Clinton Theologically

                                                                                                                           Vol. XII, No.3, March 1999

The President in a 13-paragraph statement issued after King Hussein of Jordan died from cancer, concluded by saying, "The Koran teaches you belong to God and you return to him. Today my friend is in Paradise and God has welcomed him home, a good and faithful servant." Ken Lovelace, a Southern Baptist missionary in Portugal, commented in two e-mails to Baptist Press: "...it is absurd to imply that King Hussein, although one of the Middle East's greatest rulers (politically speaking), was being welcomed home by God." Lovelace continued, "Though perhaps seen by many as a ‘good book,' the Koran falls drastically short of any viable representation of the true and living God. Only the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, The Holy Bible is authoritative for life and the life beyond. And this same Bible assures us that the only ones who will be welcomed home by God are those who have repented of their sins and have received Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Gift of God, the Messiah, as Lord and Savior." "Eternity is too long and hell is too hot to mouth meaningless mantras in a vain attempt to comfort grieving hearts." Lovelace observed it is "humbling to know how closely the world listens to and watches America. It is like they take their cue from us. ... the president's comments on the Koran in those few seconds may have done more damage to our `image' as a Christian nation before the world than anything else he could have said."   [BP]