Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Prayer and Fasting Rally Makes Some Uncomfortable
Share this Article
Twitter
Facebook
Delicious
Digg
Stumble
RedditAuthor:
Harrison
Tags:
adolf hitler american family association bible christians church and state god rick perryTexas governor Rick Perry, who may run for the presidency in 2012, has invited the nation’s governors to Houston for a Christian prayer get together this summer. In his letter to the other 49 governors (and maybe the Mayor of Washington, D.C.?) he wrote:
Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.
Some problems are beyond our power to solve, and according to the Book of Joel, Chapter 2, this historic hour demands a historic response.
There is hope for America. It lies in heaven, and we will find it on our knees.
The entire event is based upon what is written in the Bible:
The prayer gathering is based on the biblical passage from Joel 2 where two prophets say a nation in crisis should hold a “solemn assembly” and return their hearts to God “with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Responding to critics of the event, Governor Perry wrote that in 1775 before the U.S. Constitution was ratified, the Continental Congress “asked the colonies to join in prayer.”
The United States is not in the situation in which we find ourselves because of something God did or didn’t do… our pickle is purely related to the problems of man. Specifically, spending more than we have.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, predictably, didn’t really get too supportive of Governor Perry’s call for prayer:
But Perry’s move is over the top. He has “initiated” a sectarian event where only Americans of a certain faith are welcome and he has called for other state leaders to do the same. To make matters worse, he has hooked up with a deplorable right-wing group to get the job done.
What would have been the response by Christian groups had Governor Perry been Muslim (or Jewish)? What if he called for everybody to face East and pray to Allah?
I think the reaction would have been quite different.
Naturally, this entire debate is being cast as a Godless Liberal vs. Godly Conservative issue. President Obama, sleeper cell Muslim that he is, has destroyed the nation.
Onward Christian Soldiers!
This entire event not only makes me uncomfortable but makes me wonder why the Almighty is needed in such a public way to provide “guidance” to people who should already know if you spend more than you earn you’ll quickly put yourself into the poor house.
This type of Come Home to Jesus stuff is also why I have never been a registered Republican and never will be. I honestly feel that the Republican Party “finds God” only when the chips are down sort of like how convicted murderers on Death Row suddenly find Jesus.
The group that is backing Perry’s efforts, The American Family Association, has a lot of things about them that seem unAmerican. Bryan Fischer is the Director of Issues Analysis for the American Family Association and he said in 2009 that Adolf Hitler was the one who devised the strategy of a separation of Church and State:
Politics do not belong in the church, the church must be separate from the state – these two mottos, these two slogans…came directly from the mind of Adolf Hitler. Those two mottos, those two slogans, were official mottos, official slogans, of the Nazi Party.
This is scary stuff. And he’s wrong, too. Herr Hitler actually wanted to destroy Christianity and replace it with his brand of Nazism. Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer was the whole motto thing and if you’ve ever watched Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will you’ll see that all that Nazi pomp and circumstance was met to replace the Christian religion with the Nazi one.
Based upon Governor Perry’s upcoming event and the group that’s supporting him, I could never, ever vote for the man should he run for president.
Although I’m an Atheist I don’t mind when people discuss God, or Jesus (or whomever) but my tolerance ends when an elected official holds a Christian prayer and fasting rally with support from a Hitler mis-quoting organization.
The gods of every failed nation never came to their aid when they needed it and Jesus isn’t going to descend from Heaven and balance our checkbook, either.
Did you like this article? Get new articles daily for free via RSS or Email.
4:16 AM
It seems to me that the answer to the country’s problems are pretty self explanatory, but nobody in Washington is willing to do what is needed. We only need to look within the system to see where the problem lies, the answer is there.
Steve Dennis recently posted..Obamacare- Atlanta court poised to rule Obamacare unconstitutional
1:53 PM
I agree. It’s about dollars and sense.
2:58 PM
It’s about miracles, in disguise. Because in this backwards world, that there still exists such a thing that we would even dare refer to as ‘sense’ or ‘common sense’- Well, I just think this is something we should not take for granted, haha! Oh yeah, and that goes for the dollar too!
