How to Get Religion Like George Bush

George W. Bush is the third United Methodist to become president of the United States, following Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. He often invokes his faith in public discourse and speaks freely about his deeply felt religious views. However, his religious path has not been a linear one. To get religion like President Bush, you will need to be willing to make some dramatic religious changes.

Instructions

1. Be willing to change denominations. George W. Bush grew up in a protestant family and attended service at Episcopalian and Protestant churches until he was 38 years old. However, in 1985 he joined the United Methodist Church, the church his wife, Laura, belongs to.

2. Find a reason to get religion. Although George W. Bush grew up in a religious family, he was not always as devout as he is today. At the age of 38 he sought out religion to help him overcome substance abuse. It was at this time he joined the United Methodist Church.

3. Make your convictions known. Since George W. Bush found religion he has been public about his faith and beliefs. Although you likely do not get as much public attention as a president of the United States, you can talk openly about your faith with friends and family.

4. Allow some of your political positions to differ from those of your church. The United Methodist Church and George W. Bush are at odds on several political positions. In general, the church, unlike President Bush, is against capital punishment, favors strict gun control rights and supports greater rights for gays than President Bush. Find common bonds with your church, but retain some of your strongly-held political beliefs, even if they differ from your church.

5. Use your faith to find a calling in life. George W. Bush, in "The Faith of George W. Bush" by Steven Mansfield, says he felt called by God to run for president.

6. Rely on God above all else during hard times. According to Bob Woodward in "Plan of Attack" George W. Bush relied on God during the planning of the Iraqi War. When asked by Woodward whether he asked for his father's advice during the planning, President Bush replied, "He is the wrong father to appeal to for advice. The wrong father to appeal to in terms of strength. There's a higher Father that I appeal to."

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of modeling your political positions after a particular religion, consider using Jesus Christ as a model instead. In a presidential debate in 1999, George W. Bush named Jesus Christ his favorite political philosopher.

• Avoid denouncing other religions. Although George W. Bush often speaks of his religious views, he is careful not to say anything negative about those whose views differ.