Michael Jackson, American Idol

First he charmed us. Then he bored us. Then he wowed us. Then he sickened us. Finally, mercifully, he left us.

The Michael Jackson story has been told and retold ad nauseam since the once-and-future superstar died apparently of a drug overdose last week. Like the narrative of Elvis-like a train wreck-the rest of us look away and cannot. Our morbid fascination turns our heads as we gaze with horror at what the man, and we, had become. An American idol before there was such a term, Michael Jackson drank deeply from the well of stardom and came up parched.

The original MJ was the smiling, sparkling, diminuative centerpiece of a gifted musical group driven to stardom by an abusive father. Then he went away for a while as we looked to other entertainments.

When he grew up, Jackson no longer needed the Jackson Four and morphed into a pop icon that, if not quite rivaling Elvis and the Beatles in ground-breaking originality, grabbed U.S. celebrity culture by the throat and shook it for every loose nickel. Jackson had it all: the gravity-defying moves, the white glove, the shades, and, still, that piercing voice.

And talk about morphing. Jackson, whether from a desire to be a crossover figure to white audiences or out of a profound desire to escape his blackness, began to change before our ever-gazing eyes. The skin lost its pigment, the hair its kinks, the nose its shape. But the result was not a black man who now looked Caucasian. It was a man who had become something less, something disturbing.

Like the Joker emerging from a vat of acid, the new Michael Jackson was a horror to behold, a caricature of self-absorbed, out-of-control Hollywood celebrity. What Michael wanted, Michael got, no matter how awful. And there was no one to deny him.

And the ugliness spread. As Michael built his creepy Neverland home, stories of his unnatural affection for children who were not his own began to seep out. Mostly he was able to buy the silence of the victims and their parents, through money or his fading charm.

Then came his addictions and a desperate attempt to recapture his youth and stardom. What came instead was a premature death. His corpse was not yet cold and we heard reports of his enslavement to Oxycontin and Demarol in a futile effort to escape the pain. From self-loathing? Guilt? Too many workouts or plastic surgeries?

Then come the vultures. Race-huslers Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are sighted. Jamie Foxx says Jackson belongs to the black race. Like the case of Princess Di, coverage of the "event" is nonstop, as are the questions about his death. Everyone is represented in the celebrity mosh pit-except his victims.

Michael Jackson was an American original. Until the next one.

Two Cheers for Team Obama

The latest from the Washington Post:

The Obama administration, fearing a battle with Congress that could stall plans to close Guantanamo, has drafted an executive order that would reassert presidential authority to incarcerate terrorism suspects indefinitely, according to three senior government officials with knowledge of White House deliberations.

Such an order would embrace claims by former president George W. Bush that certain people can be detained without trial for long periods under the laws of war.

Obama advisers are concerned that bypassing Congress could place the president on weaker footing before the courts and anger key supporters, the officials said.

Several officials said there is concern in the White House that the administration may not be able to close the facility by the president's January deadline.

Once again, facing the responsibility to actually govern rather than simply bloviate, the Obama administration has reversed course and embraced a national security policy of the Bush administration. Somewhere in Texas, a much-maligned man can be forgiven for a tiny smirk.

Healthcare Cost Control

LaVonne Neff has a helpful approach to keeping healthcare costs down.

Our current health-care system resembles free enterprise like a mugging resembles a trip to the mall. When we go to the doctor, the pharmacist, or the hospital, it's "your money or your life." We consumers usually have no idea how much any health-care service or product will cost until the bill arrives--we only know that we need help, and so we pay whatever is asked. Comparison shopping, an essential feature of budget management, is impossible.

So what if we figured out a way to make comparison shopping not only possible, but easy?

What if doctors' offices were required to post a list of their most common procedures, with prices for each?

Here's my response, which I posted to her site, Lively Dust:

LaVonne,

I like this idea a lot, though I'm not sure it goes far enough. Yes, doctors and other medical people ought to post their prices, but what is the incentive for users of their services to care, if the insurance company is just picking up the tab? Insurers do have the "reasonable and customary" limits, but these usually don't directly affect consumers.

I'd like to see medical savings accounts as part of your solution. That way, users have a direct incentive to keep their costs down, because what they don't spend, they keep.

