America is not a 'Christian nation,' says prominent Texas pastor.The United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. is not an officially Christian nation and was not intended to be, Bishop T.D. Jakes said in August. Jakes, a prominent African-American pastor, heads The Potter's House, a large non-denominational church in Dallas with more than 30,000 members. He is considered one of the most influential religious leaders in the country today. Atlanta Journal-Constitution religion reporter Gayle White asked Jakes about his view on the Christian nation controversy during a meeting in Atlanta with members of the National Association of Black Journalists The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), was founded in 1975 by 44 men and women in Washington, D.C. Headquartered at the University of Maryland, College Park and with 3300 members, it is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation. . "I don't think we are a Christian nation," Jakes replied. "And I don't think we were meant to be." He added, "As we continue to try to politicize po·lit·i·cize v. po·lit·i·cized, po·lit·i·ciz·ing, po·lit·i·ciz·es v.intr. To engage in or discuss politics. v.tr. God, or market God, or say that America is Christian, or that God is with one party, or that God is here and not there, it only further points to the fact that we don't understand how big God is and how great God is." As USA Today columnist DeWayne Wickham noted, "It is Jakes' super-pastor standing that makes his answer to the question so important." Wickham also noted that Jakes' answer "put himself at loggerheads log·ger·head n. 1. A loggerhead turtle. 2. An iron tool consisting of a long handle with a bulbous end, used when heated to melt tar or warm liquids. 3. with those on the religious right who claim that this nation is a Christian state and who clamor for politicians to follow their lead." Wickham also pointed out that Jakes takes some conservative views, noting that he opposes same-sex marriage and has advised President George W. Bush. Concluded Wickham, "I don't agree with all that he says, but I celebrate his refusal to join the ranks of the church zealots Zealots (zĕl`əts), Jewish faction traced back to the revolt of the Maccabees (2d cent. B.C.). The name was first recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus as a designation for the Jewish resistance fighters of the war of A.D. 66–73. of the left or the right, or to blindly align himself with those politicians who pander To pimp; to cater to the gratification of the lust of another. To entice or procure a person, by promises, threats, Fraud, or deception to enter any place in which prostitution is practiced for the purpose of prostitution. to them." |
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