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Title: Five Scriptures You Won't Hear at Rick Perry's Prayer Event
Source:
TPC Magazine
URL Source: http://tpcmagazine.org/article/five ... -hear-rick-perrys-prayer-event
Published: Aug 6, 2011
Author: Jim Rigby
Post Date: 2011-08-06 19:43:47 by Brian S
Keywords: None
Views: 23362
Comments: 34
As a native Texan, I'm used to crazy religion and crazy politics. So, the announcement of Gov. Rick Perry's plans for "The Response," a prayer event scheduled for Aug. 6 at Houston's Reliant Stadium, was not a surprise. But as a Presbyterian minister and community organizer, it's part of my job to stand up for my neighbors. The use of the governor's office to promote one religion in a country with such rich religious diversity is obviously unhealthy politics, but – if one takes the Christian and Jewish scriptures seriously – it is also unhealthy religion. Here are five rather important verses of scripture you aren't likely to hear at "The Response:" Don't make a show of prayer "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray in public places to be seen by others… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your heavenly parent, who is unseen." (Matthew 6:5-6) While Jesus never addressed the issues most important to some of this event's co-sponsors, such as homosexuality and abortion, he did speak out against public displays of religion. Whatever Jesus meant by the word "prayer," it seems to have been about the quiet and personal. The disciples had to ask Jesus how to pray, which is a pretty good indication that he wasn't praying a lot publicly. What he did say about prayer carried a warning label: "Don't rub it in other people's faces." God doesn't withhold rain because we've done something wrong "God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) Perry recently called Texans to pray for rain, which implies that God steers clouds toward the worthy. According to Right Wing Watch, one of the events co-sponsors has said the earthquake in Japan happened because the emperor had sex with the Sun Goddess. It may be a part of our lower nature to blame disasters on people we don't like or understand, but Jesus taught that God sends rain on the just and unjust. Furthermore, he said our love should be equally nonselective. I have chosen Christianity as my life's religion, but when nonjudgmental love is taken out of its center, it becomes poisonous and predatory. The word "God" can be a helpful symbol for all the transcendentals of life, but the symbol becomes instantly pathological when used as a scientific explanation or political justification. God doesn't have favorites Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism." (Acts 10:34) When the Bible says that God is not a "respecter of persons" it means that God doesn't have a favorite country or religion. The idea that God wants Christians to be in charge of other people violates Jesus' teaching that we are to take the lowest place. We are to change the world by humble persuasion and good example, not by messianic coercion. The assumption that Christianity and America are God's two favorite things will be particularly ironic, as the prayer event falls on the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Worship by those who neglect the poor is offensive to God "I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me… Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:21-24) The prophet Amos chastised the religion of his day for praying to God while mistreating people. Texas leads the nation in citizens who are uninsured, who work for minimum wage, and who die from unsafe working conditions on construction sites. Our state has the widest gap between rich and poor of any in the union. If the governor wants to call us to repentance it should begin with our real sins against the poor not the imaginary sins dreamed up by his friends. The heart of Christian ethics is being a good neighbor When Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) it was to teach humility to a rich young zealot who thought he was approaching moral perfection. The Samaritans were the scapegoats of the day. The rich young ruler would consider Samarians heretics and immoral people. Jesus used a merciful Samaritan as the example of ethical perfection. It is a lesson many Christians have yet to learn. One sponsor of the event, the American Family Association, is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. The group's director of analysis for government and policy is quoted by the SPLC as saying that Hitler was "an active homosexual" who sought out gays "because he could not get straight soldiers to be savage and brutal and vicious enough." He also said Muslims should not be allowed in the military or be allowed to build mosques in the United States. None of this analysis springs from malice. In fact, I must confess that I have a soft spot for Rick Perry. When the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in Texas was passed, I had the honor of pushing the wheelchair of Byrd's mother into the governor's office for the signing. I privately thanked Perry for his courage in standing up to all the groups who had fought against the bill; I knew he might pay a political price for signing the bill. Tears came to his eyes, and he said, "It's the right thing to do." I can't know what is in Perry's heart, of course, but I do know the problem isn't one politician but rather a nation that has embraced an unhealthy political arrogance undergirded by even unhealthier religious hubris. The "prayer" that is most needed at this time is for each of us, believer or not, to go into our own heart and find the humility and empathy that is at the core of righteousness, political and spiritual.
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#1. To: Brian S (#0)
Amen.
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
{{{smirk}}}
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
What is that 'popping sound' I'm hearing? {{{lmao}}}
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
Your three surviving brain cells ricocheting against your vacuous skull? (actually, that would be a "DOINK-DOINK-DOINK" sound.)
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
Wow. I'm back up to 'three'? That ginseng shit must really be working overtime. ;)
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
;) I dunno. It could just be an echo of just the two.