Personally, I also think insurance needs to be de-tethered from employment to help it become more of a consumer good, subject more to the market.

Another thing: As physicians post their prices, consumers also need to be able to see their quality: satisfaction ratings, death rates for certain procedures (!), complaints, etc. Seems that with the Internet we should have more of this kind of info than we do.

Thanks for getting the discussion started.

Stan

Catching Up with History

Over the weekend, after calls from members of both parties to say something clear and forceful about the unrest in Iran, the Grand Orator finally opened up. In a CBS interview about the crackdown against citizens protesting a stolen election, Barack Obama finally said, "I want to repeat it that we stand with those who would look to peaceful resolution of conflict, and we believe that the voices of people have to be heard, that that's a universal value that the American people stand for and this administration stands for."

No, it doesn't quite rank with "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," but it's a start.

While Ronald Reagan is remembered for facing down the "evil empire," George H.W. Bush for driving Saddam out of Kuwait, Bill Clinton for intervening in the former Yugoslavia, and W. for ousting the Taliban and Saddam after 9/11, the current occupant of the Oval Office seems destined to be remembered for facing down Big Tobacco. While Obama fiddles, Tehran burns.

Why has Obama been so slow to take a stand? The former presidents stood for freedom, but that's not the first thing that comes to mind when pondering the current administration. Obama stands not for freedom (though he's not personally opposed to it, unless you make a lot of money, smoke, drive a junker, or do other things not favored by the federal goivernment). President Obama's passions, such as they are, are focused elsewhere: reregulation. Inspiring, isn't it?

Obama has also staked much of his political reputation on his ability to talk with dictators, such as Iran's Ahmadinejad. If the people of Iran throw the guy out, then who will be there for Obama to charm before the cameras?

Sad to see, Obama seems to be sprinting to catch up with history. Perhaps he should heed the following words, which seem prescient today:

Sixty years of Western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe -- because in the long run, stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment, and violence ready for export. And with the spread of weapons that can bring catastrophic harm to our country and to our friends, it would be reckless to accept the status quo.

Who said them? George W. Bush.

Stan on Filedby.com

Filedby.com is another promotional site for authors. The basic service is free, but you can purchase more features if you wish. Here's my page.

The Spiritual Uses of Unemployment

This is the three-minute talk I presented at College Church on June 14, 2009. A longer version for print will be coming.

By Stan Guthrie © 2009

On May 19, which I now call “Black Tuesday,” my bosses gave me the news. One was fighting back tears, the other glum. Because of economic conditions, my job was being eliminated. As I tried to process what was happening through my sudden mental numbness, it began to sink in that I, my wife of 22 years, and our three children were suddenly facing a very uncertain future.

My story is far from unique. About 8.5 million people in the United States today are receiving unemployment insurance, and the jobless rate has grown from less than 8 percent in January to 9.4 percent in June. Some economists predict it could reach 11 percent by next summer.

Now I’m no expert on joblessness (and hope never to become one). But as a follower of Jesus, I am beginning to learn some vital spiritual lessons—whether I want to or not. Here are five. Perhaps they will help you, too.

First, respond like a Christian. What difference does Christ make when the chips are down? Can people see any difference in me? Am I willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads—even to the unemployment line?

When the late Tony Snow learned that he had contracted cancer, he heard a quiet voice whisper, “You have been called.” I too have heard this voice. Unemployment, every bit as much as employment, is a calling.

Second, resolve not to become angry or bitter. When “the worst thing that could happen” happens, God is still there.

Third, rest in the truth that God comforts us in our afflictions so that we can comfort others in theirs.

Fourth, receive gratefully the kindness of others. Friends across the street are picking up low-cost groceries for us at their church. Another bought and installed more memory for our ailing computer. Others pray, buy lunch, share job leads, and help with faxes and resumes.

We are learning in ways large and small what it means to be members of Christ’s body.

Fifth, reach out to God and expect his blessing. God has promised to provide what we need. That might involve a better job with higher pay (though again it might not). If it does, praise his goodness; but if, in his mercy, it doesn’t, praise his goodness anyway. The blessing may simply be more of him, and that will be more than enough.

