Nation of Christians no more???

I remember that well. In adition was the ceremony that took place I think in Yankee Stadium after 9-11. Pagans and worshippers of false Gods all over the place. And there were several "christian" ministers from mainline groups, who know (or should know) the true God, joining with them in prayer.

May God have mercy.

Mike

 

I agree. We cannot make people Christians by legislation. Here in the UK each day in the House of Commons opens with "prayer", but it is a purely formal matter. Indeed, on Wednesdays, when it is "Prime Minister's Question Time" and more Members of Parliament want a good seat, I believe many of them attend "prayers" in order to book a good place!

Having said that, there are some MPs who truly know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and they hold prayer meetings (not mere ceremonial, formal prayers) and bible studies. Perhaps there is something similar for truly Christian Congressmen, and maybe it is they who have the three hour bible-studies.

 

Think of the very public prayers we offer in regular services, funerals, weddings and in particular the wording..."Father, WE lift our hearts and hands to YOU.......we have included believers and unbelievers as if they ALL were believers in the same God.

I am not offended when other religions are represented in public meeting and offer their prayers. They have equal rights. At veteran's memorial services, I have shared the platform with Rabbi's, Liberal ministers and just plain ungodly folks. I answer for who I am, and not for the whole world. On the same hand, I do not apologize for praying in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Cheers,

Jim

 

This gets back to a point I was trying to make earlier ... that these public ritual prayers are pretty hollow if you look at the audience that is supposed to be "led" in prayer. I would just as soon eliminate them altogether.

But, like you, I have done a good many, particularly in my days as a campus minister. I never shall forget the functionary at the U. of Maryland who had scripted everybody else but me -- I could see the Chancellor's script, in a very large font, "Good morning, everyone, and welcome .." .. (he couldn't be trusted to say even THAT on his own?!) -- so he looked at me and said, "Not too long, Reverend, less than two minutes, OK?" I didn't even answer him, but just did my best to pray my heart, whatever the length.

Now ... here is what is interesting to me, though. You mentioned praying in the name of Christ. I agree. That is who we are. How can Jews, for example, be offended by it when the rabbi comes forward and does a few lines of "Baruch ....." in Hebrew? That is his identity. I have seen Muslims do their thing in Arabic. That is their identity. I don't "pray" with them; I just tolerate it. So why are we Christians the ones who must suffuse our identities with a mumbling awkwardness at the end of our public ritual prayers?

 

GE:

The trouble's no one's hearing; it's my eyesight. Sometimes I finished typing without having needed to look up -- that's when I need large print. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Then, I'm no historian. But what I've read about Cromwell he is one of my great heros. It's impossible also for someone like me to disprove what you say about him. I cannot believe it. His chaplan was John Owen for whom I have greatest respect and adoration. Strange I couldn't make out such things about Cromwell reading Owen.

 

You need to read about Cromwell and the Rape of Drogheda

 

GE:

I don't know how long I have to live - maybe ten years? So I won't have time to!

 

It is easy to find the wrinkles in history if we care to look. A matter of fact, it is easy to find our own wrinkles, but we are blinded by the light of our own significance.

Cheers,

Jim