So just face it, nothing really makes that much sense, or enough sense! Not unless faith, God, and miracles are brought into the equation.
Yes, I am picking on you today, Harrison
5:39 AM
Very good read Harrison. Although I’m Catholic, I hate the notion of people trying to push their religion onto others. It makes me uneasy as well when politicians pull stunts like these.
Why can’t they accept the fact that not everyone in America is Christian? Why can’t they just leave it alone? It’s like the pastor who invoked the name of Jesus Christ at a Memorial Day rememberance ceremony. It was a public rememberance, and naturally people got uncomfortable when he brought up Jesus.
Sure, he’s a pastor, but I made the point that he could have very easily invoked God’s blessing instead of Jesus, and he would have covered all three Middle Eastern religions without causing a stir. The atheists might have been perturbed, but “In God we Trust,” is on our money, so whatever I guess.
Yes, America was founded by Christians, but that doesn’t mean that we’re a “Christian Nation.” The values we espouse–liberty, justice, hard work and sacrifice–are universal values, not Christian.
Jack Camwell recently posted..I guess I have to come clean- Im Pro-Choice
11:54 AM
I think America is still a “Christian Nation” my issue is not only is Gov. Perry casting his lot with an unstable group but it also strikes me as a base political move in order to shore up future support. Does praying for rain make it rain? If two countries fight each other and each side prays to the same God for victory does God listen and/or do something about it?
2:02 PM
Even though God does not answer all our prayers, we still pray because we are still ‘sometimes’ able to tip the scales in our favor through prayer- this is the faith required of a believer, including the acceptance that when our prayers are not answered that somehow God has His good reasons for letting some things happen- even when it is something bad from our viewpoint. Only when the hidden things become revealed could we ever be able to understand, this is faith. Not saying such ‘faith’ is always easy to live with, but this is what all believers struggle with. However, it is every believers goal (or should be at least) to trust and love God, Our Creator, even when it is very difficult to do so.
And sure, we can opt to be angry with God, but just as earthly children behave towards their earthly parents with temper tantrums and through blaming the parents for their problems (an excuse used for evading any personal responsibility in having to grow up)– blaming God will not work in the long run, especially if you believe that the Creator is the perfect parent/makes no mistakes. We, even our parents, are the imperfect ones, this is why we need Him (Our Creator) to guide us, and also have some mercy on us.
I know you are probably thinking, “How could she believe such crap?” It’s kind of simple because first of all, I know I did not create myself (my life via being born) nor this world I am living in. Secondly, I happen to know I am not perfect, I make mistakes sometimes. Besides, if I were so perfect then I would be able to create a perfection of peace and joy for myself and for this whole world. But just because I am not perfect (nor the world I’m living in) should I consider any of it a mistake on behalf of The Creator (God) who created it? I do not consider it a mistake because the choice is actually easy for me since I think it would be much harder to think of myself, and this world, as a “mistake.” How could I live thinking of myself, others, and this world as all one big mistake? This is way too depressing, and I would imagine it could too easily promote some serious suicidal thoughts? So I think that the most challenging part is “living” with this choice/faith of mine because, in truth, life is not always easy- but at least I know it’s true, real, and worth it- even when I can’t “feel” it. There has to be a happy ending to all of this because I “know” God is good.
How do I know that God is good? Because an evil God can not create something good, like my faith. You see, I’m my own proof of that- thanks to my Creator, of course.
1:03 PM
I actually agree with you on this one, Jack. I thought the same thing, God-yes, Jesus-no, simply because all three major religions can relate to God, but not Allah, nor Jesus. The ONE God, Creator, this is indeed the correct choice, it’s just common sense really, I think so anyways.
And I’m not so sure that America was founded by Christians/Christianity, I think it is more accurate to say America was founded on a Judeo-Christian heritage/teachings because even though I am not a scholar of American history or America’s constitution and founding fathers- I’ve never heard of any “rights” being given to the people in the name of Jesus- only God (correct me if I’m wrong about this?). And as you say, our money has “In God We Trust” not “In Jesus We Trust.” I understand some Christians believe that Jesus is God- but there are, I would think a close equal amount of Americans who do not believe such. It would be an interesting poll to see how many Americans actually believe (or still believe?) that Jesus is God.
