"Jeb Bush delivered a forceful defense of religious freedom from a secular government during a speech at an evangelical university on Saturday, deploring the rise of “coercive federal power” under President Obama that he said was seeking to impose progressive dogma on the country’s faithful.In his commencement address to students at Liberty University, a Virginia school well known for
hosting Republican presidents and presidential candidates, Mr. Bush bemoaned that “federal
authorities are demanding obedience, in complete disregard of religious conscience — and in a free society, the answer is no.”
His speech made a pointed but affirmative case for Christianity as a positive force for freedom and compassion. There is, he said, “no more powerful or liberating influence” and praised its “most dynamic, inclusive and joyful message.”
His speech also turned political, when he accused the "present administration" of "supporting the use of coercive federal power," including by forcing laws on groups to require the provision of birth control despite religious opposition.
"What should be easy calls, in favor of religious freedom, have instead become an aggressive stance against it," said Bush. "Somebody here is being small-minded and intolerant, and it sure isn’t the nuns, ministers, and laymen and women who ask only to live and practice their faith. Federal authorities are demanding obedience, in complete disregard of religious conscience – and in a free society, the answer is No.”" NYT / Newsmax
His speech made a pointed but affirmative case for Christianity as a positive force for freedom and compassion. There is, he said, “no more powerful or liberating influence” and praised its “most dynamic, inclusive and joyful message.”
His speech also turned political, when he accused the "present administration" of "supporting the use of coercive federal power," including by forcing laws on groups to require the provision of birth control despite religious opposition.
"What should be easy calls, in favor of religious freedom, have instead become an aggressive stance against it," said Bush. "Somebody here is being small-minded and intolerant, and it sure isn’t the nuns, ministers, and laymen and women who ask only to live and practice their faith. Federal authorities are demanding obedience, in complete disregard of religious conscience – and in a free society, the answer is No.”" NYT / Newsmax
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