I guess I'm not seeing how encouraging people to pray constitutes a danger to the republic. If it works, great. If it doesn't, no harm done. I'll reserve my concern for more serious issues like the Canadian Threat or Peak Butterscotch.
Nor am I terribly upset by some of the views expressed here. I can't conceive of a deity that would be perturbed by puerile insults, so I can't see taking offense on God's behalf.
I understand...the fact that "Not everyone perceives things the same way" is exactly why I think it is just flat wrong to organize a political rally under the pretense of using Christianity as a solution. What if this was a Muslim rally sponsored by a Islamic group - there would be outrage by the very people that are doing this - it is just not a way to have a political debate in a secular country. But these days it is used as a tool to get the vote.Originally Posted by poetry_writer
You know and I know that praying by thousands to give us rain, to rid ourselves of this black socialist, or even to hit a homerun or score a touchdown, will not solve anything except to pander to those that believe their feelings are more important than anyone else's, that their religious beliefs are correct, and that our nation is dependent on the moral influence of their chosen deity.
Like I said - this is not the dark ages, of if it is I am in trouble because I will probably be one of the first to be "burned at the stake" for being a heretic. I can't think of anything quite as scary as religious frenzy.
Peace
Actually if someone could reconcile this event with Matthew 6 (pretty much the whole chapter), it would make it more understandable.
Yes. But lets be clear. I said beliefs, not people. There is a very big difference.
Liberals mock conservative beliefs and conservative mock liberal beliefs here all the time. I don't see why religious beliefs should be any different.
But then, I'm not a mod, so my opinion hardly matters on the matter. Not that it stops me from stating it, of course.
"There are too many books in the world to read in a single lifetime; you have to draw the line somewhere." --Diane Setterfield, The Thirteenth Tale
Boy.......if anyone really thinks that Governor Perry is doing this sincerely, I have a list of TV preachers who are looking for donations.
It might be admirable for the governor to meet with a group of other governors and pray for their country. I don't happen to think that would be nearly so helpful as to work together with all to find solutions to the nation's problems, but certainly couldn't hurt.
BUT.....there could only BE a handful of governors and other leaders......so if sincerity of intention was paramount, one would think they could meet together, privately, pray their hearts out and I'd hope for the best for them. But since it's being held in a stadium, which means rooms for LOTS of people, one must kinda believe that the intent is to gather in lots of ordinary people who may be very sincere in their religious beliefs and want, themselves, to pray together for their country, and shake them down for contributions of a monetary nature.
Forgive me for cynicism, but I think there is about as much sincere Christian belief going on here with this occasion as it might be if they were sponsoring a world wrestling match.
Honestly, I see it as an attempt to manipulate and get political contributions from sincere people whose good intentions would be being shamefully manipulated for money.
I think politics and religion (at least by elected officials) ought not to mix in these sorts of ways. Obviously, everyone's mental integrity structures, morality, religious beliefs or lack thereof, etc. affect their secular life, but I just don't think that things like this spectacle do either Christianity, Rick Perry, Texas or anyone else any good.
And, if a mockery is being made, Rick Perry's cynical mockery of the sincere beliefs of legions of people for his own political purposes is worst of all.
That said, as LDAHL said, in the importance scale of things, let them do as they like. One could wish some more effective action on the part of paid elected officials, but.........
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-6
You quote Paul Begala? Pleeez...The arrogance of the pseudo-intellegentsia in Texas...Let's get real
As a Canadian, I probably shouldn't even comment, but....what happened to the separation of church and state? I am all for religion, but I don't think it has a place in politics, or vise versa. This could be a very slippery slope to start on.
Lurker/poster formerly known as squeak
Our constitution's first ammendment says:"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This simply means that there can be no official church or religion of the United States such as the Church of England. It's important to note the "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" part because that's what so many people would like to do to all elected officials.
Last edited by Alan; 6-7-11 at 9:26pm. Reason: Formatting issues
"Things should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." ~ Albert Einstein
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