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longship

(40,416 posts)
5. Heads bowed in second pic?
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 01:43 PM
Apr 2013

What are they doing? Praying?

If so, Sheesh! Do we have to have public prayer everywhere? If so, it's disgusting.

longship

(40,416 posts)
11. I would prefer people would just keep it to themselves.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 05:29 PM
Apr 2013

After all, it's a library (of sorts), not a freaking church.

Why do the religious need to turn everything into a church service by having public prayers?

I just don't understand it, I guess.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
12. In this country, it has been a given since Day One. It's part of our civic culture...
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 05:39 PM
Apr 2013

Traditionally, civic prayers are about as generic as it is possible to get, referring to "God" or "Almighty Father" or "the Creator", but not to Jesus. In Western culture that is being inclusive.

In civic life no one is asking for more than a moment of your quiet respect, during which you can meditate or do multiplication tables or otherwise occupy your mind, but no public profession of faith is required. Just good manners, not a religious requirement.

You're welcome,

Mom

longship

(40,416 posts)
15. All correct, except it's not inclusive to non-believers.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 05:56 PM
Apr 2013

Who find it presumptuous and offensive.

In matters of politics and governance this especially grates on non-believers who, more often than not, have been excluded from the dialog on these matters, if not outright excluded from positions of governance.

So here I must stand: People have the right to pray but they need to keep their damned prayers to themselves.

11 Bravo

(23,922 posts)
14. As long as you understand that your preference will not always be realized, you have no problem.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 05:55 PM
Apr 2013

I personally am a Christian who prefers to keep my displays of worship private (much as Christ advised). What I just don't understand is the angst that a public display causes some to suffer.
I marched with my gay brother in a Gay Pride parade in San Francisco almost 30 years ago. (We even held hands!) I really didn't give a fuck if some people might have been disturbed by the public nature of our display. (And my wife and both of our sons love their brother-in-law/uncle AND his partner of almost 25 years!)

longship

(40,416 posts)
17. Of course you do not object.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 06:04 PM
Apr 2013

Why would a professed Christian object to prayers?

I understand your post, but still think very strongly that mixing religion and government or religion and politics is toxic. It always has been and it always will be. Our Constitution set up a secular government. Unfortunately, people who decry, "What's the harm? It's only a prayer." have apparently forgotten that.

Worried senior

(1,328 posts)
7. It doesn't look that good on her.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 04:42 PM
Apr 2013

Wonder what she and Barbara think when they look at Michelle, she outshines them by miles.

reformist2

(9,841 posts)
13. I still have a soft spot for Poppy and Babs. They weren't so bad.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 05:44 PM
Apr 2013

And might I add she looks fantastic for being almost 88!
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