The initial New York Times spin on Harriet Miers, President Bush’s nominee to fill Sandra Day O’Conner’s slot on the Supreme Court, is that she doesn’t have a judicial track record. She does have another record, however, as “an outstanding Christian woman,” as Dr. Barry McCarty, her pastor at Valley View Christian Church in Dallas, told Christian Standard magazine.
Valley View is part of that loosely organized group of congregations known collectively as Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, which happens to be my own church background. Along with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Churches of Christ (distinguished by their lack of musical instruments in worship), the “4 C’s” — pardon the jargon– are part of the so-called Stone-Campbell tradition. The CC/CC’s theologically fall somewhere between the typically liberal, mainstream Disciples and the typically very conservative “a capella” or “non-instrumental” Churches of Christ. If you know anything about those groups, you know that leaves a lot of room in the middle, and while members of CC/CCs tend to skew conservative in their beliefs and politics, they do manage to take full advantage of the wide open theological spaces. (Official non-official motto: “We’re not a denomination,” which is technically true.) So people searching for clues about where Miers may stand on particular issues by way of her church affiliation need to do some digging. They’re not going to find any kind of widespread denominational statements or resolutions. Searchers will need to look locally for clues — and there’s no guarantee they’ll find much there either.
You can find a profile of Miers published four years ago in the Christian Standard, a national magazine that serves the “brotherhood” (more jargon) of CC/CCs.
No judicial record but she is an outstanding Christian woman? Hmmm!
Either this claim in the New York Times is inaccurate or the confirmation hearings for Harriet Miers is going to be very interesting.
How about I walk into an interview and say, “I have no related experience but I’m a good Christian man!” Hmmm!
Unless I’m interviewing for a ministry position and the anointing power of God is obviously upon me, my words will evoke thunderous laughter.
I find it hard to believe the New York Times report. She must have a good track record for her to be even considered for the position.
Someone is playing games here with the Supreme Court and it’s either the press or the nominee. I am leaning toward the press, because they are very good at it.
Regards,
Donnell Duncan
President and Founder
The Cracked Door
If the Door is Cracked, the Door is Open
Comment by Donnell — October 3, 2005 @ 6:26 pm |
Just to be clear: the “good Christian woman” comment did NOT come from the New York Times, but from the Christian Standard Web site. I’m sorry if my wording led to some misunderstanding.
Comment by Jim — October 3, 2005 @ 7:15 pm |
Ok, much better! Thanks Jim!(smile)
Nonetheless, her qualifications must be satisfactory for a position of that calibre or else the confirmation hearings will be very entertaining.
As a Christian, I must agree that it is good to have Christian leaders. However, for a professional position, there should be some level of competency.
I hope that more information relating to her specific abilities to command such a prestigious office soon become available.
Regards,
Donnell Duncan
President and Founder
The Cracked Door
If the Door is Cracked, the Door is Open
Comment by Donnell — October 3, 2005 @ 7:56 pm |