3:47 PM
While I understand and am familiar with the “arguments” wanting or hoping or wishing something to be so doesn’t make it that way.
4:44 PM
Of course, that’s part of the beauty of it, that one would have to actually choose, that’s why it’s called ‘free choice.’ Would you prefer us to be programmed robots, or a real creation which has the ability to choose?
“..wanting or hoping or wishing something to be so doesn’t make it that way.”
Yes it does make it that way, “for me.” Just because you do not agree with “my choice” it does not make my choice, my God, my faith, any less real.
6:07 PM
I understand what you are saying however something either is or is not. One is pregnant or not. Were you to say that, for you, you are pregnant wouldn’t make much sense, would it?
6:43 PM
A woman does not realize she is pregnant until sometime afterwords (missed period or morning sickness)nor does she show it right away
So I’m just saying, a woman doesn’t always “know” she is with child, even when she really is, lol.
5:25 AM
Most of the Founder were Christian. Not that many of them were Deist. I more meant that America was founded by a group of men who happened to be Christian.
Jack Camwell recently posted..Separation of Church and State eye roll
12:39 PM
Makes me wonder why there’s no reference to Jesus in our constitution, etc…?
I guess they were the types of christians that didn’t believe jesus was God? But I thought that is what early chrisitanity taught? Oh well, I’m confused- but what else is new, lol
10:30 PM
Good point. Perhaps less emphasis on Jesus in the 18th Century or a more religiously inclusive mentality?
10:48 PM
Probably started with Constantine and that creed of nicea (or whatever it’s called)- because I think that’s when the whole idea of a trinity first started?.. But I guess not all followers of jesus bought into all of that kind of doctrine though.
Also, I’m pretty sure I heard once that Christmas was illegal in some states in early america because of something to do with christmas’s original origins having ties to a pagan sun-god worship. So not even sure if our founding fathers observed such things like christmas, let alone ‘the trinity’. I really don’t know but apparently alot was added into the faith that early christians did not agree with, is my main point here.
5:19 PM
John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Verses like that have been on my mind a lot lately.
Matt recently posted..Site News- A New Conservative Hideout Site
6:05 PM
Wow that’s pretty heavy stuff. If one had a chip on one’s shoulder I could see how this statement might cause them some problems.
6:39 PM
First of all, I think God chooses ‘all’ of His creation, it’s just that not every created being has the same role to play, reason for being here.
Also, I think the verse you posted must hold some deeper meaning because, on the surface, it makes the world sound like some evil hell we need to be rescued (chosen out of) from? If this were the case, then naturally speaking, our main purpose for being here would be as a punishment, and to suffer, until we are taken/chosen out of the world? Kind of a strange way to look at the ‘gift’ of life?
Of course, I understand how we all do suffer in this world, but are we to really think it is an evil place we need to be ‘rescued’ from? There are wonderful things that happen in this world too, such as, loving somebody. So maybe we are just here to try and make the world a better place, to simply live, learn, grow, and love ourselves, eachother, and Our Creator, the best that we can. I like this idea much better because it offers more of a choice, and purpose.
7:28 PM
Sorry to butt in here but you wrote: “it’s just that not every created being has the same role to play, reason for being here.”
Wouldn’t this seem to contradict what you said regarding Free Will: “Of course, that’s part of the beauty of it, that one would have to actually choose, that’s why it’s called ‘free choice.’ Would you prefer us to be programmed robots, or a real creation which has the ability to choose?”
Wouldn’t each of us being here for a different “reason” and playing a different “role” suggest something which is pre-ordained? The role of the heavy… the straight man, the side kick, etc..?
7:59 PM
Well said Harrison. You handled that nicely.
