Eric wrote:
> Sheesh, have we really
> turned into a totally Godless nation?
This is the same specious argument that turns up every time
someone objects to a public prayer. It couldn't possibly be more
mistaken. Here's my rebuttal:
Objecting to one person's praying on behalf of everyone present
at a decidedly non-religious gathering does NOT mean that the
person offering the objection has no religious beliefs. I have my
own strongly held beliefs, one of which calls for respect for the
beliefs and practices of others. In other words, I won't be
inflicting my religious persuasions on you, and I request that
you do me the same courtesy. I think that's also called "The
Golden Rule."
The prayer in question invoked Jesus in an audience in which I am
certain that there were many of the Jewish faith. I would wager
that there were also Muslims present, and possibly Hindus and
Buddhists. What about their prayers?
I take offense at being expected to pray publicly with someone
else who may or may not share my convictions. I am definitely not
alone in this position. The assumptions that are made in offering
such a public prayer are wrong. If a moment of silence is
observed, I have no objection whatever. At least then, everyone
gets to say his/her own prayer.
Jay
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