Freethought & Rationalism Archive

GaryP · 03-07-2003, 07:09 PM

I happened to be watching C-Span yesterday when the House was called to order.

The chaplain, in his prayer, referred to the "Lord" and then said something to the effect that this "Lord" is "our Redeemer".

It is my understanding that the whole concept of govt. prayer is that it be "non-sectarian". Do all religions consider their "lord" to also be their "Redeemer"?

If not, did the chaplain slip up a bit yesterday?

03-07-2003, 08:33 PM

From what I've seen over the years, the Congressional chaplain usually ends each prayer "in Jesus name." They don't even try to be neutral about it. The same thing happens in the Senate. :banghead:

GaryP · 03-08-2003, 04:38 AM

I will have to watch this ritual more often. I didn't realize that "in Jesus' name" was being intoned!

That would seem to make it clearly unacceptable. Why doesn't the ACLU or AU or somebody do something?

A few years ago, my local paper reported that the city council opens each session with prayer, but they do it before the meeting actually starts so that they can still have a Xtian one.

Well, they've finally entered the 20th century and now have their council agendas on their website.

The order of the agenda is;

1. Meeting convenes

2. Prayer

3. Call to order

When I read that the prayer was before the meeting, I figured I could do nothing about it. But what the heck is the difference between convention of the meeting and calling it to order?

Sounds as if they are probably doing something highly suspicious.
I hope to attend the next meeting and seeing what type of prayer this is.

03-08-2003, 07:31 AM

If you go here and type "Jesus" into the search feature you'll be able to read all the recent Congressional prayers. Here's a recent prayer:

Quote:

Let us pray:

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy Holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large.

"And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the Characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.

"Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.''

Another:

Quote:

Dear Heavenly Father:

Today we rise with humility and thankfulness before our Creator and ask for divine assistance from Heaven. We are of all people grateful for the bountiful blessings that You have bestowed upon our great land. As this body of legislators now begins its day of deliberations, we ask that You send to them a supernatural ability to discern heaven-sent solutions; that there would come such divine breakthroughs in areas of legislative logjams that we all would say with one voice, the Lord God Almighty, He has helped us.

We pray that You would extend Your hand of health, strength, endurance, and grace to each Representative and their family members. As these men and women help steward our Nation we ask, as Jesus Christ asked, Your kingdom come, Your will be done in their earthly endeavors today. Give us all now a vision and a hope and a faith to lead this Nation into the divine destiny that You have ordained that America achieve. May we be pleasing in Your sight and may there come a voice of unity that erupts from this corporate body saying as Nehemiah of the Bible said: The God of Heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore, we His servants will arise and build. Thank You for Your continued favor, aid and grace in this challenging hour. In Jesus' name, Amen.

And another:

Quote:

Our God and Father, we thank You for the privilege of life itself. And we are grateful that You have taught us that the essence of life is contained in knowing and following You. Thank You for this great Nation and the obvious Hand of God upon us.

May the challenge ahead for each of these Representatives be met with the strong help of the Almighty. Remind us that it is a clean life that is blessed by You, and grant grace, forgiveness, peace, wisdom, fortitude, and insight to each of these decision-makers today. May they seek Your truth as they make legislative steps that affect so many.

We honor Your presence here today. May the difficulties of deliberation be offset by Your mercy, which always leads to victory.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep in mind the fact that OUR tax dollars are paying for this nonsense. Separation of church and state? There's no such thing!

GaryP · 03-08-2003, 08:04 AM

Thanks, AIF, for the info. I learned something today.

But I'm not sure I'm pleased. I think on this subject, "ignorance was bliss" for me.

03-07-2003, 07:09 PM	#1
GaryP Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lancaster, OH Posts: 1,792	House of Rep. prayers I happened to be watching C-Span yesterday when the House was called to order. The chaplain, in his prayer, referred to the "Lord" and then said something to the effect that this "Lord" is "our Redeemer". It is my understanding that the whole concept of govt. prayer is that it be "non-sectarian". Do all religions consider their "lord" to also be their "Redeemer"? If not, did the chaplain slip up a bit yesterday?

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03-07-2003, 08:33 PM	#2
atheist_in_foxhole Guest Posts: n/a	From what I've seen over the years, the Congressional chaplain usually ends each prayer "in Jesus name." They don't even try to be neutral about it. The same thing happens in the Senate. :banghead:

03-08-2003, 04:38 AM	#3
GaryP Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lancaster, OH Posts: 1,792	I will have to watch this ritual more often. I didn't realize that "in Jesus' name" was being intoned! That would seem to make it clearly unacceptable. Why doesn't the ACLU or AU or somebody do something? A few years ago, my local paper reported that the city council opens each session with prayer, but they do it before the meeting actually starts so that they can still have a Xtian one. Well, they've finally entered the 20th century and now have their council agendas on their website. The order of the agenda is; 1. Meeting convenes 2. Prayer 3. Call to order When I read that the prayer was before the meeting, I figured I could do nothing about it. But what the heck is the difference between convention of the meeting and calling it to order? Sounds as if they are probably doing something highly suspicious. I hope to attend the next meeting and seeing what type of prayer this is.

03-08-2003, 08:04 AM	#5
GaryP Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lancaster, OH Posts: 1,792	Thanks, AIF, for the info. I learned something today. But I'm not sure I'm pleased. I think on this subject, "ignorance was bliss" for me.

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