Why Politicians Shouldn't Be Theologians and Other Interesting Stuff from Around the Web

It has been said that the most dangerous place in Los Angeles is that spot between Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and a TV Camera. Villaraigosa, who appears hourly on camera during every important news event in LA (like the recent fires, or Metrolink accident, often sporting a change of clothes between appearances) has now taken up the mantle of theologian and ethicist.  What would Jesus do?  Well, if you are speaking to those opposed to Prop 8 (the recent ballot initiative reaffirming marriage as between a man and a woman), and you want their votes, you tell them that Jesus would have opposed it, just like you oppose it.  Click here: Mayor suggests Jesus would allow same-sex marriage

In the "what were they thinking??" department . . .  Building a bonfire on a cold night sounds like a lot of fun.  Except when the humidity is under 10%, the wind is blowing with gusts up to 60 MPH, and the City of Montecito and Westmont College are nearby and downwind.  Click here: Bonfire built by students caused Montecito fire, sheriff says - Los Angeles Times

Did you know that embracing Calvinism actually enhances your visual perception?  No, I'm not making this up!  Click here: Religion alters visual perception - science-in-society - 14 November 2008 - New Scientist

If you are in the mood to celebrate Calvin's 500 birthday, how about some fine Swiss Chocolate?  Here's a chocolate specifically formulated to commemorate Calvin's birthday. No, I'm not making this one up, either.  Click here: Faith Central - Times Online - WBLG: What would Calvinism taste like? The Swiss rise to the chocolate challenge

Comments

[John Yeazel]

During the reformation there are many examples of fine politicians (or the equivalent of what we would call politicians today) who were very good theologians- the Lutheran John the Steadfast (www.steadfastlutherans.com) is a good example. However, today most politicians who try to bring their theology to bare on their politics are permeated with a bad theology- not the reformational type. They confuse the two kingdoms and therefore muck everything up.

[Chris Sherman]

What would Jesus do? Wrong question. Maybe WWJD should be "What Will Jesus Do"?

[Lloyd]

I get so sick and tired of politicians (like the L.A. mayor -- screwball), talking about something that they know nothing about (theology).

Unfortunately, the L.A. mayor know's even less about how to govern a city!

[Greg]

Mayor:

"But I like to believe that the Jesus I love, the Jesus I pray to, didn't just talk about being a shepherd. He knew that the role of the shepherd was to bring the flock in – all of the flock, every one of us."

How many errors are there in just this short statement? e.g., "I like to believe that...", pray to Jesus and not the Father in Jesus' name, universalism.

If he keeps this up he might just wind up on TBN when his mayoral duties have ended.

[timinator]

So I guess we well not be seeking Pastor Kim for Mayor of Anaheim or Buena Park any time soon? Thank God, he has all he can handle with Church, visiting professor at Westminster Seminary, and White Horse Inn, not to mention that he is a husband and a father.

I think pastors like Huckabe should realize their calling and not get mixed up in politics. I find that most Christian politicians who came form a Christian vocation are not as good or as focused. I vote for family values not if the person is a Christian.

Calvin turning 500, this is exciting, but why chocolate? Wouldn't it be better if they made a beer instead? Maybe Os Guinness Beer can do a special beer just for Calvinists.