tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post267975984470162748..comments2023-11-02T04:25:49.697-07:00Comments on Northwoods Seelsorger: Day of Prayer Ruled IllegalDonald V. Engebretsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048205066519140869noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-70922471332711874312010-04-23T09:41:54.607-07:002010-04-23T09:41:54.607-07:00Steve,
I would agree with you that praying with t...Steve,<br /><br />I would agree with you that praying with those who do not believe in the true God is wrong (and a direct violation of the First Commandment). Undoubtedly many who participate in events on the "National Day of Prayer" do just that, thereby truly weakening, if not removing, a clear Christian witness. <br /><br />My point in this post, however, was simply the idea of legislating religion out of the public square. Personally, I do not participate in "National Day of Prayer" events, nor do I promote it in my church. Actually, I see little use in having to set aside a day to do what should be intrinsic to the very nature of the church. So, I really am not defending the idea of this day, as such. However, for a judge to declare it illegal speaks to the broader issue of the role that faith and religion will play within the confines of our governmental structure, and here I am most interested in the freedom to practice it and not the government in any way mandating or legislating it. Of course, I have a vested interest in the subject as a practicing chaplain for a government agency, so it is from this point that I speak. <br /><br />But thank you for your comments! Your point is well taken.Donald V. Engebretsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13048205066519140869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-76654091979133018592010-04-22T17:33:18.714-07:002010-04-22T17:33:18.714-07:00I have issues with the "National Day of Praye...I have issues with the "National Day of Prayer" that are theological in nature, not political. If we believe that there is only one Triune God and all other "gods" are idols, then why do we engage in prayer with those to reject the Triune God? If I pray with a Muslim, do I not acknowledge that their pray to "god" is just as effective as my prayer to Christ?Stevenoreply@blogger.com