A pseudo-pal of Bush's recorded some of his pre-Prez conversations. Story here
EXCERPTS ....But Mr. Bush also repeatedly worried that prominent evangelical Christians would not like his refusal "to kick gays." ...Early on, though, Mr. Bush appeared most worried that Christian conservatives would object to his determination not to criticize gay people. "I think he wants me to attack homosexuals," Mr. Bush said after meeting James Robison, a prominent evangelical minister in Texas,"..."I think it is bad for Republicans to be kicking gays."
Yes, the Xtan right has the right to oppose gay marriage, and express their views. But the problem here is the Christian right in its fusion with politics goes further - into seemingly portraying gays as the worst sinners, (what's the purpose of pushing that view in politics? Do you want politicians to ensrhine it as well?) then leaving the impression that somehow gay people are such disgusting people, (and the least worthy of salvation) that's you've got to do something about it right now. Namely send money so the org in question can save the world. I heard Cal Thomas commenting on this on a talk show in the Baltimore area. About the fund-raising letters he gets with bold and red type, asking donors to send money and then the org in question will save the world from this threat. I hear it in D.C. -how opposing gays is really where the $$'s at. I see. So now Christians don't care about all those other issues so much, like poverty. So now, the Spirit's leading takes a back seat to the buck. Worship and ministry to families, even missionary funds are way down the totem pole for today's empire churches. (Check the latest Barna poll).
Spare me the crass opportunism. It galls me to see this happening. Despite the perfunctory comments about 'love the sinner, hate the sin," the sheer volume and type of attention paid to this sends a message that appears to be more about money, us vs. them opportunism, and political gain. I remember a bible study leader in college commenting to me about the same issue. Gays will get the message that somehow it's level ground before the cross, and a connection to God is a free gift that nobody can do anything to deserve...except for them. From a practical viewpoint, not everybody is ever going to be a 'born-again' Christian, and not everybody is ever going to be gay, and not everybody is going to become convinced by the arguments of the other side. But there is wisdom in being able to live together gracefully.
