Interesting piece on Gerald Ford’s faith from Time.com:
Carter’s religious appeal inspired Zeoli to propose a counterattack. “I said, ?¢‚ǨÀúJerry, look, Carter’s a fine guy, a fine Christian. But nobody knows you’re a Christian. Let’s put a book together about your faith, and about how God has used you.’”But Ford flatly refused. “You told me a long time ago we’re not going to take advantage of our faith to get elected,” he reminded Zeoli. Ford declined to allow Zeoli to lend his name to Preachers’ committees for Ford. “He thought he’d be using his chaplain to get votes,” Zeoli recalled. Ford later revealed that he found Carter’s discussion of his faith unsettling. “I have always felt a closeness to God and have looked to a higher being for guidance and support,” Ford explained, “but I didn’t think it was appropriate to advertise my religious beliefs.”
(H/T: Claude Mariottini)
Do you see this as Carter using faith and media as a way to manipulate people? I never did. I think it is just Carter and a reflection of the culture of his church. Ditto with Ford.
But it does show that some denominations, including mine, haven’t taught/shown people about making faith a part of the conversation of daily life. I have struggle to learn how to have a conversation with myself about my faith so that when necessary I can also speak my faith. 1 Peter 3:15
I think Carter was/is sincere about his faith, but I had never heard anything about Ford’s faith so I found the article very interesting.
You’re quite right: in the South, you talk about Jesus, church, beliefs, etc. just like you talk about football or the weather?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùespecially if you’re a Baptist!
If you’re an Episcopalian from the Midwest, the “rules” are different. That may or may not be a good thing.