LONDON — In an answer likely to upset evangelicals and other members of his Christian base, President Bush said Nov. 20 that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Speaking at a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Bush was asked his thoughts on how the war on terrorism and his promotion of freedom intersects with his Christian faith.
“I do say that freedom is the Almighty’s gift to every person,” Bush answered. “I also condition it by saying that freedom is not America’s gift to the world. It’s much greater than that, of course. And I believe we worship the same God.”
The answer was in response to a question specifically asking him how he reacts to those who say the god of Islam is not the God of Christianity.
“Mr. President, when you talk about peace in the Middle East, you’ve often said that freedom is granted by the Almighty,” the reporter asked.
“Some people who share your beliefs don’t believe Muslims worship the same Almighty. I wonder about your views on that and Mr. Prime Minister as a man also of faith, I’d like your reaction to that.”
“I believe that if people are given the chance to have freedom, whatever part of the world they’re in, whatever religion they practice, whatever faith they have, if they’re given the chance to have freedom, they welcome it,” Blair said.
Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said that while he respects Bush he believes the president is wrong.
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