“The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, ‘To minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.'”Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House, on Earth Day. She has used the line many times before, usually attributing the nonexistent verse to Isaiah. (Source: speaker.house.gov, CNS News)
* * *
“They are very generous. The drug smugglers build things that mean a lot for these communities. Many times they will build a church or a chapel. I’m not justifying it, I’m just saying how it is.”Carlos Aguiar Retes, president of the Roman Catholic Mexican Bishop’s Conference. A spokesman for Mexico City’s cardinal said the church refuses the money and “categorically condemns drug trafficking activity as immoral.” (Source: Reuters)
* * *
“I regret anything I said about religion that was negative. … Religion is one of the bright spots as far as I’m concerned, even though there are some areas, like everything else, where they’ve gone over the top a little, in my opinion.”Ted Turner, announcing $200 million anti-malaria partnership with Lutherans and Methodist denominations. The media mogul who once called Christianity “a religion for losers” says he now prays for sick friends, explaining, “It doesn’t hurt.” (Source: Associated Press)
* * *
“Oh, probably, sure. But I admire and respect Dr. Hagee’s leadership of the — of his church. … I’m glad to have his endorsement. I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything.”John McCain, when asked, “Was it a mistake to solicit and accept [John Hagee’s] endorsement? (Source: ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos)
* * *
“Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted, Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel.”Pope Benedict XVI, Speaking to bishops during his visit to the U.S. (Source: Zenit.org)
Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related elsewhere:
Earlier Quotation Marks columns are available from the May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, February 2008, January 2008, December 2007, November 2007, October 2007, September 2007, August 2007, July 2007, June 2007, May 2007, and earlier issues of Christianity Today.
