William Kristol reports that at least one conservative pundit has already extended to Obama the blessings of his faith. At the much commented-on dinner that George Will hosted for Barack Obama last week, Kristol says that he
overheard one of my fellow conservatives say softly to the president-elect, “Sir, I’ll be praying for you.” Obama seemed to pause as they shook hands, and to thank him more earnestly than he did those of us who simply — and sincerely — wished him well.
Obama’s politeness is admirable; I can imagine another response to the revelation that your interlocutor is contacting God on your behalf.
I hope that my comments that are appreciative of your post and “Secular Right” will not interpreted as Oleaginousness 🙂
I remember how awkward Bush (Sr.) was when it came to talking about faith. Not that he was/is irreligious, but he clearly was not at ease on that topic, and many others too. Then came Clinton who was good at talking the religious talk. “W” took it up to a whole new level, when he wanted us to understand that he consults with god before going to wars. Now we have “O” who has mesmerized people so much that even the lefties who would normally cringe at the level of religious talk in public arenas are so much ok with Obama’s faith rhetoric.
(No, I am not a Republican or a Conservative by any means, and nor am I a Democrat, or a Libertarian!)
There is something wrong in the direction we are taking–which is a 180 degrees away from the rather secular tone of the political foundations of the US. In fact, given the religious fervor not only in the US in the late 18th century, but all around the world, their secularism at that time is simply jaw-dropping.
Well, equally jaw-dropping is today’s political leaders submitting to religion in the public domain.
HMC:
I can’t.
Why not be polite, as after all, the intention is good, and it either helps or is harmless?
Now, if Obama or any politician were to start publicly saying they pray for people, in their public capacity, I’d not be amused at all,
“it either helps or is harmless?”
What grounds do you have for dismissing the third possibility?
Obama’s politeness isn’t admirable, it’s simply normal, the way any person of passable social skills would handle such a situation. Do secular rightists really believe any mention of God or prayer is occasion for a debate?
Do secular rightists really believe any mention of God or prayer is occasion for a debate?
I should think this thread itself, not exactly the first of this sort–nor the last–should answer your question. 🙂
Why do you assume Obama was merely be polite? Maybe he actually is religious. Maybe he was struck by a conservative sincerely wanting him to succeed that went beyond the mere politeness of other conservatives.
None of this is to comment on your larger point. Just that if Obama is, as he appears, a believer then he may take prayer in a deeper way.
And where does this morning find Obama? Back in church, being prayed for. How can he bear it?
@Caledonian
Obama is a self-professed Christian. To an agnostic/atheist, being prayed for might be considered offensive and thus have negative effects, which I guess is what you’re getting at. But since Obama claims to be a Christian, then the offer of prayer cannot be blamed on the person offering it.
Now, if prayer has egregious effects on the recipient (i.e. cursing someone actually works), we need to assemble a list of, say, the Hamas leadership so we can all pray for their health…
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