Recovering Religious Knowledge as Knowledge

My review of Dallas Willard's new book, Knowing Christ Today, published by tothesource.org.

Conspiracy Seen Behind Murders of Christians in Turkey

Investigation links Malatya murders to cabal of generals, politicians.

By Damaris Kremida

In April 2007, five young men tortured and killed two Turkish converts and a German Christian at a Christian publishing house in the southeastern city of Malatya. When the resulting trial began in January 2008, the court and the Turkish public regarded it as a straightforward case of overzealous nationalists killing missionaries, whose activity was widely regarded as a national threat.

But in recent months, lawyers have tied the case to a more serious national threat. Prosecutors have expanded their investigation beyond the five assailants to local officials. The murders are now seen as a plot by the "deep state" group Ergenekon, a cabal of generals, politicians, and other prominent figures accused of trying to overthrow the government.

Here is an editorial I wrote for CT shortly after the martyrdoms.

(Here's the link to my interview with John Blok of Prime Time Florida.)

Stan on Author Central

Amazon.com has a new service for authors called Author Central. It's a blog of sorts where you can promote your book(s) and interact with readers (because there just aren't nearly enough places to interact online!). My page is here. It's kind of neat. Take a look and see what you think. Questions are always welcome!

Speaking of Unemployment ...

If you're wondering where to attend church this Sunday and will be in the Chicago area, I invite you to visit College Church in Wheaton. I'll give a brief (and, I hope, encouraging) testimony about five spiritual lessons I've been learning through my unemployment. Services are at 9:30 and 11:00.

The Changing Face of Apologetics

Interview by Stan Guthrie

Lee Strobel doesn't think the traditional methods work anymore. To hear the interview, go to the CT podcast section.

Holocaust Attack

The vicious and bizarre attack at the Holocaust Museum by an aged white supremacist is a reminder that intolerance ever crouches, ready to strike, in our supposedly tolerant society. Hateful thoughts often lead to hateful words, which sometimes lead to hateful acts. Such attacks are an affront to all of us. I stand with Jewish people in this tragedy and offer my prayers and condolences.

Inside CT: Summer Reading

A sample of books we're planning to read.

By Mark Galli

Tim Keller in the Heart of Gotham

By Tim Stafford

The pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church is becoming an international figure because he's a local one. Go here to find my discussion with John Blok of Prime Time Florida.

Two Questions Never to Ask the Unemployed

Here are two questions never to ask the unemployed:

Don't ask, "How are you doing?" unless you are willing to sit and listen for a while. There's no easy answer to it.

We're doing about as you might expect. We're doing poorly because we don't have work but still have all the usual bills. We're alternately feeling good because we sense a wide open door to try new things and bad because so many doors seem to be closed. We're struggling with feelings of low self esteem because we cannot provide for our families and are always seeking help. We're happy to see more of our families (though the feeling might not always be reciprocated).

Don't ask, "Is there anything I can do?" Of course there is; we're unemployed. We don't want to be a burden, and we feel embarrassed about our situation, and so you may have to draw the information out of us. We need prayer, job leads, assistance navigating government aid programs, money, help with the kids, someone to listen.

Instead of asking this question, ascertain what our needs are and ask, "May I help you with ... ?" Be specific, persistent, and gentle. Our lips may at first say "No," but chances are our hearts are saying "Yes."

Obama's Cairo Speech

Below is President Obama's June 4 speech at Cairo University, interspersed with comments by me.

Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. And together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I'm grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)

Largely Muslim states have lagged mostly Christian states like America in every sign of progress: scientific and social. Christianity, meanwhile, has been the engine of Western progress, rooted in belief in a rational God who makes his will known. See Rodney Stark's book The Victory of Reason for details.

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world -- tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Muslims also share responsibility for the poor relationship they have with the West. Even where Islamists do not rule, Islam treats non-Muslims and women routinely as inferiors who are to be, at best, tolerated. Obama is right, however, in that our negative policies and cultural laxity (gay marriage, abortion, easy sex) have fueled righteous Muslim anger at the U.S.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

The proof is in the pudding. When Muslims take a stand for the rights of all God's children to live in peace, and not just Muslims, then we will be glad to trust them. This is the religion that calls Jews "monkeys and pigs," after all.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

Good points. There is much good in Islam and we must highlight and bring out that good.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

What new beginning? George W. Bush always said Islam was a great religion hijacked by extremists. How is what Obama is saying any different?

