Although not holding a public ceremony today at the White House, President Obama did speak at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC back in February.
(CHARLES DHARAPAK/AP)Photos (1 of 1)
Obama did not outlaw religion - he just changed Natl Prayer Day routine
By Jimmy Orr | 05.07.09
As we mentioned yesterday, President Obama is commemorating the National Day of Prayer. But he’s not doing it like his predecessor did.
Today is the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. This is an event that began under President Truman and really didn’t morph into something new until eight years ago when President George W. Bush began holding public ceremonies to mark the day.
President Obama is issuing a proclamation and the president will pray privately, says his staff.
Not enough
Not enough, according to the National Day of Prayer Task Force. The conservative group wants the day celebrated like it has been for the last eight years.
“We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama Administration,” said task force chairwoman Shirley Dobson. “At this time in our country’s history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer.”
Outlaw
One of the de facto leaders of the Republican party made it sound like President Obama outlawed religion. Rush Limbaugh, not Michael Steele, railed against the president for deviating from his predecessor.
“President Obama has announced that he is canceling the public day of prayer, the National Day of Prayer, that is tomorrow, at the White House,” Limbaugh said yesterday, followed by a long dramatic pause.
If that’s all you heard, you would wonder what was going on.
Before launching into the stratosphere, Limbaugh correctly explained that Obama was “just changing the policy that was in place for eight years of the Bush administration.”
But then the talk show host couldn’t resist…
“Why do this?” he asked. “Why go out of your way to do this? Why make these type of waves unnecessarily? He’s doing this on purpose. He’s trying to irritate some people. He’s asserting his authoritarian control.”
“They say he prays privately,” Limbaugh said. “I have no doubt. Who does he pray to? Does he pray to himself?”
Revert
Of course, the Obama White House doesn’t see it the same way. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was not asked if Obama prayed to himself yesterday but was questioned on why there was a change.
“I think the President understands, in his own life and in his family’s life, the role that prayer plays,” Gibbs said. “And I would denote that administrations prior to the past one did proclamations. That’s the way the President will publicly observe National Prayer Day. But as I said, privately he’ll pray as he does every day.”
We’ll post the proclamation once we receive it.
——
Hey, if you follow us on Twitter, you’ll know about it faster!
Comments
2. janet | 05.07.09
my religion is, as is my politics, my PRIVATE concern. I see no need to shout from the housetops that I have or do not have religious beliefs. I am totally with Obama on this one.
Perhaps Rush was trying to suggest that he (Limbaugh) was in line to be worshipped. Certainly seems as though the Republican base feels that way.
3. Odziozo | 05.07.09
A National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional as it establishes theism. “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion,” This is just an end run around the Constitution as all the cacophonous and mutually hostile sects can agree on one thing: God/theism. This is just a case of majority tyranny trumping the spirit of the Constitution. Theism, atheism and agnosticism are all valid choices for patriotic citizens to make.
But we are probably fortunate that Christians are not hunting us like dogs the way they used to.
Social evolution is slow and painful.
4. Riversand | 05.07.09
It is religion that sent American forces into Iraq and Afghanistan followed by their like-minded. It is also religion that makes the Taliban ruthless. There should be everything in due measure and some consideration for the others ways, that is still to be seen in the so-called civilized societies as well as in the teghghor blaring zionists.
6. W. Elson | 05.07.09
Christianity and the National Day of Prayer Task Force do not own the National Day of Prayer, or praying in general. I applaud the President for making this day more inclusive of all religions. Given he has 3 (or even better 7) more chances with this maybe a rotating schedule can be set up. A Muslim ceremony in ‘10, Jewish in ‘11, Hindu in ‘12, etc. Certainly there will be a year for the Christian Ceremony too.
7. Donald | 05.07.09
1. Who the hell is Rush Limbaugh to ask “who” President Obama prays to?
2. The conservatives are destroying our country. They allowed the born again Christians to hijack their party, they have merged religion into politics and now they are scrambling for a unified voice for their philosophy and voice? RUSH LIMBAUGH is your voice and the life destroying values/morals of the fundamentalist Christians is your philosophy.
