The President's Speech...

Lawrence states, “Indeed, many so-called Middle East experts, including one well-known historian, have abetted the incendiary penchant of journalists, making certain that one stereotype predominates over all others in middle America’s reflection on Islam.  (Lawrence, 487).

Fineman states that, “Every president invokes God and asks his blessing. Every president promises, though not always in so many words, to lead according to moral principles rooted in Biblical tradition.” Fineman specifically points out President G.W. Bush by stating, “this president- this presidency- is the most resolutely ‘faith-based’ in modern times, an enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God”  (Fineman Newsweek Article).

Johnson picks up this same theme when he states, “But with Bush, religious conservatives can for the first time fully claim one of their own in the White House” (Johnson, Newsweek Article).

In the president’s State of the Union address to Congress shortly after the attack on American soil, he states, “They know that victory for us means victory for religion. And they could not tolerate that.  The world is too small to provide adequate ‘living room’ for both Hitler and God… [their plan] by which the Holy Bible and the Cross of Mercy would be displaced by ‘Mein Kampf’ and the swastika and the naked sword.” (FDR Address, 291)  “We are inspired by a faith which goes back through all the years to the first Book of Genesis:  ‘God created man in His own image.’ We on our side are striving to be true to that divine heritage.  We are fighting, as our fathers have fought, to uphold the doctrine that all men are equal in the sight of God… Only total victory can reward the champions of tolerance and decency, and freedom, and faith” (FDR Address, 295).  

Fast forward to “the most resolutely ‘faith-based’ [president] in modern times, the most religious comments quoted in Bush’s State of the Union address were: “..ways to encourage the good work of charities and faith-based groups,” “Deep in the American character there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again that even in tragedy -- especially in tragedy -- God is near,” and “Thank you all and may God bless.” (George W. Bush Address).

Notwithstanding the fact that George W. Bush obviously is an outspoken evangelical, he certainly did not use near as much religious rhetoric as FDR when comparing their first post-attack State of the Union. Roberta Coles even gives numerous examples of Pres. George W. Bush’s predecessors using a plethora of religious language in their speeches.  Even Jimmy Carter -- while in office -- was an evangelical Southern Baptist. Given the fact that our primary sources seem to highlight President W. Bush’s faith, what does that say about the changing culture in America and its views on Religion and War since 1942?   Would today’s media call FDR’s presidency “the most resolutely ‘faith-based’ in modern times” if he gave his speech today? What weight should historians place on news sources versus other primary sources like speeches, Congressional records, etc?