Howard Fineman wants to remind readers that the "Judeo-Christian" phrase used by politicians isn't really very Judeo. This excerpt of an interview with Howard Dean is from Newsweek, not a religious publication. I'm, surprised he didn't ask, "How do reconcile that with having a Jewish wife and children?"
...Q. Do you have a deadline for removing U.S. troops from Iraq?
A. Absolutely not. I think that would be a big mistake. To remove troops prematurely, Al Qaedawhich was not in Iraq, but is nowwill set up shop in Iraq and present an enormous national-security danger.
Q. Do you see Jesus Christ as the son of God and believe in him as the route to salvation and eternal life?
A. I certainly see him as the son of God. I think whether I'm saved or not is not gonna be up to me.
Q. Do you have a favorite Bible passage or book or theologian?
A. I like the Book of Job.
Q. [Laughs] Does it strike you more personally after this campaign?
A. I'm feeling a little more Job-like recently.
Note that last line. Newsweek/MSNBC chooses to use a pull-quote that says:
'I'm Feeling Like Job'
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UPDATED: I added a link to the interview, and added the question before the Jesus one to show that it seems like a non-sequitur to suddenly ask about his belief in Jesus.
Feel free to email the editors and Newsweek and ask them about the propriety of theological questions for presidential candidates.
