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When is there going to be a resolution to observe Talk Like a Pirate Day? (Sept. 19)
There are a few days I'd like to see resolutions for as well. Here's one for every month.
The anniversary of the War Production Board girdle regulations Day, (January 25)
Babe Ruth's birthday Day, (February 6)
The anniversary of the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac Day, (March 9)
The birthday of Fala, FDR's dog Day, (April, 7)
The anniversary of the purchase of Manhattan by Peter Minuit Day, (May 6)
The anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment Day, (June 15)
The anniversary of the National Shuffleboard Championship Day, (July 20)
The anniversary of Fulton's first steamboat trip Day, (August 17)
The anniversary of the Rooftop Harvest Corn Husking Match Day, (September 3)
The anniversary of Northwestern's University's Pajama Contest Day, (October 7)
The anniversary of the National Crocheting Contest Day, (November 20)
The anniversary of the Chicago Bowling Tournament Day, (December 27)
"The genius of the Constitution rests not in any static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs." -- Justice William Brennan: Speech to the Text and Teaching Symposium at Georgetown University,(October 12, 1985)
No one can keep anyone else in this country from praying when and where they want to even if they move their lips. If a large group of people wish to pray at the same time across the country, they are free to do so. However we can't have a "National Day of Prayer" proclaimed by our secular government. to do so would violate the separation of Church and State set up by the founders of our country. All of this is a waste of time, energy, and of course money. Yet another attempt to skewer freedom of religion and from forcing a particular religion down the throats of anyone not willing to buy into the fantasy that this is a "Christian Nation" instead of a nation where many citizens are one type of Christian or another and expect everyone else to eventually follow suit.
Especially considering how many sects that are still trying to convert ("save") other Christians because for some reason you have to belong to their version for it to actually count. Would a Pentacostal consider a Jehovah's Witness a Christian? Would members of either consider a Catholic a fellow Christian? Or a Mennonite, or an Episcopalian? Possibly but I wouldn't bet on it. Yet they all agree that Jesus existed.
I'll even accept that many people involved don't have a political axe to grind. We've had National moments of silence to honor those killed on 9/11. I'll assume that many people prayed then. But a National Mandatory Day of Christian Prayer --to fill in the blanks--isn't something our country needs.
We have a national "screw you day". It comes the day after elections when the politicians don't have to keep any promises they made to get elected.
"You are letting your opinion be colored by facts again." 'When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." these are both from my father.
As long as the national day of prayer isn't made compulsory or places any special emphasise on any particular religion, I have NO problem with it!
I have. It's frivolous. I pay the government to work, not to fritter away its time proclaiming pointless pseudo-holidays.
There are a gazillion much more frivilous national days out there.
Those other gazillion frivolous days are created by Congressional resolutions, not laws. A resolution is not binding while a law is. If Congress had passed a resolution suggesting that the POTUS declare a National Day of Prayer there would be no Constitutional issue.
When is there going to be a resolution to observe Talk Like a Pirate Day? (Sept. 19)
That was a good post and very informative. You certainly do make the case for any sort of religious/prayer day in the U.S. being unconstitutional, and I hope it stays that way. America was founded as a secular nation by deists, and they wouldn't like to see any sort of prayer day being sanctioned by Congress - or any special interest groups.
Actually, solfeggio, in the early days of the republic there were often days of prayer and fasting. Congress passed resolutions suggesting that the President at the time declare such days. Washington and Adams usually did. Jefferson always refused. Madison did declare such days during the War of 1812, but made it clear that this was optional and people could participate or not as they saw fit. The big difference now is that Congress passed a law mandating that POTUS declare such a day. The law was passed in 1952 during the McCarthy era and the Red Scare. The problems really started when the Dobsons took over and made it a Christian event.
"The genius of the Constitution rests not in any static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs." -- Justice William Brennan: Speech to the Text and Teaching Symposium at Georgetown University,(October 12, 1985)
Now let's say you want to be a coordinator for this event. After all, the Task Force, through it's coordinators decide who will be allowed to speak at this government sponsored event. Ok, here are some of the things you mustagree to on the application to become a coordinator.
Statement of Belief: I believe that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of The Living God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only One by which I can obtain salvation and have an ongoing relationship with God. I believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, his sinless life, his miracles, the atoning work of his shed blood, his resurrection and ascension, his intercession and his coming return to power and glory. I believe that those who follow Jesus are family and there should be unity among all who claim his name. I agree that these statements are true in my life. Yes No
Coordinator Qualifications I. We would hope that each coordinator would maintain active involvement in a local church body as we believe this should be a person's first ministry priority. II. In both public and private life, we ask that you demonstrate the commitment you have made to Jesus Christ in the following areas: spiritual maturity, emotional stability, healthy personal relationships, financial responsibility, and a stable living situation III. We would request that coordinators adhere to the guidelines and philosophy that undergirds the National Day of Prayer Task Force. As a Judeo-Christian expression of the National Day of Prayer, our mission is to provide support and resources that enable the planning of and participation in events that reflect these beliefs. If other people of other faiths wish to celebrate in their own traditions, they are welcome to do so.
VI. We would hope that the new volunteers joining us would share in the legacy of those before them who would have shown a passionate devotion to advancing Christ's Kingdom and the cause of prayer in our nation. As true volunteers, those who partner with us have earned our great admiration for their sacrificial work. They are the backbone of our ministry and labor diligently for God's glory, without any expectation of early pay, recognition, or compensation.
Having read the above statements, I am in agreement with the principles and guidelines mentioned and will subscribe to them as a volunteer. As part of my application process, I also authorize the references listed above to provide the National Day of Prayer Task Force with any pertinent information requested. Further, I release all parties from all liability for any damage that may result from use of such information by the Task Force. I agree to utilize and follow copyright usage of the NDP Task Force promotional materials to 1) perpetuate the annual theme and national media opportunities and 2) ensure a strong, consistent Christian message throughout the nation. I commit that NDP activities I serve with will be conducted solely by Christians while those with differing beliefs are welcome to attend.
It's obvious that the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the people who decides who will and will not speak at functions, intends this to be a Christian event. Those who are not Christians are welcome to come but don't plan to get anywhere near a microphone. Your views are not wanted.
"The genius of the Constitution rests not in any static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs." -- Justice William Brennan: Speech to the Text and Teaching Symposium at Georgetown University,(October 12, 1985)
As long as the national day of prayer isn't made compulsory or places any special emphasise on any particular religion, I have NO problem with it!
I have. It's frivolous. I pay the government to work, not to fritter away its time proclaiming pointless pseudo-holidays.
There are a gazillion much more frivilous national days out there.
Those other gazillion frivolous days are created by Congressional resolutions, not laws. A resolution is not binding while a law is. If Congress had passed a resolution suggesting that the POTUS declare a National Day of Prayer there would be no Constitutional issue.
"The genius of the Constitution rests not in any static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs." -- Justice William Brennan: Speech to the Text and Teaching Symposium at Georgetown University,(October 12, 1985)
That was a good post and very informative. You certainly do make the case for any sort of religious/prayer day in the U.S. being unconstitutional, and I hope it stays that way. America was founded as a secular nation by deists, and they wouldn't like to see any sort of prayer day being sanctioned by Congress - or any special interest groups.
