For years Presidents have been sworn in accompanied by a prayer offered by a minister. Billy Graham has served the Presidents of my lifetime. This election has brought about a changing of the guard. Rick Warren, pastor and best selling author, has been asked to offer the prayer at the inauguration.
Many have been up-in-arms about this decision. Our country is politically centrist which is why we see an ongoing shift back and forth in power. We as a nation don't let either party exercise political power too long, before we oust them for the other party. But I think the people of each party believe that the nation has gone "their way" when "their guy" gets into office.
In this case the political left believe that the nation is a left-wing, liberal country put into power because of their ideology. I don't think they're right, but they do. That is why so many are hot and bothered about the selection of a Bible-believing, Christ-centered, and for Rick's sake Purpose-Driven [:-)] Christian Pastor to pray at the inauguration. He stands against homosexuality, abortion, and a number of other sins that they believe are rights. Many had likely hoped there would be no prayer at all, or at best perhaps an inclusive figure like Rev. Jeremiah Wright would offer the prayer.
I am glad that there will be a prayer offered. I am glad that a figure like Rick Warren is filling the shoes of a great Christian leader like Billy Graham. It is a reasonable response to the heritage of Christian faith that our country was built on. Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
--Ben
3 comments:
I saw an interview with Rick Warren on Saturday regarding this 'controversy', and he said something interesting (I need to paraphrase, I don't have the interview handy to do a word-by-word)...he said that tolerance used to mean "Although I don't agree with you, I respect your opinion", but now means "All ideas/ideals are equally valid, and there is no right and wrong, but differences in perspective."
I think in today's PC world that rings true...and I wish people could see the difference and also remember that 'compromise' is not a dirty word.
- Kurtis
Rick's a smart guy. It's interesting isn't it that this situation again underscores the fallacy of socio-religio-political tolerance. Those that espouse tolerance always come to a point that they can no longer tolerate the difference? There's always a view that must be rejected even by the most tolerant. To truly tolerate everything is to believe nothing. Then you haven't tolerated, you've just abdicated. Right?
--Ben
Are you in any way, shape, or form disappointed with Warren's role in this? I think its somewhat odd that the evangelical community hasnt been more upset about this. Praying for our leaders is one thing, but when it appears that we are joining forces with a man that seems to have no concern for God's laws its frightening. When do we stop being such pushovers and start standing up boldly and presenting biblical truth and fighting for it? What type of message is Mr.Warren sending out to Christians?
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