Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently revealed that the Bible is the greatest influence in her life, calling it "a source of wisdom, comfort and encouragement."
Clinton, who is a predicted Democratic candidate for the 2016 presidential election, told the New York Times Book Review that the Bible has shaped her to become the woman she is today.
"At the risk of appearing predictable, the Bible was and remains the biggest influence on my thinking. I was raised reading it, memorizing passages from it and being guided by it," she stated while promoting her new book, Hard Choices
"I still find it a source of wisdom, comfort and encouragement," she continued.
The former first lady also mentioned that she owns many books written by Republican authors , including John McCain's family memoir and autobiography Faith of My Fathers and George W. Bush's memoir Decision Points.
However, some are disturbed by Clinton's professed Christian beliefs due to her political views.
"If the Bible 'remains the biggest influence on [her] thinking,' then why doesn't she abide by what it says on the major issues of the day?" writes politician Gary DeMar, referencing Clinton's liberal views on abortion and homosexuality.
"It is politicians like Clinton who give Christians a bad name," wrote a Twitter user named Janet. "You can't claim to love the Lord and then go against everything He teaches."
Talk show host and pastor Geoffrey Grider agrees, writing, "The Bible 'influences' a lot of people who don't allow It to change them. But she said that it was the "biggest influence" in her life, and that's extremely transformative language. So as such, we can only come to the logical conclusion that she credits the bible with formulating her Pro-LGBT marriage stance...[and] her Pro-Abortion stance."
On her part, Clinton says her faith guides her dedication to fixing social injustice, and attempts to apply Biblical principles to issues of human rights.
"I have always cherished the Methodist Church because it gave us the great gift of personal salvation but also the great obligation of social gospel," Clinton told a crowd of 7,000 women during a speech at United Methodist Women's Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky back in April
"And I took that very seriously and have tried, tried to be guided in my own life ever since as an advocate for children and families, for women and men around the world who are oppressed and persecuted, denied their human rights and human dignity."
"Like the disciples of Jesus, we cannot look away, we cannot let those in need fend for themselves and live with ourselves," she told the crowd. "We are all in this together."
The 66 year old former first lady currently attends a United Methodist Church in New York City.
