The New Gospel

During the campaign [when Bush was running for governor of Texas in 1988 against Anne Richards], Mr. Bush had told a reporter of his belief that the path to heaven comes from acceptance of Jesus as one’s personal savior.  Mr. Bush later recalled: “It was, of course, picked up and politicized – you know, ‘Bush to Jews: Go to Hell.’  It was very ugly.  It hurt my feelings.” … Bush later explained that Rev. Billy Graham had helped him reach this position [that he was not condemning Jews to hell].  As he recalled in a 1998 interview, the issue arose when he was visiting his parents in the White House and the discussion turned to religion: he argued that only Christians had a place in heaven, while his mother disagreed.  “I said,” ‘Mom, look, all I can tell you is what the New Testament says,’” Mr. Bush recounted.  [To decide the matter his mother picks up the phone and calls Billy Graham.]  “And Mother explains the circumstances, and Billy says: ‘From a personal perspective, I agree with what George is saying; the New Testament has been my guide.  But I want to caution both of you.  Don’t play God.  Who are you two to be God?’”

We can also be confident in the ways of Providence, even when they are far from our understanding.  Events aren’t moved by blind change and chance.  Behind all of life and all of history, there’s a dedication and purpose, set by the hand of a just and faithful God.  And that hope will never be shaken.