8. nowukkers | 05.07.09
A more pertinent question is surely: Why did Bush go out of his way to theocratize a supposedly religion-neutral government? Limbaugh’s expectations of everyone, except for him and his coterie of brown-nosed admirers, are truly incredible in their chutzpah. What is this? A pray-off to see who can be the most overtly religious? Perhaps it is time to change the name of this constitutionally suspect piety-fest to “National Reflection Day”. Then these holy-rollers can reflect on what sanctimonious hypocrites they are.
9. pragmatic | 05.07.09
We know Obama bows down to the Saudi King so prayer wise he probably bows to Mecca albeit privately.
10. Korina Knudson | 05.07.09
“Once again, the Task Force is misrepresenting the purpose of this national observance,” Gaddy added. “President Obama is not the pastor-in-chief of the nation and Shirley Dobson’s Task Force is not the spiritual judge of the president’s personal or official actions.”
I like that quote.
Let Freedom ring.
Our diversity is our greatest strength.
We are supposed to praying for him, not the other way.
And the USA and the rest of the planet.
May Peace Prevail On Earth!
11. Sportin Life | 05.07.09
Rush Limbaugh is a champion of Christianity now? I guess it’s part of the job description for a Republican operative–pretend to be pious. But it’s really rather sickening how that party has co-opted religion.
12. LouAZ | 05.07.09
Any National Prayer Day is a gross insult to every American. It poisons the the very reason this Country came to be.
14. Smerritt | 05.07.09
I don’t mean to push religion, but before all the right-wingers have their way with it, here’s an excerpt from Matthew 6 (verse 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.”
15. dennis | 05.07.09
Prayer is a private communing with one’s god, or whatever. It isn’t, and shouldn’t be, a public spectacle, unless Dionysos is somehow involved. Many Americans don’t pray or believe in asking for goodies from a disembodied spirit. Many are not Christian. This thing has all the trappings of a Fundamentalist boosterfest. It’s inappropriate to have the federal government involved. Besides, the ChristoRepublicans are no longer the Popular Kids who can petulantly demand obeisance to their biases.
Because W so cynically used his “faith” to rally political support for his brutally unChristian policies doesn’t imply that successive presidents should follow suit. I’m weary of these folks marching out and demanding that we all prostrate ourselves before their personal god. Give it a rest. Go pray somewhere… in private, as god intends.
16. Ruby Freeman | 05.07.09
We are beginning to see the president’s true colors. We had better get on our knees and pray a lot. God has the power not Obama. RWF
17. Mark McVay | 05.07.09
It was so nice that President Bush prayed publicly while raining death and destruction largely out of the public eye. Perhaps Obama is onto something. Pray privately and make government more transparent.
18. kEVIN | 05.07.09
And this publication is called the “Christian “Sciece monitor? What is Christian about it? I had known that Christian scientists are generally left wing extremists that worship the new administration, but these comments go beyond establishing proof for that.
19. PJ | 05.07.09
“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” - Matthew 6:5
20. Bob | 05.07.09
Let’s see, what’s next? Do away with the annual Christmas tree lighting, do away with the “Thanksgiving” turkey pardon, do away with the White House Easter egg roll. OK, while we’re at it, let’s do away with using my tax dollars to pay Government employees (State, Federal, City, –) paid time off for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and any other Religious Holiday.
22. Haniel | 05.07.09
@Donald,
The “conservatives” have already destroyed this country.
If someone os looking for something to pray for, pray that the “conservatives” are relegated to the extreme minority for the forseeable future.
Lush Rimbaugh has plenty to pray for. Like if there is a hell he won’t go to that special place for him in it.
24. T Gulstine | 05.07.09
Matt 6:6 should NOT be used to imply that private prayer alone has merit, or that hypocrisy is inherent in public prayer. Jesus is targeting those who he knew to be praying publicly for show.
And anyone who thinks Christianity is solely a ‘private practice’ needs to read the Scriptures more carefully. You establish an artificial dichotomy between faith (religion) and the rest of life. My faith permeates everything I say and do just as surely as yours does (if you are not a Christian). And you DO have faith in something, or someone. The question is, in what or whom?
