It's something that former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle is quoted as saying. She was citing the Republican "party's frequent practice of opening events with Christian prayers though people like her, are of different faiths."
Lingle said she respects her Christian, Catholic and Mormon friends but wonders what Jews, Buddhists and people of other faiths at GOP events think when "they are never given the respect when prayers are given."She warned the Republican Party that, "When you send the message out of exclusivity, people don't want to join your group."
I remember Art mentioning when he used to work for the U.S.E.P.A. that at work related lunches a Christian prayer would often be given before the meal. He wondered, too what his colleagues of the Jewish or other faiths must be feeling.
It was the same for me at our Illinois school when I first started working there. I knew of several teachers who were of the Jewish faith and did mention my concern to the principal. I felt school should be a place where all children and teachers of different faiths should be respected and loved. I see too often how it is just assumed that you must be Christian.
Our country needs to get past this in order to get along with the rest of the world. What we (our country and world) need is love, understanding and respect for all the different faiths and views.
But then, that's just our opinion. We were never huge fans of Governor Lingle (who campaigned for Sarah Palin), but we sure do agree with her on this.
ALSO: I have friends/relatives who may read this and are wondering if I'm referring to the different parties we've attended that had a Christian, Jewish, etc. prayer involved at their homes. That was a private party, not public, and we were happy to take part. We've also had people who came to our house and asked to give a Christian prayer. It's OK, we respect your desire to say a prayer in your own way and you are welcome to do so. We just ask for the same respect and kindness.
OK... I'll get off my soapbox now.
You have the wonderful ability to see all sides of a situation. I do get annoyed when politicians jump in on religious matters, regardless of what religion or what the issue is...separation of church and state is the blueprint.
ReplyDeleteYou have picked a good soap box to stand on, Kay. "What we (our country and world) need is love, understanding and respect for all the different faiths and views." What you have said here is the key.
ReplyDeleteThis video
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlfEdJNn15E
of a tour of Capitol Hill would not make you happy. You'd need TWO soapboxes.
I wonder if it is all true.
good point and so needed in our society although these days you can't give public prayers because you have to respect the aetheists...how ever you spell that.
ReplyDeleteKay this is similar to the reason why some companies don't use the word 'Christmas' in their holiday invitations anymore. They use 'holiday'. This is a tough topic.
ReplyDeleteI'm against prayers, & am scathing of all religions equally.
ReplyDeleteNot that it matters, as prayers never happen here. I don't think I've encountered them since I was in Primary School, when before class commenced we'd stand beside our desks, eyes closed, hands folded in front of your nose in prayer fashion, and recite the Lord's Prayer.
Then we'd listen to a bible reading from the class' designated reader of the day.
These bible readings were quite popular because:
1/. Lots of colour pictures in the bible edition the class had (we all had to read along silently with the kid who was reading aloud).
2/. Plenty of lurid tales to keep us interested. The bible seemed to be full of people falling on swords, or poking out someone's eyes, cutting off thumbs, not to mention the excited speculation triggered by seemingly endless use of the word "begat" in connection with various personalities.
3/. It was a lot better than doing schoolwork.
Whatever the religion, I feel that as long as we include the theme of friendship and fellowship and the spirit of family in our prayer, it will be acceptable to all.
ReplyDeleteIt is only when we stress the presence of Jesus Christ or God or Buddha, etc. that we get into trouble. After all, some guests might be atheists.
It's a delicate issue... That's all I can say.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Nice post, Key.
Of course I agree with you totally, Kay, but I'd better stay off my soapbox because I wouldn't be as nice as you are -- you do have a way of saying it all without being really offensive to anyone and I do admire you for that! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Kay, this is a much needed reminder. I think I'll refer to this post in my own post today.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Kay. Sometimes a Palin supporter will actually say something sensible. And true. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteNo, that's not why it's an excellent post. You are absolutely right about equality for all religious beliefs, even, as Lin says, atheists.
Unfortunately, too many people say (re US and also Canada) "This is a Christian country" as if it had been that way always. We've only been here a short time by European or Asian timelines. We forget there were people here before us, but little or no respect is given to their beliefs.
I also agree with Mare, you are a perfect small-d democrat, Kay. You'd make a good diplomat. Too many people believe they are right and everyone else is wrong, but you are willing to try to see it from their point of view as well.
"Good on you, mate" as they say in Oz.
Luv, K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
A wonderful and thoughtful post, Kay. I think, unfortunately, the GOP means to be elitist and exlusive. It's that "Good Old Boy/Wasp" thing put together.
ReplyDeleteIt's time to be more respectful and more ecumenical about our beliefs.
You know I never remember prayer in any of the schools that I attended.
ReplyDeleteNow I remember it when my children were in Catholic school. ( But that's kind of obvious)
Well said like usual my friend!
Even the luau we went to the other night began with a prayer. This purely commercial venture hardly needed to start out that way.
ReplyDeleteBut I can't get offended about everything, so I just have to let go of getting angry about this one.
I agree with your views and endorse what you say heartily. I am a Christian, but many of my friends are Jewish. I respect their views and their beliefs. I respect open discussion on religion. I value freedom of religion. For this reason, I do not support public prayer because I believe that leaves us open to a state run religion.
ReplyDeleteI recently read the biography of Diedrich Bonhoeffer. It is a very fascinating biography because the reader can see how Nazi Germany came to be through the religion of the state. It is scary and a lesson for us. I don't want anyone telling me who I have to pray to or how I have to pray. I want to kept the state and religion separate. It is one of our basic freedoms.
I once lived in a state controlled by a religion. Not a good thing...
Thanks for sharing.
From a Christian viewpoint, the commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself" and it doesn't say if you approve of their religious viewpoint. Scripture also says we are not to inflict the practices of our faith on others in ways that could cause them to stumble. AND it also contains the very clear message that we aren't supposed to ignore or persecute others for their differences. Unfortunately, those lessons don't seem to be the one's on display when people are shouting to the world that their Christian.
ReplyDeleteA good many Christians could use a reminder that Jesus wasn't Christian. He was Jewish.
Yes, when I was growing up, prayers crept out of every corner. It was an exclusively Christian seeming world in those days. When my grandma said she had Buddhist leanings, I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I grew up. It's a much better world now days.
ReplyDeleteWell, I came over here from Linda's website (A Slower Pace) and am glad I did, other than the fact that I was forced to sign up as a follower because now I'm afraid I'll miss something... very interesting post, well written!
ReplyDeleteAs we used to say back in my church going days, AMEN!
ReplyDeleteI guess I handled it differently..and just kept my kids out of school? I kind of agree with (R E Teacher)..and am watching everything turn. At some point we have to remember who we are. America isn't Mexico, or Iran..so, maybe the line we have to draw is to of course respect one another but others coming here have to learn to make the adjustment.. otherwise we could wind up like Hollandislam? My thoughts..and thanks-
ReplyDeleteWe have friends of many different faiths. We have a friend who is an atheist and friends who are gay. We love all our friends for the people they are. We don't try to tell each other that the road we follow is better than the other's, and we respect each other for whichever road they take.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kay, you are so eloquent and so non-threatening when you get up on your soapbox :)