Stop the endless prayers …
March 10, 2009 4 Comments
OK, I do not mean that to be as anti-religious as it sounds. It’s just that at formal public gatherings of late, I have seen the invocation and benediction drag on and on and on. It kind of seems as if the clergymen think they are the ones giving the speech.
The latest example was today’s budget address where the benediction given by a swami included a series of chants and seemed to last 10 minutes. The invocation by a rabbi lasted about five. Stop already!
If we are going to force religion into the public arena, where it really does not belong, let’s at least have those bestowing blessings keep things short and succinct,.
How about, “Bless this chamber and our leaders with wisdom, understanding and goodwill. Amen.”
That seems sufficent to me.
About fsnowflack
Amen!
Brother Snowflak, I can certainly understand you irritation with the longer-winded keepers of “the word” at these events—especially when there is a one-hour open bar and the IS clock ticking. With the frightening number of folks declaring their religion and “none,” maybe is time to reflect on what that means and simply hoist one to the holy one and buy Father Duffy a round.
Fred, I can understand that it might be long, and yes they could shorten it some, but at least they are keeping some kind of peace with God. In this country, we need Him now, more than ever. That’s the only thing that will keep unity in this country and keep it from being Balcanized in the long run. The Founders certainly were believers in a higher power and indicated that without God, our country couldn’t exist.
Funny how people insist on equating religion with morality. Like, if you don’t have god in your life (um, Religion Pro’s god, apparently), you’re an immoral slob. I don’t care if you worship a hippopotamus–just stop forcing it on the rest of us in public venues.