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Prayer Should Unify, Not Divide
Is Perry's Prayer Day a Political Tactic?
Prayer plays a powerful role for many of us. With all sorts of calamities knocking on our doorstep this is certainly a time for the prayerful to be praying.
However, I
have mixed feelings about Governor Perry's upcoming prayer day August 6 in Houston. He has
made himself an icon for a segment of the faithful in this country which has
not been know for its inclusiveness. Many
people are turned off by their brand of religion because of their open
condemnation of certain groups of people.
Whether you agree with this assessment or not it has become clear that those who associate themselves with this group, or believe in their brand of Christianity, have at times condemned those who don't have the same "kind" of faith that they do, Christian or not. That makes this prayer day event feel like it's only for their private little "club".
For those who
participate they may find this day uplifting and spiritually moving. On the other
hand others may feel excluded and not welcome. In this way some politicians
have made their faith a wedge issue, deliberately attracting some voters while
deliberately pushing others aside.
Governor Perry, I believe that it is better to have deep religious convictions than not. Let yours guide you. Just please don't use them as a way build a base of Holy warriors. Their tendency to be very judgmental of others divides not only this state but the nation.