25. AdamG | 05.07.09
I am disappointed that the National Prayer Group actually believes this should be a Presidential priority.
If Obama were an authoritarian, as Limbaugh suggests, he’d have Limbaugh taken out. So the fact that Rush is alive and well enough to spread lies only contradicts his claim.
27. Cartman | 05.07.09
0bama could light a bible on fire and his supporters would praise him for it.
29. mark troutman | 05.07.09
The president is well aware that changing the policy of publicly acknowledging prayer as the president is sending a clear message about both his and the nations position to the rest of the world. He has time to go stand in line and eat burgers with the vice president but no time for a 5 minute public acknowledgement of the importance of prayer. He claims to be a Cristian but can’t find time to go to any church. Muslim, Jew, Christian and most other faiths all believe in the power of prayer. This is our president making sure the world knows that it’s not as important to him as a photo op at Burger King. We got it sir.
For those still kicking the last administration on prayer verse bombing innocents I believe our current president just bombed the heck out of 100 innocents and barely had time to say he was sorry before telling Afghanistan and Pakistan that there is more where that came from and they need to step up there end of the war? Amazing how Obama killing innocents is just the cost of doing business but when Bush did it he was called a war criminal. More things change the more they stay the same.
30. Kevin Nicht | 05.07.09
Seems to me that Obama is participating in the National Day of Prayer as Jesus said we should: privately. Those who want to stand up in front of everyone and show what good Christians they are by praying in public are the very people Jesus spoke of as hypocrites, saying, “Verily, I do not know you”.
31. Pete | 05.07.09
Don’t fret, next year it will be replaced by mandatory prayers 5 times a day while facing Mecca.
32. David K. | 05.07.09
Hallelujah.
The Moral Majority is older than you think.
They just went by a different name then: Pharisees.
Don’t think so? Wiki the term:
“The Pharisees were, depending on the time, a political party, a social movement, and a school of thought..” (Wikipedia).
Sound like a Party we know?
33. amos33 | 05.07.09
We Christians pray for our leaders and all them who are in authority for it is written:
“My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:” Proverbs 24:21
Rush Limbaugh does not speak for Christians. We pray for those in authority, we do not rail nor speak evil of them as the manner of some is:
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:1-2
34. Steve | 05.07.09
I think the point to be made is that so far this President has done everything possible to distance himself and his family away from organized religion since becoming President.
This after 20 years listening to the begoted ramblings of Rev. Jeremiah Wright.Saying things like:
god d___ america.
“We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America’s chickens are coming home to roost,” he told his congregation.
“The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ‘God Bless America.’ No, no, no, God d___America, that’s in the Bible for killing innocent people,” he said in a 2003 sermon. “God d___ America for treating our citizens as less than human. God d___America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.”
Any wonder he can’t find another church he is happy with …….think about it
35. Jason Johnson | 05.07.09
ONE NATION UNDER GOD….
Hummm
Maybe he really wants it to read
One Nation Under Obama…
36. Jeff D. | 05.07.09
Limbaugh is a felon and a gas-bag! Those who choose to pray may do so, no matter what the President & Congress say! Freedom of religion (or none)is guaranteed all US citizens. I wish the President & Congress would resolve secular issues and stop ******* away my money and my grandchildren’s money on non-issues!
37. EVVJSK | 05.07.09
Typical Limburger hype.
If it was George W. Bush’s perrogative to change the way this day was treated (from the way it had previously been treated) that is fine, but if President Obama decides he would like to revert back to a former way of observing this day (or even putting his own touch on the day) he is doing something wrong.
Members of the G.O.P. please call Mr. Limbaugh up and tell him to keep quiet. He is ruining your party before your eyes.
38. cam | 05.07.09
I think its funny that rush is acting like a christian. doesnt the bible say dont judge people rush? go eat some more oxycontin. We should seperate church and state obviously.
39. Nathan M. | 05.07.09
Somebody said something about Christians “hunting them down like dogs..”
