I enjoy communicating with such a diverse crowd as is found on this site, and look forward to more discussions. Of chief concern is indeed the fostering of peace, and for me this is through embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ.
My chief effort in this regard (a "solution" or "action") has been to write a book ("Christian Words, Unchristian Actions: George W. Bush and the Desecration of Christianity in Modern America") which contrasts the lofty promises of George W. Bush with his delivered actions, in the context of what Jesus had to say on various subjects: war, torture, the transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich, the destruction of our environment, etc. President Bush's record is somewhat deficient in these and other areas.
Jesus taught that we should assess people's spirit by their actions: that a good tree cannot bear evil fruit, and an evil tree cannot bear good fruit. Judging by his fruit, Goeorge W. Bush would appear to be an evil tree, who has duped the religious right into support. Jesus and Paul taught that Christian leaders should be held to higher standards, not absolved from accountability and given a free political ride simply because they mouthed His name.
My book is not confined to George W. Bush, but confronts the failure of America's Christians to walk the walk: of gluttonous consumption, haughty nationalism, supporting leaders based on economic self-interest, being governed by fear instead of faith, growing dependent on government and oil, etc.
Americans who voted for George W. Bush have a duty also to answer for the consequences of that support, and to speak out against the leader who has broken his word, and who has delivered anything but accountability. Christians will be judged before God, and the blind support of a megalomaniacal politician who has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, the torture of thousands, and more tragedy to come, is something for which Christians will answer to God. These are not my rantings, but Christ's teachings. And George W. Bush has not just sullied America's reputation: his Christian pretense coupled with hypocrisy has sullied many people's view of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that it would be better for a person to have a millstone tied around his neck and thrown into the ocean, rather than lead others into sin (Luke 17). Does this apply just to George W. Bush, or also to those who elevate him to power? Jesus and Paul warn repeatedly not to follow "ravenous wolves" clothed in pious Christian sheepskin, and that we would know them by their actions. If George W. Bush & company do not fit this bill, how bad does it have to get before Christians heed Jesus' words? The whole world has been taken for a ride by a runaway "Christian" Frankenstein, assembled from dead spiritual parts. Christians must reign in their monster, before all the villagers become furious and burn down the castle....
Christian Words, Unchristian Actions....
Check out my website, at www.christianwords.us
The book can also be obtained at www.pleasantwordbooks.com
Feedback is invited.