Note: Before reading the following arguments, please understand that they are not what I believe. On Wednesdays, I deliberately argue for wrong ideas, challenging my listeners to call and defend the obvious right answer, which is usually far harder than one would expect. This is a summary of what Wacky Andrew will be arguing, not a representation of what real Andrew believes.~Designates non-adherents as political outsiders, even if only for a day. This clearly violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
~The only reason you support this is because you believe in the side that benefits from the ruling. ~The real question is how many people who aren’t in favor of prayer believe that the country as a whole is entitled to have a national day of prayer?
~How would you feel if the President announced a national day of no-praying, a Presidential prayer ban? What about a national day of church attendance, where people are encouraged to go to whatever religious institution they like? Or to not go to any at all?
~You have to learn to think about these things as if you’re not in the group the rule happens to benefit and decide whether it’s truly a fair rule. You have to play referee rather than advocate.
~The reason you are encouraged by this is because you want a soft theocracy, and this seems like a good start. But that’s a particularly religious view.
~The Constitution would allow States to do this on their own, but not the federal government. I thought you believed in Federalism/States’ Rights?
~If you are going to have it, having such a generic one perpetuates the notion that any prayer to any deity is equally acceptable to the one true God.
~Just as Christians and Muslims can’t pray together, really, so we shouldn’t be excited about a NDOP that encourages us all to do so collectively.
~“I can think of no stronger example of government pushing religion on its citizens, willing and unwilling, than having the commander-in-chief urge us all to pray.” -Bonnie Erbe
~How is the world any different if you don’t have it?
Links:
NDOP (Wikipedia)
NDOP confusion (Wash Post)
1 comment:
I happen to like the idea of a day of prayer, and of a nationwide day of prayer. But I'm utterly opposed to the idea that such a day of prayer ought to be nationalized. Once the thing becomes nationalized and official and established it becomes another thing entirely. Prayer is not something to be rendered unto Caesar, nor is it something Caesar ought to be put in charge of, asked to bless, permit, allow or establish. A Nationalized Day of Prayer defeats the purpose and will inevitably wind up with pious posturing in which repentance and thanksgiving are transposed. Politicians offer pompous thanksgiving for national shames about which we ought to be begging God's forgiveness while at the same time lamenting many of the things most pleasing to God. A Nationalized Day of Prayer -- or a nationalized prayer breakfast -- is bound to wind up backwards and upside-down.
Post a Comment