Matt recently posted..Site News- A New Conservative Hideout Site
8:03 PM
I did attend Presbyterian nursery school…
9:03 PM
Harrison, it is not a contradiction in my mind because, I think in one sense we are all here for the same reason, while at the same time, we all have ‘individual’ things to accomplish.. for example.. in a school we would have students, teachers, a principal, a secretary or two, a guidance counselor, a janitor, and a few people whose job it is to clean the school, etc.. but the main reason they are all there (besides the paycheck for those who are getting paid) is for the “school” to function as an “educational facilty.” All the individuals involved either help make the ship (school) run smoothly and/or as it should via it’s “main purpose.”
I can’t think of a way to fit “free will” into the above analogy, but again, free will (as I was refering to it earlier) is something someone can choose in regards to having “faith” in The Creator. To believe, or not, is something a person would “choose” to do. And as a side note: the way science is seemingly starting to merge with some religious beliefs, the choice may become easier and easier to make (w/ less faith and more proof being involved). Ok, I guess one of the school employees can choose to believe they are only there for the paycheck, but whether they want to see it or not, they are also somehow helping the school, at the same time. Not sure if this analogy works so good for you, but I tried.
At any rate, in my mind, I say that perhaps we are ‘all’ here to learn that The Creator does exist, and to find out what is our role, both individually and collectively, as The Created (which I also think would make the world a much better place).
Because, I don’t think/believe that our main purpose (God’s Will) is for us to hurt eachother, and be saying things like “my God is better than your God”, or to look down on those who don’t believe (because I think all of God’s creation has the potential for good). But for those of us who do believe, when we see that someone (or society as a whole) is going off the track- then we are, at times, obligated to speak up (out of love for our fellow beings within God’s creation) and even to fight sometimes (through war) when it’s necessary. In short, I do not think The Creator left us the Ten Commandments in order to make our living difficult, I think the commandments are a guide to help us all live together in peace. But just like teenagers, we rebel against authority. And we have the bad habit of thinking we know better, we all do it, believers have to struggle with living in truth too, and perhaps in a strange way, even moreso? I guess it depends, who can really say. Oh right, God can- of cousre, lol.
7:42 PM
I don’t think it’s such a big deal. I’m Jewish, and being in a room of praying Christians does make me uncomfortable. But it’s just that, uncomfortable.
Should Perry run for President, I will not think of this as a deal-breaker.
7:47 PM
For me, the more secular a candidate is the greater the chance I will vote for them (assuming I agree with their philosophy). If a Jew found themselves in a room with praying Christians you’d have to know they all think you’re going to Hell because you do not believe in Jesus. That is an implied statement on behalf of the Christians. That would make me more than uncomfortable.
What makes Perry a non-starter now is the group which is co-sponsoring this event: The American Family Association. Any time somebody or some organization has to use a Hitler reference to make their point (unless they are actually discussing Hitler) has already lost me and are probably unstable and should be avoided.
Who knows what other wacky and dangerous things they also have said.
9:13 PM
lol, Harrison. Jews are somewhat used to it, sad but true.
9:11 PM
lol eots.. I can relate.
10:21 PM
I’m married to a man who was raised Catholic, so I’ve been there many times. His family is very hospitable, though… His dad jokes about the only heir to the family name being Jewish.
11:17 PM
That’s good eots. I think it could only be a potential prob. if you wanted to live an orthodox lifestyle, you know.. or if your husband wanted to be an orthodox catholic, perhaps? I don’t know, lol
My story is a bit crazy because I found out about my jewish roots ‘after’ I already got married and had child.. so is weird sometimes for me to think about ‘what if’ I decided I wanted to go the orthodox path.. and then I just wonder about the strangeness of it all, my crazy lot in life, haha, I’d think you can imagine/relate in someway to what I mean.
8:28 AM
We are not particularly religious family, but we observe Jewish holidays and raise our children Jewish, which is something we agreed upon before we got married. I would not marry him otherwise.
It doesn’t bother me when strangers wish me marry Christmas. I assume everyone thinks I have some sort of Christian background anyways because the majority does, and it’s not like I have a yellow star on my forehead. When my in-laws start a Christmas dinner with a prayer or send Easter cards, it’s different.
12:34 PM