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  'Frontline' explores Bush's religious bent (Sandi Dolbee, April 29, 2004, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Public television tonight takes a look at "the most openly religious president in recent times."

But don't expect an hour of diatribes against President George W. Bush and his blending of faith and politics. What you'll see tonight on "Frontline," which airs at 9 p.m. on KPBS/Channel 15 with some repeats, is an evenhanded, even cautious, examination of the former Texas governor who years ago told a group of people, "I believe that God wants me to be president."

The timing of "Frontline's" documentary, titled The Jesus Factor, is compelling.

It comes just two weeks after Bush ratcheted up his religious language in a nationally televised conference and on the heels of journalist Bob Woodward's new book, which describes the president as "casting his mission and that of the country in the grand vision of God's master plan." (Not to mention Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's contention that religion should not be an issue.)

And while the show doesn't get into these most-recent forays, it does a very good job of reminding us that the president's convictions did not begin in the White House – nor did his commitment to a particular brand of Christianity.

Once you comprehend the degree to which his views and policies are shaped by his Christianity and his governing style influenced by his business background, George Bush's presidency becomes entirely predictable and obviously revolutionary.

Posted by Orrin Judd at April 29, 2004 2:15 PM