Separation of church and state?
I was watching SABC 3's News @ 7pm just now, and they talked for a few minutes about September 11th, 2001. They showed footage of the Pope praying for those that died that day and also urging everyone to not resort to violence and hatred; they showed soldiers in Afghanistan conducting their own rembrance ceremony; and they showed President Obama and former President Bush giving speeches in New York City.
And both of them invoked God in their praying...
First of all, I understand that the U.S. is a world super-power and whatever big happens there resonates across the world in some way. But I was surprised at how many people around the planet were doing something in rembrance today.
Second, why was our President praying?
I believe in the magic of life and divinity beyond my comprehension, but I felt alienated by him addressing the Christian "God".
Am I over-reacting? Am I nitpicking? Certainly I am still able to identify with the pain, patriotism, and common human experience that he was addressing. But was it necessary for President Obama (former President Bush I can forgive since he's no longer bound by the same duties that President Obama is) to pray on national (international) television?
Mr. President, you are the leader of a multifaith, multi-religion state. Please don't forget that.
And both of them invoked God in their praying...
First of all, I understand that the U.S. is a world super-power and whatever big happens there resonates across the world in some way. But I was surprised at how many people around the planet were doing something in rembrance today.
Second, why was our President praying?
I believe in the magic of life and divinity beyond my comprehension, but I felt alienated by him addressing the Christian "God".
Am I over-reacting? Am I nitpicking? Certainly I am still able to identify with the pain, patriotism, and common human experience that he was addressing. But was it necessary for President Obama (former President Bush I can forgive since he's no longer bound by the same duties that President Obama is) to pray on national (international) television?
Mr. President, you are the leader of a multifaith, multi-religion state. Please don't forget that.