Teleprompters & Preachers

by | Mar 31, 2009 | Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Presidential History

Josh Harris posts some good food for thought for preachers in light of Michael Gerson’s recent article on President’s, teleprompters, and well-crafted words.  Gerson argues that teleprompters have increased a President’s disciplined thought and communication.  Josh Harris says preachers should learn from this and pursue a more disciplined approach to communicating Scripture.  I don’t think we’ll see teleprompter preachers any time soon (nor should we), but we should be thinking and crafting our gospel communication more carefully.  Gerson’s article is a good read. What the Teleprompter Teaches Preachers (Josh...

Bush’s personality shapes his legacy

by | Jan 3, 2009 | Presidential History

By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer Ben Feller, Associated Press WASHINGTON ““ President George W. Bush will be judged on what he did. He will also be remembered for what he’s like: a fast-moving, phrase-mangling Texan who stays upbeat even though his country is not. For eight years, the nation has been led by a guy who relaxes by clearing brush in scorching heat and taking breakneck bike rides through the woods. He dishes out nicknames to world leaders, and even gave the German chancellor an impromptu, perhaps unwelcome, neck rub. He’s annoyed when kept waiting and sticks relentlessly to routine. He stays optimistic in even the most dire circumstances, but readily tears up in public. He has little use for looking within himself, and only lately has done much looking back. Bush’s style and temperament are as much his legacy as his decisions. Policy shapes lives, but personality creates indelible memories “” positive and negative. Call it distinctly Bush. ___ Don’t be late. Bush demands punctuality and disdains inefficiency. Every meeting better have a clear purpose. And it better not repeat what he already knows. He is up early and in the Oval Office by 6:45 a.m. By 9:30 to 10 at night, it’s lights out. He likes to be fresh and won’t get cheated on his sleep. In sessions with policy experts, Bush tends to ask questions that get right to the nub of a sticky issue. His top aides speak regretfully about how the country never got to see that side of him, even after all this time. They describe a man who is deeply inquisitive,...

The President’s Christianity

by | Dec 10, 2008 | Presidential History

How does President Bush define his faith in Christ?  What is his take on a literal interpretation of Scripture?  What about pluralism in America and the exclusive claims of Christ?  Is Allah of Islam the same God as YHWH of the Bible?  The President has given an interview that will no doubt make just about everyone of every religious (or irreligious) stripe shake their heads affirmatively and negatively. HT: Thabiti...