I am a Christian, and I have long felt the the “‘Christian’ Right” public demonstrations of so-called piety would hasten the day when Christian’s would be hunted down like dogs. And you can bet that many who so loudly call themselves Christians now will have sudden changes of heart, and will step out of the way while TRUE followers of the Prince of Peace are executed and persecuted mainly because of the so-called christian’s intolerance and abuse of politics.
40. Dave | 05.07.09
Just another attempt by the conservative christian base of the Republican party to whip their fanatical followers into a frenzy. There’s no better way to motivate and mobilize their base, downtrodden after the election of Obama, into an army of christian warriors prepared to go to war against the infidels and godless. Nothing helps to open the wallets of the faithful than the battle to save one’s faith and “way of life.” We’ve seen this before, we’ll see it again. No different than the Taliban or Al Qaeda … to fight for the cause of Allah/God/Jehovah is glorious and ensures one’s place in paradise.
41. James Pereira | 05.07.09
This whole article and issue sounds like a joke. Why is it anyone else’s concern whether he even prays at all? Maybe it’s because I’m not really down with this stuff, but when I read these things, I just wonder whether these people will ever grow up.
42. Melanie | 05.07.09
When a day is declared national prayer day, why refuse to attend a prayer event. I agree with scripture that prayer should not be done as an act of show, but it does not mean that one should not pray in public. Obama has attended everything else. He has been very visible, with parties and on the cover of many popular magazines. President Obama sais he is a christian. I won’t claim to know his personal relationship with Christ. But this day which is only once a year I feel is a day to unite together in the true need for prayer. By not attending he is conveying a message. He is neither hot nor cold.
43. Ex-GOP-er | 05.07.09
Post #9: “We know Obama bows down to the Saudi King so prayer wise he probably bows to Mecca albeit privately.”
Glad you brought that up. Now who was it; who has for decades hosted Prince Bandar at their homes? Who has cozied up to Saudi Arabia? Not the Obamas. Nope: the Bush family. So do you think they bow to Mecca?
http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/international-relations/prince-bandar.html
44. Robert | 05.07.09
The idea of ‘Rush Limbaugh as defender of piety’ is so absurd that it doesn’t even warrant a serious response. I just think it’s great to have a President who will not be pushed around by the usual right wing Pharisees.
Basementfrog nailed it perfectly, I think.
45. Kate | 05.07.09
Obama and I don’t see eye to eye on many things but I applaud him for “deviating from his predecessor” on this. It’s funny because W. was deviating from his predecessors (ALL OF THEM) with his Nat’l Prayer Day event in the first place. In this way, Obama is being more traditional than W. Way to go Obama. (Now if only he could chuck the day altogether, because people like me laugh at the idea of a Nat’l Prayer Day when the country touts freedom of religion and freedom FROM religion.)
46. Dave | 05.07.09
From #9 pragmatic | 05.07.09
We know Obama bows down to the Saudi King so prayer wise he probably bows to Mecca albeit privately.
———————————————————————–
Do you even think about how idiotic that sounds? It only shows your very low intelligence level.
48. Kate | 05.07.09
“ONE NATION UNDER GOD….”
Jason,
Do you realize that wasn’t added to the pledge until the 1950s? No. Well now you know.
49. ashamed | 05.07.09
While these comments do bring the lols, I am ashamed at the conclusions people jump to. Praying towards Mecca? Burning bibles? You’ve got to be kidding me.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
50. Nick | 05.07.09
Obama is just trying to increase the peace and be fair to everyone of all faiths in our country, which is obviously a threat to people like Limbaugh who make a living from everyone fighting.
51. Fred Flintstone | 05.07.09
I want Rush Limbaugh’s rants to be broadcast in the streets, shouted from the rooftops, blogged worldwide, so that EVERYBODY can experience TRUE, UNADULTERATED IDIOCY and thereby have a standard by which to judge behavior, motives, and ethics.
Barack Obama has made the observance of a private ceremony private, as it should be, now and forever. Not a media circus or an influence on political events.
