During a recent interview for an Arab television network, Bush stated that "all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God." Now, based on what I have observed about Bush's "Christianity," this does not come as a surprise. His actions are clearly not guided by Biblical principle, so one should not expect that his statements would be, either. But I do believe that Bush is a shrewd politician. So, I am left to wonder what his purpose is in making this statement.

Clearly, Bush is not trying to appeal to evangelical Christians. Any Bible-believing Christian with half a brain knows that Bush's statements are not only false, but deeply insulting to Christians as well as to the Lord Himself. When Bush made similar statements several years ago, Christian leaders were quick to denounce them. Reading the denunciations, it appears that those leaders pulled their punches by insinuating that one must be a "theologian" in order to discern the truth or falsehood of Bush's universalism. It is not so. Only a small amount of research is required to understand that Bush's statement are not only false, but utterly blasphemous to the God of the Bible.

On the surface, it would seem that Bush is attempting to appease Muslims. If so, he has once again missed the mark. It is laughable to imagine that those who truly take the Koran seriously will regard as spiritual equals the citizens of a country where women can be seen in public sans burqah and veil, scantily clad (if at all); where homosexuals parade in the streets, engaging in public sex acts, and no one even thinks to stoop for a stone; where people regularly eat the flesh of swine and drink the fruit of the vine. So-called "Christians" can believe that they pray to the God of Islam if they like, but Muslims know better. I do not deny that there may be Muslims who would not have a problem with Bush's statement, but Bush probably has no need to convince them of anything. The Muslims who wish to harm America will not be appeased in the slightest. To the contrary, they will scoff at Bush, marvel at his lack of spiritual principles, and scorn him for failing to recognize the enemy that he faces.

So, while one might expect Bush to appease, it seems to me that his universalist position will further alienate both evangelical Christians and radical Muslims. But, given that this is exactly what his administration has been doing for the last several years, I suppose that should not come as a surprise, either.