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." (Applause.) That is what I will try to do today -- to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Amen. And let's not forget to say the hard things, or it is not a true dialogue.

Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

Unfortunately, he neglects to point out that only the Prince of Peace can provide peace with God, as his Christian faith teaches. But of course this would be a hard thing to say in this setting.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam -- at places like Al-Azhar -- that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities -- (applause) -- it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. (Applause.)

Yes, Islam has brought the world many good things, though the Renaissance and Enlightenment sprang mainly from the church. Islamic learning went dim for many centuries as the spirit of inquiry and innovation died. It is a dimness that has not yet ended. And again, tolerance and equality exist in Islamic states only for Muslims. Those are Judeo-Christian ideals, but may they one day spread to the House of Islam.

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John Adams, wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they've excelled in our sports arenas, they've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers -- Thomas Jefferson -- kept in his personal library. (Applause.)

Yes, unlike so many Islamic countries, religious minorities have the right to full participation here. Would that this were so in the Muslim nations-such as Egypt.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. (Applause.)

So everything is hunky-dory except for a few terrorists?

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause.) Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words -- within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum -- "Out of many, one."

And "In God We Trust."

Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause.) But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores -- and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause.)

That's a very high estimate of Muslims here. The Pew Forum puts it at 1.8 million. But no matter. Muslims are welcome here.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it. (Applause.)

In Egypt it is nearly impossible for Christians to receive government approval to build or even to repair church buildings. In Iran, women can be punished for failing to obey the strictures of the religious police, and Saudi Arabia for daring to drive an automobile.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations -- to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

These are more than aspirations, of course: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

Yup.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause.) That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

It's a small world, after all.

And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes -- and, yes, religions -- subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared. (Applause.)

Right on. Yet someone must lead. Is the U.S. still prepared to do this?

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

Drum roll, please ...

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

... remembering that today it is not Christians and Jews who are killing in the name of their God.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not -- and never will be -- at war with Islam. (Applause.) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security -- because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

Amen. Just what Bush said.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: Al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

"Situation"? We used to call those things "wars." And yet I'm glad he brought it up. On this point, he sounds like Bush.

Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military -- we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That's why they're trying to wear us down, hoping we will eventually give up and go home, just like the Soviets did. Let's not tell everyone how agonizing it is; let's make sure our enemies knew we're in for as long as it takes.

And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths -- but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as -- it is as if he has killed all mankind. (Applause.) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. (Applause.) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism -- it is an important part of promoting peace.

Let us pray that this is the case.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced. That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.

I'm assuming this spending on schools and such was initiated by Bush.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.) Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Nuanced point. Good. Yet the belief that Saddam had WMDs was universal, making the "choice" to go to war nearly universal, as well. And what do we do when an "international consensus" is not forthcoming? Someone must lead. That's what a president must do.

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future -- and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people -- (applause) -- I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. (Applause.) We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

Let's hope they are ready to protect themselves, and the terrorists are not just waiting 'til we're gone to wreak havoc again, as occurred in Vietnam.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)

We're all against torture, but into whose district will the terrorists at Guantanamo go? Is Egypt willing to take any?

So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

I'd love to see that kind of help from Muslim autocracies, but I'm not holding my breath.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

There's that word, "situation," again.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Amen. The Jews are also created in God's image.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed -- more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction -- or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews -- is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

Amen. Many of these stereotypes come right from the Qur'an, unfortunately.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people -- Muslims and Christians -- have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they've endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations -- large and small -- that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own. (Applause.)

If only the Muslim states would also lift a finger to help the Palestinians out of this "situation."

For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers -- for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. (Applause.)

What would be better still is reconciliation that begins in the heart through a shared relationship with the Prince of Peace, making Jews and Palestinians brothers.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations -- the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them -- and all of us -- to live up to our responsibilities.