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
Damnit and I had my hopes up... :(
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
God doesn't withhold rain because we've done something wrong God doesn't have favorites Worship by those who neglect the poor is offensive to God The heart of Christian ethics is being a good neighbor I copied the bullet points of the article above. I don't really have a problem with MOST of the writer's POV. The one I'd like to focus on, however, is his forth point: Worship by those who neglect the poor is offensive to God The prophet Amos chastised the religion of his day for praying to God while mistreating people. Texas leads the nation in citizens who are uninsured, who work for minimum wage, and who die from unsafe working conditions on construction sites. Our state has the widest gap between rich and poor of any in the union. If the governor wants to call us to repentance it should begin with our real sins against the poor not the imaginary sins dreamed up by his friends. The writer makes a valid point about "those who neglect the poor" being offensive to God. But then he goes on about the state of Texas - seemingly comparing it to a religion Excuse me? The State of Texas is an political entity, not a religion. Whatever happened to "seperation of church and state?" Also, Texas being a political entity is, by definition, not an individual. God (and Christ) deal with us AS INDIVIDUALS. If one is a Christian, his or her salvation is because he/she accepted the perfect sacrifice of Christ - AS AN INDIVIDUAL. Not becuase they are a member of a particualr family, or a citizen of the State of Texas. If God is displeased with me because I neglect the poor, it is because I personally am not doing all that I can (financially or other ways) for my less fortunate brothers and sisters. He is not displeased with me if I happen to pay all my taxes, but happen to live in a political entity that someone else thinks "does not help the poor" So like I said, I agree with the other points. I just wanted to clarify this one.
The point is that prayers organized by Perry to God to fix the screwed up state of Texas mean nothing to the Lord.
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
It's interesting that you think you speak for the Lord Assuming you claim to be a Christian (if that is not the case, please ignore), let me ask you a serious question? When people pray (of behalf of themself, or someone or something else), what are they praying for? Are they praying for something that is perfect, or for something that is "screwed up.?" If they're praying for something perfect, why does it need prayer?
God does not listen to Protestant prayers. They are the mouthings of cursed heretics. The reason for prayers is to hold God in remembrance. Maybe if you do a dance it will please God and he will make it rain - because he is a prick and likes to screw around with us mortals for the lulz....
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
Umm . . . so you DO speak for God. I didn't realize I was in the presence of Holiness. Shall I remove my shoes? Very revealing answer, btw. Very.
At one point, Mr. Perry asked those in the audience to pray for President Obama. “Father, we pray for our president, that you impart your wisdom upon him, that you would guard his family,” he said. So you figure hObama is going to hell in spite of Perry's prayer?
Obama's watch stopped on 24 May 2008, but he's been too busy smoking crack to notice.
If I read Destro right, Obama is going to hell because he is a
All Protestants are bound for hell.
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
See?
Sure. I belong to the actual Church he founded. I am not a Protestant so I am closer to him than you.
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
I'll bet we actually agree on one thing: We don't want to be standing next to each other on Judgement Day. (ONE of us is going to be struck by a lightning bolt)
I won't be standing next to God cursed Protestant heretics.....
With the economy still in the dumper -- maybe permanently? -- and full-time jobs becoming as scarce as rain during a drought, huge percentages of Americans have had their (misplaced) faith in the American dream shaken, the upper-middle-class consumerist lifestyle is exposed as a mirage for anybody who plays by the rules. Capitalism and the America that embraced it as a way of life is now and forever more a failure. It does me good to know that the generation that voted in Reagan and his ideology will see their America die from that ideology before their very own eyes and knowing they had a hand in its destruction.
Here's a pinup for you, then:
Sure. I belong to the actual Church he founded So you Greek Orthodox got amnesty from the Pope a couple of years back. Hell is still packed with pre-amnesty GO. Us Irish Catholics did manage to keep you rif raf out of heaven for a couple thousand years, though.
Obama's watch stopped on 24 May 2008, but he's been too busy smoking crack to notice.
OK just spewed fine Russian Vodka all over the rig. Thanks the gods it evaporates just fine. Think I'll let it air out for a bit and have a smoke.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
No it doesn't.
No it doesn't. A wise man once told me that the secret of success with prayer is to pray for what God wants. So if God intends to steer rain towards the worthy, then he'll get what he prayed for. It's hard to explain, but if you're on God's side, things tend to work out well.
Obama's watch stopped on 24 May 2008, but he's been too busy smoking crack to notice.
It's hard to explain, but if you're on God's side, things tend to work out well. I agree with you that if you are on Gods side.... I don't doubt that it rains on the just and the unjust. But that doesn't mean a prayer would hurt.
But there is the hook, what is "gods side"? Devotions are a dime a dozen on that answer.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
Would that happen to be the Eastern Orthodox church that Destro belongs to? And what makes you think God has a caste system in His Kingdom?
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
There's a capital "G" in God, heathen. Devotions are a dime a dozen on that answer. Only if you're lost or deceived.
