George W. Bush has been a divisive figure for many during his time as President of the United States - not only in his home country but throughout the globe. His avowed Christian faith was an enigma to those who saw his government as far too easily resorting to aggression and violence, and found some of his language layered with a little too much Christian triumphalism.
Bush was recently interviewed about his faith as part of a promotion of his recently published memoir ‘Decision Points’. In this interview Bush says that it was a meeting with Billy Graham that turned his life around, but that the first time he met Graham he was drunk.
"I was listening to Billy through the haze of alcohol," he said.
Bush’s father, former president George H. W. Bush invited the entire family to meet Graham. The evangelist was answering questions, the younger Bush said, recalling that he had drunk possibly four beers and five wines before the meeting.
"The next day, Billy and I are walking in mother and dad's beautiful yard there in Maine and we start talking about religion," Bush said in the interview. "And I was obviously looking, yearning for something different with my life. Billy sent me a Bible and I started reading the Bible.
"But it took me a while to understand that religion is not a course in self-improvement. Religion is a surrender – that you allow a living God into your life by surrendering to that living God. And then you improve to please God, not please yourself."
Bush said that he has not touched alcohol since 1986 and credits Graham for "plant[ing] the seed" of faith in his life.
Bush has kept out of the public glare since he left the Oval Office, also gave some advice to politicians when it comes to religion.
The best Bible verse for someone in a political office, he said, is Matthew 7:3 (ESV) – "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"
"I think it's very important for politicians to understand the true nature of religion," he said. "I worry about people who basically say 'I'm better than you because I'm religious.'
"Christianity says “I'm not better than anybody. I'm a sinner and I accept that and therefore accept Christ to help me grow.'"
Bush also said that he had worried about the potential trauma of bringing up teenage girls in the White House but his family found it to be an expectedly joyous place.
"The West Wing was a joyous place," he said. "In spite of the trauma and all the pressure, we were joyous. And I can only ascribe that to prayer. It's a remarkable gift the American people give to the president and his family – and that is prayer."
As for how he would be remembered, Bush readily acknowledged that history would judge him on the decisions he made during his eight-year term, but did say, "I would hope people would say he's a good father, good husband, he honored the Lord, and he's an honest guy."
"I am content with telling your listener and the reader of my book that I gave it my all and I didn't sacrifice principle in order to be a popular guy."
Bush’s memoir Decision Points is currently No. 1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list.