News

Quotation Marks

Speaker Pelosi’s Bible, “how it is” with drug dealers, Ted Turner’s turn, and other recent remarks.

“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.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

Wicked or Misunderstood?

A conversation with Beth Moore about UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect Luigi Mangione and the nature of sin.

Why Armenian Christians Recall Noah’s Ark in December

The biblical account of the Flood resonates with a persecuted church born near Mount Ararat.

Review

The Virgin Birth Is More Than an Incredible Occurrence

We’re eager to ask whether it could have happened. We shouldn’t forget to ask what it means.

The Nine Days of Filipino Christmas

Some Protestants observe the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, predawn services in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Bulletin

Neighborhood Threat

The Bulletin talks about Christians in Syria, Bible education, and the “bad guys” of NYC.

Join CT for a Live Book Awards Event

A conversation with Russell Moore, Book of the Year winner Gavin Ortlund, and Award of Merit winner Brad East.

Excerpt

There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Proper’ Christmas Carol

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition.

Advent Calls Us Out of Our Despair

Sitting in the dark helps us truly appreciate the light.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube