Warren's inauguration prayer could draw more ire

[IndianaGreen]

Warren's inauguration prayer could draw more ire

By RACHEL ZOLL, AP Religion Writer Rachel Zoll, Ap Religion Writer – 2 hrs 3 mins ago

President-elect Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation drew one kind of protest. Whether the evangelical pastor offers the prayer in the name of Jesus may draw another. At George W. Bush's 2001 swearing-in, the Revs. Franklin Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell were criticized for invoking Christ. The distinctly Christian reference at a national civic event offended some, and even prompted a lawsuit.

Warren did not answer directly when asked whether he would dedicate his prayer to Jesus. In a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press, Warren would say only that, "I'm a Christian pastor so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray."

"Prayers are not to be sermons, speeches, position statements nor political posturing. They are humble, personal appeals to God," Warren wrote. His spokesman would not elaborate.

Evangelicals generally expect their clergymen to use Jesus' name whenever and wherever they lead prayer. Many conservative Christians say cultural sensitivity goes way too far if it requires religious leaders to hide their beliefs.

"If Rick Warren does not pray in Jesus' name, some folks are going to be very disappointed," Caldwell said in a recent phone interview. "Since he's evangelical, his own tribe, if you will, will have some angst if he does not do that."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081231/ap_on_go_pr_wh/rel_inauguration_prayer

[BeFree]

1. I'm telling ya

A whole lot of our problems could find solutions a lot quicker if we reduced fundie influence in our government.

Besides, Jesus, I doubt, is all too happy with his name being used by hypocrites.

[TacticalPeek]

2. He's a pseudoChristian.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

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.

- Jesus H. Christ

[stopbush]

4. No. He's a real live Xian in every respect, including the fact that he

cherry picks the Bible...just like you cherry picked your verse.

[tkmorris]

6. Did you expect him to post the ENTIRE Bible?

[Swamp Rat]

7. Yes

:D

[polichick]

9. imo cherry picking what Jesus says and skipping all the rest is wise.

[still_one]

3. I was not happy with the choice of warren, but its going to happen

What matters of course is what an Obama presidency will actually do

We will know very soon

[IndianaGreen]

5. We already know that repeal of DADT has been postponed beyond 2010

and Obama's silence on the Gaza carnage is troubling as well.

[monmouth]

8. Troubling for who? Not me. I prefer he not comment one way or the

other. It's Bush's gig, let him make the statements. Obama has enough on his plate going in, his silence is appropriate.

[still_one]

10. I agree. In my view until he officially takes office, and can fully evaluate the situation

making comments on the Gaza situation would not help the matter, as you said, one way or another

In fact, there is a could chance it could make the situation worse

[IndianaGreen]

11. What's there to evaluate when civilians are being slaughtered by American bombs?

If that had been Serbia bombing Kosovo civilians, we would be hearing an outcry from Obama, just as we did from President Bill Clinton when such a thing actually happened. But this involves Israel, and both major parties have flunked the morality and human decency test when it comes to condemning any crimes committed by Israel, even when Israel launched an unprovoked attack on US Navy ship USS Liberty.