That distinguished man to the left is the new governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley — and, in case you haven’t heard, Governor Bentley just set a record for how quickly one can “make a scene” after entering office.
The Anti-Defamation League and the Muslims are all aflutter about what the governor said just moments after his inauguration on Monday. The governor is a Christian and while meeting with a church group after the inauguration ceremony had the audacity to say, “Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I’m telling you, you’re not my brother and you’re not my sister, and I want to be your brother. . . . If the Holy Spirit lives in you that makes you my brothers and sisters. Anyone who has not accepted Jesus, I want to be your brothers and sisters, too.”
Yes, I know. I felt that shudder.
Put aside for the moment that the governor was simply repeating what Jesus Himself taught and the Church historically has believed, this is officially “unacceptable” to our modern guardians of the sensitivities of everyone except those who believe the Bible.
The Anti-Defamation League was quick to express their flabbergastedness. ADL’s regional director, Bill Nigut blurted:
His comments are not only offensive, but also raise serious questions as to whether non-Christians can expect to receive equal treatment during his tenure as governor.
And, not to be outdone, our friends, the ever-sensitive followers of Muhammad, said “Amen.” Ashfaq Taufique, president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, expressed his dismay over the governor’s religious convictions:
Does it mean that those who according to him are not saved are less important than those who are saved? Does he want those of us who do not belong to the Christian faith to adopt his faith? That should be toned down. That’s not what we need. If he means that, I hope he changes it. We don’t want evangelical politicians. They can be whatever in their private life.
Hey, we hear you, Ashfaq. Governor Bentley certainly seems to be a great threat to the safety and security of the citizens of Alabama. Saying that he would like everyone to receive Jesus sounds much more sinister than Muhammed’s statement that Muslims have an obligation to slay all Christians “wherever you find them.” (Qur’an 9:5)
Yep, best keep an eye on that new governor of yours. You never know what he’ll do next. I mean, who knows? you might even catch him praying for you! the horror!
Please know that you along with all the people of Alabama have our sympathies. How will you sleep at night?
Steve, I actually did not vote in the Alabama primary because none of the candidates impressed me much. In the general, I did vote for Dr. Bentley because he was so much more acceptable than Mr. Sparks. However, I must say, I am glad to hear Dr. Bentley make these statements. And, to think it causes a stir is quite incredible. He was speaking to a church group. This was not his inauguration speech or anything. A Christian, who happens to be the Govenor, speaking to other Christians and saying that “You are my brothers and sisters and those outside the church are not” is not only a biblical truth, but also is not at all akin to saying “As govenor, I will mistreat all those non-Christians out there.” In fact, if he is consistent with the teachings of scripture, then as governor, he will seek to uphold justice and fairness all the time. To me, there is absolutely no reason why these statements should be controversial.
Leave it to the ADL to spout their usual anti-Christian hogwash. These are the people that threaten anyone who dares to write or say anything against the state of Israel. That seems to be okay, but let a Christian stand up for what he believes and that offends everyone!
I will probably be labeled a racist bigot, but I agree with the Governor’s sentiment. It is Scriptural and that is what bothers those who are “offended” by it. I find it interesting that the ADL, the Muslims and other groups seem to have no hesitation whatever when it comes to offending Christians but they are the loudest whiners when someone says something they think they can get by with making a big fuss about.
Did the Governor state that he thought Christians were “better” than anyone else? No. He stated a biblical fact, that’s all.
Steve,
Mike Pasarilla shared this link. Thanks so much for alerting us out here on the Left Coast about a truly Christian governor.
Our previous governor, in case you hadn’t heard, is a movie star.
Our present governor is a moonbeam.
So count yourself blessed.