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
That's fine wisdom, though "success" is relative to God's will.
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
We don't want to be standing next to each other on Judgement Day. (ONE of us is going to be struck by a lightning bolt) HEH! More bad news for Destro...er...I mean Godwinson.... St. Peter: "Godwinson...Godwinson...hmmm....You're not on the guest list. Oh HERE you are. But our notes say you were misdirected by all those prayer beads, candles, and devotions to Mary instead of Jesus. Nice try, but buh-bye, Poseur."
"It's not surprising, then, they [White Pennsylvanians] get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." ~ Comrade-in-Chief Barry Hussein 0bama
Doing your best to follow Gods word. When you make mistakes genuinely repent.
Interesting remarck by Godwinson isn't it? And you jumped on Destro's interpretation. I suppose he didn't properly separate politics from religious considerations. We shall wait for the 'morrow to understand his reply towards your post.
Neither the Roman Catholic Church or the Protestent Churches are close to the Original Church Jesus and Paul founded. The Closest organized religion to the original is the Eastern Orthodox Churches (Greek, Russian, Armenian, Christian Palestinian, etc). The Roman Catholics are just a heritical split off from the Orthodox Churches designed to give the Pope, the Colledge of Cardinals and the Jesuit Order the political power that was once Pagan Rome's just as the protestents split off from the Romans. The Bible recognizes no higher church office than BISHOP, PERIOD.
#2. To: Godwinson (#1)
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...
#3. To: Brian S (#2)
Saint Moses the Black
#4. To: Godwinson (#3)
#5. To: Brian S (#4)
What is that 'popping sound' I'm hearing?
#6. To: Liberator (#5)
(Edited)
Your three surviving brain cells ricocheting against your vacuous skull?
#7. To: Brian S (#6)
Wow. I'm back up to 'three'? That ginseng shit must really be working overtime.
#8. To: Liberator (#7)
I dunno. It could just be an echo of just the two.
#9. To: Liberator (#5)
(Edited)
Don't make a show of prayer
"I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me… Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:21-24)
#10. To: Get Outta Dodge!, Liberator (#9)
He is not displeased with me if I happen to pay all my taxes, but happen to live in a political entity that someone else thinks "does not help the poor"
#11. To: Godwinson, Liberator (#10)
The point is that prayers organized by Perry to God to fix the screwed up state of Texas mean nothing to the Lord.
#12. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#11)
(Edited)
When people pray (of behalf of themself, or someone or something else), what are they praying for? Are they praying for something that is perfect, or for something that is "screwed up.?"
#13. To: Godwinson (#12)
God does not listen to Protestant prayers. They are the mouthings of cursed heretics.
#14. To: Godwinson, Get Outta Dodge!, Liberator (#10)
The point is that prayers organized by Perry to God to fix the screwed up state of Texas mean nothing to the Lord.
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul
#15. To: hondo68, Godwinson, Get Outta Dodge!, Liberator (#14)
So you figure hObama is going to hell in spite of Perry's prayer?
Muslim Protestent.
#16. To: hondo68, Get Outta Dodge!, Liberator (#14)
(Edited)
So you figure hObama is going to hell in spite of Perry's prayer?
#17. To: All (#15)
#18. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#13)
Umm . . . so you DO speak for God.
#19. To: Godwinson (#18)
(Edited)
Sure. I belong to the actual Church he founded. I am not a Protestant so I am closer to him than you.
#20. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#19)
We don't want to be standing next to each other on Judgement Day.
#21. To: Godwinson (#20)
#22. To: Godwinson (#18)
you DO speak for God.
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul
#23. To: Godwinson (#12)
God does not listen to Protestant prayers. They are the mouthings of cursed heretics.
#24. To: Brian S (#0)
Perry recently called Texans to pray for rain, which implies that God steers clouds toward the worthy.
#25. To: A K A Stone (#24)
God steers clouds toward the worthy.
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul
#26. To: hondo68 (#25)
A wise man once told me that the secret of success with prayer is to pray for what God wants. So if God intends to steer rain towards the worthy, then he'll get what he prayed for.
#27. To: A K A Stone (#26)
I agree with you that if you are on Gods side....
#28. To: Godwinson, Get Outta Dodge!, Buckeroo (#18)
I belong to the actual Church he [God] founded. I am not a Protestant so I am closer to him than you.
#29. To: Brian S (#27)
But there is the hook, what is "gods side"?
#30. To: hondo68 (#25)
A wise man once told me that the secret of success with prayer is to pray for what God wants.
#31. To: Get Outta Dodge!, Godwinson (#19)
I'll bet we actually agree on one thing:
#32. To: Brian S (#27)
(Edited)
#33. To: Liberator, Godwinson (#28)
I belong to the actual Church he [God] founded. I am not a Protestant so I am closer to him than you.
#34. To: Godwinson (#20)
The Fed EXPOSED!!! The FARO RESERVE BANK!!!
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