devoted to defeating the major teaching of Jesus of how we are to behave, contained in Matthew 25:31-46.

Check out this website:
http://www.right-wing-pseudo-christians.com/

[Zuni]

44. Carter walked the walk

Bush just talks the talk

[Selwynn]

45. How are you "most" christian?

(but... carter, of course)

[NEOBuckeye]

46. Carter, without a doubt. n/t

[GreenPartyVoter]

47. Carter. I don't see * as a Habitat for Humanity type.

[kayell]

48. Bush is the very definition of a Pharisee

[Riddler]

49. Carter definitely because he didn't use his religion for political gain,

he didn't wear it on his sleeve, and his beliefs were genuine, not just for show.

[mitchum]

50. Carter, but I wish that he had NEVER introduced the "born again"...

experience into the national political dialogue. It has served them far better than it has served us.

[LynnTheDem]

52. Carter

bush is a phoney who perverts "Christianity" for his political and financial gains.

[npincus]

53. Jesus was! Oh wait, he wasn't president....

[intheflow]

78. Oh wait, he wasn't Christian, either!

There! that was my 300th post!

:kick:


:bounce: :hippie: :hi: :headbang:

[npincus]

54. repeat delete

[SeanQ]

55. Carter!

I can't consider B* and his brand of religious zealotry as Christianity. Looking at their actions, even thinking of the teachings of Jesus Christ in relation to them makes my head hurt!
:freak:

[DuaneBidoux]

56. Carter IS A Christian, not sure what Bush is.

[LiberalFighter]

57. Duhhhhhh CARTER of course

[Christiandem]

59. the reason for this question...

The Carter v Bush president question may seem pretty stupid, but the reason I ask is to show the irony of the fact that though most non-Christians recognize that Carter is more Christian than Bush, current christians see the contrary and treat ** like the pre-second coming. I hope people were not taken offense by the seemingly low intellectual level of the question

[LiberalFighter]

67. I only consider it low intell for us but not offended... just a reminder

[Stinky The Clown]

71. Your question was not of low intellectual value

In fact, your question is, in many ways, at the very core of today's culture war. Those who idolize the current pretender to OUR White House for his "Christianity" fail to recognize and respect the far greater numbers who are those who would rather quietly live their own spiritual life their own way.

This whole deadly intersection of religion and government is, in my opinion, a devilishly evil plot to gain power on the backs of the ill informed and the impressionable.

It is no secret that Tim Lehay (sp?) started this whole drift of the pulpit to the lectern. Pat Robertson ran for president on this theory. Take this base and add a few wedges - gays, abortion, guns, etc. - and you get all the single issue voters in bed with the religious voters. Add a dash of "family values" and you have a stew a-brewin'. Newt Gingrich added the venom and Georgie-the-boy-king brought it to full flower.

Jimmy Carter, on the other hand, simply governed as he believed. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. His only sin? Too nice.

[PATRICK]

60. Radicalized fundies

seeking political power and George the hypocrite seeking a power base brought the born again renaissance down down down. It's done a complete turn around from Carter's days. Power corrupts and God's power has nothing to do with politicsal ambitions, and really much more opposed to such perilous arrogance, compared to football teams invoking Divine assistance.

[nostamj]

61. while * claims to be a christian

Jimmy LIVES a christian life.

there is no contest.

it's another costume to junior, it's to the soul with Carter and it is expressed with DEEDS, not claims.

[juliagoolia]

62. Baloney

You can wrap the Bible around a bunch of Baloney and you still have Baloney but now you have a Bible thats been insulted.

They've done it to the Bible and the Flag, disgracing them both.

[Lefergus70]

83. Amen!

[infusionman]

63. G-Dubya is an alkie...

Once an alcoholic...always an alcoholic. I know, Alcohol killed my mother. Do you want a person for President who is an alcoholic?

[JPace]

64. Bush is a loud Christian braggart...

Carter is a humble practitioner of Christianity. In other
words...Carter is more Christ like.

[CBHagman]

66. Someone arriving from another planet...

...would assume, if he/she only listened to the George W. Bush rhetoric, that Christians are people who go around proclaiming their own virtues and stirring up derision against their opponents. Listen to a Bush stump speech and the reactions of the carefully screened supporters and you'll see what I mean.

