It appears that Obama is channeling the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, who famously took it upon himself to cut out those portions of the Bible that he didn’t believe. Obama hasn’t gone quite that far, but he has started a new tradition of editing prayars.
From U.S. News and World Report:
During Obama’s recent visit to Fort Myers, Fla., to promote his economic stimulus plan, a black Baptist preacher delivered a prayer that carefully avoided mentioning Jesus, lest he offend anyone in the audience. And at Obama’s appearance last week near Phoenix to unveil his mortgage bailout plan, an administrator for the Tohono O’odham Nation delivered the prayer, taking the unusual step of writing it down so he could E-mail it to the White House for vetting. American Indian prayers are typically improvised.
Read Albert Mohler’s comments here.
I have never been a premillennialist, and haven’t believed in a literal person who is the anti-Christ. However, as I’ve mentioned before, the insidious nature of this presidency may cause me to rethink my eschatology.
Typing too fast …spell wrong…ugh.
Mike,
This natiom was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. It was not founded on Islamic priciples. That is why out elected officials use the Bible.
My concern is not that much for government – I do understand church/state issues. What I really question is Obama’s own belief system, and his integrity.
Now you are starting to understand secularism a bit. Trying to find a way to please everyone’s religious sensibilities from government is impossible. It’s best just to leave it out. This is the basis of Newdow’s suit.
I don’t know if you remember the howl and angst there was from the Republican conservative Christians when someone dared to invite a Hindu to pray. Why, they were aghast that someone would foul the hallowed halls of Congress with a non-Christian prayer. Or the stupid notion that Keith Ellison should do the oath of office on a Bible, even though he is a practicing Muslim (which automatically makes him a terrorist!)
Don’t play this game with me. You know that government and religion tangle to the detriment of both.