Obama is not the first, but if he can somehow pull it off, my hat will be off to him. My guess, however, is that he will have about as much success as his predecessors did. Perhaps the engine of real change will come from the old Middle East dictum: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The mutual interest of stopping a nuclear-armed Iran may make for strange bedfellows indeed.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That's not how moral authority is claimed; that's how it is surrendered.

I seem to recall something called the Civil War.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.

What gives us any hope that they will do this, finally? This sounds like more empty words.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. (Applause.)

Can't we all just get along?

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Palestinians have far more rights in Israel than Jews do in Palestine.

And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

Well said.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. (Applause.) We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

We will "align our policies with those who pursue peace"? What does this mean?

Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra -- (applause) -- as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)

Unfortunately, some Muslim mothers willingly send their children off to die as "martyrs," or go themselves. He keeps quoting the Qur'an. Doesn't he have access to a Bible in Egypt?

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

What is "our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons"? Obama sounds like the lawyer he is here.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I've made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

"Tumultuous," indeed.

I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It's about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

Do we really respect the mullahs? He sounds afraid here, a little appeasing.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation -- including Iran -- should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

This sounds as if Obama is putting America and Iran on the same moral plane with regard to nukes. Can't we all agree that the world is safer if we have them and they don't?

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)

Many Muslims, according to Gallup, want democracy. Those who come to America get it.

I know -- I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

Democracy, by its very definition, cannot be imposed, but autocracy can.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)

I guess we don't believe liberty is worth "bearing any burden for" now? How does Obama plan to support human rights worldwide, and how will that look in autocracies such as Egypt's?

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments -- provided they govern with respect for all their people.

Like Iran? Saudi Arabia ... ?

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

Amen. Muslim world, are you listening? By the way, Bush probably said the same thing himself. Certainly advancing liberty worldwide was one of his key foreign-policy goals, and without him Iraq would never have stained its fingers purple.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!

Our president apparently seeks out the plaudits of non-U.S. citizens. For whatever reason, that makes me uneasy.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

I anticipate a soft-sell coming, but more power to him for raising the issue.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it's being challenged in many different ways.

He cites the exceptions more than the rules, but, hey, they're something to build on.

Among some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld -- whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Again, these are matters of the heart. Obama can't effect change there, but Jesus can.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Obama himself is making it harder on charitable giving. Let's get real.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit -- for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

True. But there are always limits to the practice of religious faith, so let's make sure they are the right ones.

In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action -- whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

Never heard of these initiatives, but they may do more good than harm, so why not?

The sixth issue -- the sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights. (Applause.) I know –- I know -- and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. (Applause.) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

And far less likely to be Muslim.

Now, let me be clear: Issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

I think America is a bit ahead of Saudi Arabia in this respect, in my humble opinion.

I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men and women -- to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams. (Applause.)

Sounds like a continuation of the Bush policy. Amen.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

Yes, let's have some.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations -- including America -- this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities -- those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

He's hit upon something here. This is one of the biggest problems the West faces with Islam.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

Right.

And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century -- (applause) -- and in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I'm emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

Good. Development comes when the greatest resource, the human mind, is given freedom.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

Not sure the Muslim governments will want this.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

Fine. Christians, are you listening?

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We'll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops. Today I'm announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

I thought we had already eradicated polio.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

But we need leadership, too.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

All we are saying, is give peace a chance.

I know there are many -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort -- that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There's so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country -- you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.

Imagine there's no heaven; it's easy if you try....

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

Amen.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

Faith in God leads to the heart change that can make the Golden Rule a reality. And religion is not just about doing unto others, but being properly related to God.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

We do? Perhaps we ought to leave a little space for God.

The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Applause.)

I notice he didn't quote from the Hebrew Scriptures. As a Christian, I don't like the Bible brought down to the same level as the Qur'an, especially by a Christian.

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.

"Go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

China's Great Christian Leap Forward

Thursday, June 4, is the 20th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square massacre and is "Pray for China" day. John Blok of Moody Radio's Prime Time Florida interviewed me about the church in China today. A great resource is the CT article, "Great Leap Forward," by Rob Moll.

Stan Guthrie on Moody Radio: The Next Chapter

Go here to catch my recent discussion with John Blok of Prime Time Florida about the upheaval at Christianity Today International.