MP Lauds Mark 8:13

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An obscure Member of Parliament today held a press conference to remind everyone of the wisdom of the Bible passage Mark 8:13. Barrabas Michelan, indepdenent backbencher for a small rural community said there is much to be learnt from the gospels and that he had called the journalists to extol the virtues of his favourite verse.

"I want to relate to you a piece of wisdom from the very Book of all wisdom. In this troubled age, I think we can all learn from the sage-like words of Mark 8:13 - 'He left them, got back into the boat and started across to the other side of the lake', " Michelan said to a stunned congregation.

After this opening the 53 year old began a short exegesis of the meaning of the rarely quoted gospel verse, urging all who heard him to "share this wisdom and get back into our boats". As Michelan finished his conference, he was greeted with scattered applause while the assembled throng of television and print media attempted to question him. His only answer was "I think what you want to know can be found in Mark 8:13."

Christian scholars have expressed agreement with the MP's brave bringing of religion into the public sphere, though they were bemused at his choice of Gospel verse. "Whilst I applaud his intentions, Barrabas' extract from the book of Mark seemed rather arbitrary" said Father John Norton, a Catholic Priest. Protetstant cleric Barry Humphrey Bear concurred, saying he would have preferred it if the MP had instead recited Mark 6: 15, which is 'Others, however, said "He is Elijah."'

Political commentators have speculated that Michelan's press conference may have something to do with his being told earlier in the week by his PR people that voters prefer religious politicians.

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