52. D | 05.07.09
Obama is making government APPEAR more transparent. Whether or not it really IS more transparent…well, that’s up for debate.
But, yes, prayer is not something that should be made a public spectacle of.
53. Dave B | 05.07.09
I applaud the decision of this administration to turn away from religion in government. Under Bush we had too much religion and religiously slanted decision making. Religion should stay in the private sector.
One of the main reasons I voted Democratic in the last election is to support issues like stem cell research, freedom of choice, teaching of science (evolution) not magic (creationism), etc. Thankfully we seem to be headed in the right direction now.
54. Angel L. Ortiz | 05.07.09
I wonder to whom does Rush Limbaugh pray? He preaches the doctrine of division and hatred.
55. Frank J. | 05.07.09
It was never “one nation, under god” until some nuts in congress rewrote it because they thought it would make us different than the totalitarian-commies. Well, we didn’t need to pledge “under god” to be right on moral grounds vs the USSR.
This nation is under nobody’s god, but yes, it is under Obama, the Congress and the Supreme Court.
…one nation, indivisible…
…but the right will try.
56. Bible Believing Social Conservative | 05.07.09
I find it laughable that Rush is concerned about Obama’s spirituality.
I find it pathetic that the only response conservatives (above) offer to Obama supporter’s great scripture usage is: insults and name calling.
Christians:
Did Jesus advocate national prayer?
Did Jesus tell his supporters to back a political party?
Is Shirley Dobson motivated by following Jesus, or putting down a democrat?
This is one reason everyone is sick of Christians!
We’ve become the pharisees (as noted above).
Our true calling:
First,we are to be loving, merciful followers of Christ.
Second, we have the privilege of participating in the political system.
57. Steve D | 05.07.09
It is as necessary for the administration to seperate the church and the state, as it is for us all to separate faith from facts, insanity from the sane.
Theists are sadly incapable of understanding that their extroardinary claim of any god or gods existence, remains completely unproven. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof and there is none. No one is “denying their god”, because there is nothing to deny.
Any sane person, or nation, has no need to respect or acknowledge peoples imaginary friends or how they may choose to try and communicate with said imaginary friends.
Public, Private, Televised, Email, SMS text, whatever… prayer is a private fantasy afflicting the many victims of religion. I am sorry for them, just as I am sorry for any person suffering from an incurable persistent and dangerous delusion. I applaud the state for moving away from acknowledging such obsessions in a “national imaginary friend day”.
My dream, for what it’s worth, is that we become an enlightened scientific humanitarian society of sane atheists, that we care for and love each other as people. The religous practices of indoctrinating children and adults with faith based delusions and beliefs, when they are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves (young, hurt, lonely, etc), will be considered a serious crime against humanity, punishable with the same severity and penalties as we currently apply to mental abuse and torture.
58. Audeamus | 05.07.09
I think Limbaugh prays that his listeners won’t start seeing him for the circus act he really is.
Kudos to Obama for putting things back into perspective. Ostentatious displays of public prayer are political theater, and Dobson and her ilk are well aware of that.
59. Charles Manning (manning120) | 05.07.09
The folks agreeing with Obama have reasons. The others make comments like, “next year it will be replaced by mandatory prayers 5 times a day while facing Mecca.” Tells you something.
61. J. Richards | 05.07.09
It is quite predictable of us to point to the worst that we see in the other camp, as if it is the best reflection of another belief or attitude. That said, one would like to be able to point to the leader of a nation as great as America, as it’s best reflection. Well, those days are gone.
62. Grace | 05.07.09
Just another thing Obama is doing to take away the spirit of this country. Seems to me he is trying to do everything to ruin this country with his give aways, socialist and facist traits. We have survived because we are God fearing Americans, be that we are Christian, Jews, but certainly not Muslins.
When does it stop? We better have a prayer day, and pray that he will not be re-elected. Maybe that is his concern. Has he found a church yet? or is he waiting for his old buddy to come to Washington where he can blast the U. S. as he did, and for which Obama listened to, for 20 years.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
63. Abner Pale | 05.07.09
God listens to prayers 24/7
Did they like get God’s approval and consent that he would be available to listen to Americans pray for their nation day?
