Bush even had the insensitivity to use the word "crusade" regarding his response to the terrorists – more than once – enraging Muslims everywhere.
On the first anniversary of 9/11, he stated U.S. policy using language taken from the Gospel of John:
"This idea of America is the hope of all mankind. That hope drew millions to this harbor. That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it."
Originally that statement referred to the Light of Christ and the Word of God.
So, America has become the Godhead, and we can only imagine what that makes Bush.
"When I was first with Bush in Austin, what I saw was a self-help Methodist, very open, seeking."
But by February 2002, Bush’s preference for quick, decisive, faith-based, "intuitive" guidance, over time-consuming, analysis of complicated, reality-based facts, was seriously affecting his policies.
Jim Wallis was alarmed after a brief discussion with Bush about terrorism.
"What I started to see at this point was the man that would emerge over the next year -- a Messianic American Calvinist. He doesn't want to hear from anyone who doubts him."
On February 5, 2003, just five weeks before the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Karl Rove invited a group of seven Apostolic leaders to a "specially-called meeting" at the White House.
The most revered of these men was Reverend Richard G. Upton, who claims to be "The Christian Voice in the Nations’s Capitol." According to Reverend Upton, he is "in constant contact with the White House" as the Apostolic Liaison to the White House.
At this meeting, national and world events were discussed, including a review of Judicial nominees and, most important, a briefing on Iraq. In return, the Apostolics expressed their desire to secure a voice in Washington. They felt it was time to get involved, to use their power to affect policy.
Karl Rove concluded the meeting with a promise of bi-monthly White House conference calls for the group, and return visits to the White House every six months, to facilitate their access to the President.
This meeting with the Chief Political Advisor to the President of the United States represented a milestone for the Apostolic movement. At last their strong opposition to a Palestinian state would be understood fully by a powerful world leader.
As the Apostolics saw it, a Palestinian state would be an obstacle – in the way of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Christ’s return – and their Rapture.
"The Rapture" is the goal – to be present at the End of Times, when the world reaches Armageddon, the ultimate battle ground. At that moment, Jesus Christ will appear, and will, at last, call the faithful to Heaven. Those who are worthy will be physically taken up and away – the ultimate redemption – while the rest of humankind suffers the Apocalypse.
On March 25, 2004, National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice and the "Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs," Elliott Abrams, found it necessary to get the Apostolics involved in foreign policy.
Only when Rice and Abrams could get the support of the Apostolics, by showing them that the Gaza strip was not significant Biblically and could be sacrificed, would they be able to convince Bush to change his position and endorse a peace negotiation for Israel that included disengagement from the Gaza Strip.
When the story of the Rice and Abrams meeting with these Apocalyptic Christians was first leaked, and then published in The Village Voice, you could follow the link to the Apostolic Congress website when it still included frightening references to The Rapture, but it was quickly shut down and purged of such images. You can, however, still find the website, where you’ll see the official seal of the Apostolic Congress – eerily similar to the U.S. Presidential Seal – only the words in the gold circle surrounding the eagle differ. There is also a special page honoring Bush, which includes pictures of Reverend & Mrs. Upton with Bush & Mrs. Bush, and Upton with Karl Rove.
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