Old Fogey's Quotes for Wednesday

Here are a few quotes--I hope to have more later

"It seems so contrary, at least to me, to the picture and posture of Jesus in the gospels. Jesus's life and ministry were marked by radical hospitality, openness, vulnerability, humility."
Nathan Parrish, pastor at a Baptist church in Winston-Salem, N.C, referring to the State Baptist Convention's voting to oust congregations that openly welcome gays and lesbians
3 Christian Groups Move To Condemn Gay Sex
[A nice description of Jesus's life and ministry! It seems obvious to me, but progressive Christians need to contine to expound that message in any and all available forums. Christianity has underpinned much needed reform in this nation, from abolitionism to the civil rights movement. Let's reclaim that role of the church from those who would use religion for evil purposes.]

"Enemy combatants are not entitled to preferential treatment merely because they have succeeded in entering our borders with the intent to harm American citizens or interests."
Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse, referring to a legal brief that asserts the government has a legal right to detain any foreign national declared to be an enemy combatant, even if he is arrested and imprisoned inside the United States.
Justice Department's Brief On Detention Policy Draws Ire
[Since when is the right to right to test one's detention in a court "preferential treatment"? Does this mean American citizens can also be denied that "privilege"? What constitution do these guys consult?]

"We cannot hope to convince those in other countries of the dangers of religious fundamentalism when religious fundamentalists influence our policies at home."
'Declaration in Defense of Science and Secularism,' issued by a new Washington think tank designed to promote 'rationalism' as the basis of public policy
Think Tank Will Promote Thinking
[Religious fundamentalism is not a good basis from which to begin scientific inquiry. Scientists have to be willing to let demonstrated results contradict what they may have originally thought. Claiming to have all answers, regardless of discovered facts, can never lead to truth]

"George Bush was not elected by a majority of the voters in the United States. He was appointed by God."
Lt. Gen. William G. ("Jerry") Boykin, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Warfighting Support
The Coming Purge at Defense Intelligence
[Does this mean the God loses if the Democrats win? I will agree with one part of the quote: George Bush was not elected by a majorityof voters in 2002. Divine intervention, however, seems farfetched. If God can determine a national election, why doesn't he have the power to win the Iraq War?]