Glenn Beck characteristically invoked God’s will on his radio show this morning in urging his followers to oppose the debt ceiling deal: “Stand in the protection of divine providence!” he said repeatedly.
How has he determined that God prefers debt default to compromise with Democrats? What are his sources of evidence? What would count as contrary evidence? And will those who vote for the deal risk divine wrath? Such theological certainty regarding one’s preferred political actions recalls the Islamic extremists whom Beck believes threaten America’s very existence. Such certainty is also not very different from Texas Governor Rick Perry’s planned Christian prayer meeting with governors and others this weekend to “seek God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation.” Let me predict: God’s wisdom will align almost seamlessly with what Perry and his fellow prayer-senders already intend to do.
True, of course.
But what can we do to convince the majority of our co-(non)-religionists that unreason doesn’t consist solely of conservative political positions?
You see, he has this stone he sees through as he looks into his hat, and then he’s able to pick up the message. It’s just good science.
And remember: if their strategies for addressing those challenges don’t work, it’s all part of God’s perfect plan for America. He works in mysterious ways, don’cha know.