We need to pray for one and other all the time, we need to pray for our nation all the time. We are all children of the one true god, regardless of religion,race or color.
Remember God does not have a religion, or belong to any denomination, sect, religion, cult, brotherhood, or any affiliated group.
God’s only affiliation is the love of his creation. We need God he does not need us. God does not torture, kill, maim, or destroy. he loves and forgives and expects us to do the same. let us call it a love your enemy day.
Rush call President Obama and let him know you love him because he is a child of God, then do the same to all the other people of different races,and religions you know or have met. This nation is great because its people possess vast reserves of human empathy. It is greed not God that put us in the situation we find ourselves in.
64. john | 05.07.09
A national day of prayer? For those who only pray one day a year? Or is it those who want to force everyone to practice their brand of fairy tale?
Once again Obama surprises and pleases those who support freedom. The real American patriots.
Rush is just a comedian, and not a very funny one, why does anyone pay any attention to him?
65. David K. McClurkin | 05.07.09
Elections have consequences. Move on.
Is that Shirley the wife of Dr. James Dobson?
Religiosity is just fine in churches, mosques and synagogues, but has a mocking overtone when practiced in a government setting.
66. Tom H | 05.07.09
Dobson is disappointed? Maybe Obama is disappointed at the narrow minded hatred spewed by Dobson and her ilk and did not want her spoiling true prayer. Maybe?
67. Robert G | 05.07.09
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness Is like a villain with a smiling cheek.”
- William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice
Hey, that sounds just like Limbaugh, doesn’t it?
And to the posters before me who’ve insinuated that Obama just MIGHT be facing Mecca when he prays: So WHAT if he is? Everyone has the right to worship as he or she pleases - no ifs, ands or buts. This country kisses the behind of the Saudi King for ONE reason only: Oil. If you don’t like it, then work to figure out a way to get us off the crutch of oil. It’s a big problem and this country needs all the help it can get. With all of our know-how, we can probably figure out strategies to conserve AND produce new sources of energy.
Limbaugh has no solutions. He and his ilk offer nothing but hate and intolerance. He’s stated that Congressional Republicans don’t need to listen to the people; they just need to give orders. He’s stated that there IS no recession; he’s just signed a contract for $400 million. AS a Republican I find that abhorrent; Public discourse and empathy form the bedrock of ALL political movements. A fiend such as he has no place in my party; he belongs with the Nazis.
68. Otto | 05.07.09
kc: We need a “National Separation of Church and State Day.”
What a great idea. Seriously! We need to celebrate the concepts upon which our liberties rest.
69. AdamG | 05.07.09
J. Richards,
I don’t point out flaws in others in order to call myself moral. To each his own. But you saying that America’s best are the religious Americans is narcissistic. What would Jesus think?
70. Paul | 05.07.09
The greatest puzzle I have encountered in my 77 years is how anyone can take Rush seriously
71. lou | 05.07.09
I hope this isn’t too much of a shock for some of the evangelical lunatic fringe who equate how Obama greets the Saudi King with how he prays in private, but the fact is that those who bow in the direction of Mecca 5 times a day pray to the same God to whom Christians and Jews pray.
Perhaps a little education would be good for the soul?
72. MichaelMerriman | 05.07.09
It is not wise or sensible to pray with bitter and angry people such as Limbaugh and Dobson. Why pray with someone who constantly proclaims they want you to fail, or describe you in the worst of terms other than a child of God? Maybe it is the wisdom of Moses who refused to pray for Pharoh in his presence or in the city, that President Obama has gotten insight from. Limbaugh and Dobson should search the Scriptures and learn that such wisdom and insight is hidden from the proud, arrogant, bitter, hateful and angry.
73. Confused even more | 05.07.09
All of the posts before me have valid points in their own ways. Some are right and some are wrong. Some are valid and others are totally invalid. Whatever you have posted here, I hoope your right and I hope you’re ready for whatever comes your way when you go to meet whoever or whatever you believe in.
