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The Daily Dish - 2006-2011 archives for The Daily Dish, featuring Andrew Sullivan

Which Prophet Are You?

By The Daily Dish
Jul 12 2009, 1:08 AM ET

Father Stephen Freeman doesn't approve of how people abuse the bible:

[R]evelations of yet another politician's infidelity offered one aspect worthy of comment (or so it seems to me). That is the use of the Bible as a means for reflecting on one's personal situation in life. There is a long history of just such usage. The pilgrim fathers who came to America read their situation into the Bible (or the Bible into their situation) with the result that white pilgrims were seen as fulfilling the role of the Israelites in this, the Promised Land, while native Americans were cast in the role of Canaanites. Thus generations of Joshuas arose feeling Biblically justified in the genocide of America's native population. Some of that Biblical reading continues to echo in the popular imagination to this day. It was Bad theology in the 17th century and it is bad theology today. Stated in a fundamental way: you are not a Bible character.

(Hat tip: Dreher)



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