For starters, being a Christian is not some kind of a contest, but Jesus did say, "By their fruits shall ye know them." The Gospels demand a lot of the believer, and that all starts with repentance. It's not about rushing to offer the greatest tax break to a billionaire or come up with more techniques for killing people. People should be squirming when they read the Gospels, not patting themselves on the back.

[HR_Pufnstuf]

68. Religion Kills, Science Saves.

[Zen Democrat]

69. Only Carter is a Christian in my opinion. Bush is a fake for the RW.

[Stinky The Clown]

70. Vertical vs Horizontal

Horizontal prayer is when you "testify" with your arms held wide and your voice at its highest level. All you say and do is obvious to those within a mile of you. It is as much a show as it is a prayer.

Vertical prayer is quiet. You at the bottom, your god at the top. Just you and her. No audience. The only way others know you're a person who prays is by observing how you conduct your life.

Bush is horizontal.

Jimmy Carter prayed in the vertical.

I'll go with Jimmy on this question.

(edited for a typo)

[American liberal]

73. Carter by a mile

He's actually still out there doing service work to help others: Habitat for Humanity, for example.

[snowbear]

74. Christian Dem,

I sure hope these responses have put to rest the question you had on this subject.

When you consider all of the lying, deceitful, dishonest, vile, evil, sinister things that Bush has done, and continues to do.. doesn't it boggle your mind that so many GULLIBLE people think that George W. Bush is a Christian man at all?

Have you ever watched the clips of him in church as he pretends to be in prayer?? His beady little lying eyes ((struggle)) to stay closed exactly the way a small child's eyes do when they pretend to be sleeping.

George W. Bush has a very close friend in Texas who actually *is* a man of God. And when his friend learned that Bush was preparing to run for Governor, he made certain that Georgie had a resume that any Christian would be proud of. His buddy made it so that Georgie could boast that he taught Sunday School at one time. Wonder what duties that consisted of? Handing out pamplets for 5 minutes?

In any event - how can a man who has already reserved his place in :grr: Hell :grr: by his continuous lying, devious, insincere, deceptions be called a "Christian"?

Because the Republican party knew he HAD to try and please the Christian base to even think of making it. It was a MUST.

It's not only President Carter who is more of a Christian, it's that ANY Christian is more of a Christian!

[Christiandem]

77. Yes, you guys have put my question to rest.

I wish more of my brothers and sisters in the faith had you guys' open mind and ability to reason. I don't necessarily think religion makes people stupid, but it sure does highlight the stupidity of the masses. Thanks for the answers, larissa!!!

[Technowitch]

75. Carter's the real Christian; Shrub is the fake

No real Christian would pull the crap Shrub's pulled, both before and during his term in the White House.

All you gotta do is listen to that interview where he mocked Karla Faye Tucker and you'll know there's no decency whatsoever in the man, nor anything even resembling Christian forgiveness.

[donheld]

79. Most prior presidents were better christian's than Bushie.

The most die hard atheist acts more Christ like than Bushie or any of his posse.

[Pierre Trudeau]

80. Carter is the real deal

Jimmy Carter is the kind of guy who gives Christians a good name.

Too bad he represents the minority of people who call themselves "Christians" (but are not in the least).

Carter is considered a failure as a president (or so the conventional wisdom maintains), but he was probably the most honest president, and certainly the most TRULY Christian, in the best sense of the word.

If you ever want to know what a REAL Christian is, look no further than the late Fred Rogers. This unassuming man that no one can say a bad word about, produced a children's television show for over thirty years where he promoted such social values as "everyone is special", "be creative", "love thy neighbour" etc. and not ONCE did he use that TV show to even mention Jesus, religion or the bible. The values were just built in, and delivered to everyone (via the Special Delivery Man) regardless of creed or denomination.

I am not a Christian, but I feel very much at home in Mr. Rogers' Neighbourhood. And I wouldn't be surprised to find Pres. Carter there. :)

[MsConduct]

82. Carter, the 'b' word doesn't know what 'Christian' means! n/t

[Spider Jerusalem]

84. Who cares and why does it matter?

Religion and public office should be totally separate in this country.

[Ravy]

85. I don't consider Bush a Christian at all. (n/t)