Obama has his beliefs and so does Limbaugh… Right or wrong, it is not for us to judge either way.
74. Mbrown | 05.07.09
America has no hope apart from what a gracious GOD can do for us. If a public display of that is too much to expect from our President then we certainly would be wasting our time looking to him for leadership. May GOD help us!
76. charles manning (manning120) | 05.07.09
Otto and kc: you’re so right. How is it we have a National Day of Prayer but don’t celebrate the greatest invention in the history of mankind, which came about and still flourishes right here in the USA, namely, the idea that government shouldn’t establish or support any particular religion or religion in general, or interfere with the free exercise thereof.
77. Siam kweku | 05.07.09
James Dodson,Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity et al should not deceive us that they are christians. They act as christians but they are not. There is too much hate in these people to call themselves christians. What happened to the teaching of love and compassion given by Jesus Christ. These people are raving and ranting everyday about Barrack. They spew hate and forment dislike for the president at the same time calling themselves christians. What is the difference between these christian talibans and their muslim counterparts in Afghanistan? No wonder they keep on stockpilling arms. I don’t know whether they are having some apocalyptic ideas in mind. But guess what, all their plots will redound on them.
78. Erzuah | 05.07.09
Limbaugh is a fat oxycontin popping,raving lunatic without the slightest idea of the tragedy he is causing the republican party. This man has no tolerance for a different opinion in the republican party apart from his. I think its better for Limbaugh to go and live in a totalitarian country. That will give him the chance to appreciate what is called ‘diverse opinion.’ He should encourage discussions about the direction of his party and stop driving people away from it. And please, leave the president alone to practice his religion the way he wants it. Jesus did not encourage show-boat religious practice anyway. He called them hypocrites. Just ask the Pharisees.
79. Brian | 05.07.09
growing up in the 60s, my favorite song’s mainline was: “and they’ll know we are Christians by our love….”
I have never seen since a better standard.
My mother often repeated my grandfather’s saying that “you better watch closely the guy singing loudest in the front pew….”. That’s what W was when he performed on National Prayer Day, the guy in the front pew most are wiser not to trust
80. Bernie Schillo | 05.07.09
We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are endowed by THEIR CREATOR with certain inalienable rights. I’ve heard these words somewhere. If you take the CREATOR out of the picture, what happens to the rights? More to the point, why would anyone write these words into the document that formed our government?
Forget Rush, Politics, Obama, Democrats and Republicans, etc. Go back to the original documents that our nation was founded on & see what the founding fathers wrote & thought.
81. Susan Gale | 05.08.09
I actually tuned in and watched the national event.
So many holy and uplifting moments, so many testimony’s of God’s Love and Sovereignty, so much ardent, heartfelt, humble desire for our country. So much concern for healing(like of the arrogance), deep respect for others views, stories of bedrock values that have shaped this country lived out in peoples lives, so many stories from national leaders of listening for and responding to God’s direction, and the fruit that has born for the good of us all…
I was deeply inspired.
I was a little sad the Monitor didn’t find a way to mention any of this…
you are often so good at getting past all the “stuff” and reporting the working of Love in whatever is going on…
82. Ditto-not | 05.08.09
Obama is the most cool, media-savvy person in the world today (thanx to his TelePrompter, but — hey!) He doesn’t slip up. He was right in his approach to The National Day of Prayer. He is always right to ignore that repulsive, blimp-sized gnat, Rush Limbaugh. But I would love to see — just once — video of Obama reading the stupid, hate-filled words of Limbaugh, then mutter under his breath: “What a jerk!”
83. Abe Vorensky | 05.08.09
Rush Limbaugh is not the first take on a leader. The fourth estate has always been a powerful force in politics. As an example Edward R. Murrow took on Joe McCarthy when other Democrats holding office did not. That is Limbaugh’s right.
Cherish that freedom. But now I will quote another great American which sums all this up. That person is Al Franken. “Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot.” I do wish some Republicans would embrace that notion. But they are Republicans “God” Help them.
84. Buddy Fazzio | 05.08.09
In Matthew 6 Jesus specifically prohibits public prayer. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” It would be so nice if the evangelicals who are so up in arms over this issue would open their bibles.
85. Philip Avon St. Cyr | 05.08.09
Do you think any of the irrational conservatives posting here EVER do any reading or listening beyond their own narrow, little worlds? I must admit, having almost reached the half-century mark myself, I truly wonder sometimes whether the resentful, hateful posts one reads are adults or children. The trouble is, whichever one it is, the thought STILL truly scares me. How does our educational system manage to produce people who think like that? Is it, do you suppose, because within their families–as within some of the arguments they make–religion trumps education? How did we ever get to the 21st Century with minds like that?
87. JohnR | 05.09.09
Bush made a choice to have a prayer service at the White House.
Obama made a choice not to have a prayer service at the White House.
Those are the facts. Both Obama and Bush made personal choices. That is the news….period. This is a non story and everyone spewing thier ideology needs to take care of thier own issues instead of wasting time trying to convert every to their way of thought. Most of you are hypocrits when it comes to religion and politics. You attack people you do not like for one thing and you praise someone you like for the exact same thing you bitched at in the past.
This country was started by people looking to get away from religious persecution. Our founding fathers knew that separation of church and state were important, but they include thier faith in founding principles to form this nation. Go read some history and look at a dollar bill or a coin
88. Walt Frankenberry | 05.09.09
It is obvious that most people who quote Bible verses about “praying in private” either do not know, or willingly choose to ignore other vesres in
the Bible about gathering for prayer. AND for those who approach the matter of arguing for separation of church and state - GREAT IDEA!! Our liberal friends need to remember that,practice what they preach and keep the government out of the church’s business and beliefs. After all, both sides are to have the freedom to express their views and should be able to do so without such hatred and verbal bashing from anybody.
Walt F.
89. Pat | 05.10.09
I am so tired of the conservatives clinging to every word dingbats like rush limbaugh or michael savage makes up or says. they are ruining this country, alot of other countries hate us because of there whining. how dare they accuse anyone else of not loving our country because we do not whine and cry like they do. The last administration ruined our economy and now are trying to blame the current administration for their mistakes. All I can get on the radio stations are republican “wah wah” stations trying to get us to think thier ill minded ways. they are not going to be happy until we have a wall built around the whole country. stop the crying.
90. Rachel | 05.11.09
Has anyone taken the time to see where the statement “a wall of separation between church and state” comes from? You may be suprised. For those of you who like others to tell you what to think, here it is. A letter from Thomas Jefferson who was addressing a church. IT IS NOT in the constitution or in the bill of rights. Jefferson assured the church in his letter that one church would not have more power than another. The key however, is that the religions mentioned were not muslim, or buddists, or any non-christian viewed belief. It was for protestants, orthodox, and catholicism. PLEASE STUDY OUR HISTORY. DON’T LET OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU WHAT TO THINK. I advise everyone to do this regarding evolution, and our country’s founding principles. DO YOUR HOMEWORK or fall victim to ideas you don’t really understand!!!
91. han | 05.12.09
i would like to say instead of fighting with each other lets agreed every 1 has their own way of seen things. lets not judge others for their actions but look in to our own life, for we not created any so let us not judge any. God our lord dont want to see us fight among our selves instead we should pray for 1 another. GOD BLESS U ALL
92. Ben | 05.16.09
I think we all need to calm down. Let’s not try to make this all about an intellectual fight. One may say what he or she believes on the issue, but remain children, please. If you understand my reasoning and meaning by that. We must not speak as if we know each of the two presidents’ true beliefs, as we probably don’t.
I hardly see what evolution has to do with this, or ANYTHING. It doesn’t matter. It is a throw around issue for people who are puppeteered by the education system, at least from what I see. I do not mean to boss around.
God Bless.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. basementfrog | 05.07.09
Thank, God.
Someone knows both the constitution and scripture, and respects God.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6
But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
7
3 4 In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
8
Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ”
Jesus said that.
“Thanks, President Obama, for understanding what he said. May he guide you always.”
I said that.