Pagan Prayer for our Nation
As I watched the video of Hindu Rajan Zed, with the few minutes of interruption by the only Christians who had any boldness at all (we’re not talking about any Christian senators, mind you), and heard his prayer, I found myself crying. God forgive us, I said under my breath, for allowing a pagan Hindu priest to offer up prayers to his false gods on behalf of our country.
So who invited the Hindu chaplain Rajan Zed to lead prayer in the Senate?
None other than Harry Reid.
Reid, who is a Mormon, said afterwards “I think it speaks well of our country that someone representing the faith of about a billion people comes here and can speak in communication with our heavenly Father regarding peace.”
Our heavenly Father? He shares His glory with no one.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Reid would have no problem with a polytheist offering prayer. Mormons are also polytheists, believing that there are many gods, and that they themselves will be gods one day.
Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, Atheists, they all have one thing in common. They deny Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour, and God.
The most disturbing aspect of this all is the reaction of many bloggers to the Christian protesters who were arrested for causing a disturbance. The outcry was not about having a pagan lead in prayer, but in the Christians’ protest. What did these horrible protestors say?
The three Christian protestors were heard to shout:
“Lord Jesus, forgive us Father for allowing a prayer of the wicked, which is an abomination in Your sight,"
“No Lord but Jesus Christ" and
"There's only one true God."
For this they were arrested and put in jail for causing a disturbance.
The protestors were seen as haters, intolerant bigots, and worse – words I won’t post here.
Some examples of the Christian bashing:
First Ever Hindu Prayer
Christian Protesters
Reddit.com
More and more, Christians are seen as “haters”. And yet we aren’t the ones committing the violent crimes against those that don’t believe as we do. The unbelieving world is definitely blind to the spiritual forces at work.
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Corinthians 4:4
Labels: False Religions, Government, Political Correctness
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Friday, July 13, 2007
23 Comments:
Hello!
I think I found my blogging twin!
God Bless.
Well, you have the right to say whatever you want. I am only trying to understand your way of thinking. So...what do you think of non-christians? Do you realize that there are other religions even before and after Jesus Christ?
And, how are you different from those Mullahs who have zero tolerance towards other religions and views? I'm just curious.
GREAT questions, Vittal. Thanks for stopping by.
What do I think of non-Christians?
I have a desire to share my personal experience of accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior - and how He forever changed my life. I have a peace and calm in my life that enables me to endure extreme obstacles and trials and still remain joyful. There is no real meaning in life until one realizes that God put us here to worship and glorify Him - and that He has a plan for everyone's life - each of us individually. There is no greater decision in life than trusting Jesus for your salvation.
When I see people reject Jesus, it breaks my heart. I am no better than any non-Christian. I'm just as much a sinner as anybody else. I long to be able to convince others of the truth of God's love.
Do I realize there are other religions?
Yes - but I also know logically that even though different religions all claim to have the truth, it's not possible for all of them to be right.
How am I different from those Mullahs? Mullahs hate in the name of Allah. They seek to convert by whatever means possible - even at the edge of a sword. I seek to convert through persuasion and love. Everyone has free will and can choose to accept or reject Jesus. I don't want to cut your head off if you don't. Instead, I pray and weep for those who are lost.
By the way, Vittal,
One of my favorite people in the whole world is an Indian and a former Hindu. His name is
Ravi Zacharias
He's written many great books, and one in particular that I really like - it's called "Jesus Among Other Gods".
I highly recommend it.
Thanks for your honest answers though I don't agree the way you look at things. But, it's alright as long as we have the open mind to accept each other without any insults/name calling and live peacefully.
Just to let you know - One of my most favorite person in the whole world is an American and a Christian. She happens to be my wife! :)
"Just to let you know - One of my most favorite person in the whole world is an American and a Christian. She happens to be my wife! :)
And my prayer is that by her faith, you will come to know the one true God, the creator and giver of life of the universe - who loves you and wants a personal one-on-one relationship with you, because He's not some distant, unobtainable, unknowable God, but a personal one.
I appreciate your input. You are welcome here any time.
I agree that there is one God, and he is the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, the Father, Son, and Holy spirit.
Hindus and Buddhists and Muslims, etc. have the right to pray. If the U S Senate wants to allow one of them to begin sessions of congress with an invoctaion to their God, let them.
We can pray for their salvation while they pray for our destruction. Guess who's prayers are most likely to be answered?
But what is Harry Reid talking about? OUR Heavenly father? The Hindu Gods (plural) are not MY heavenly father.
Mark, I'm in agreement that Hindus, Muslims, Etc. can have their religion and pray to their Gods. This is a free country. What I have issue with is that this country was founded on Christianity. God gave us this country, and has blessed us for over 200 years. To have a pagan pray in the Senate on our behalf is a slap in God's face and an abomination. When our leaders submit to pagan prayers on their behalf and on behalf of our country, I believe they open themselves (and us) up to demonic influence. And that's something we sure don't need any more of.
It’s sad to see when a religion fails to make its followers more tolerant and better human beings. I wonder what part of certain religions make the followers insult and call other religions ‘wicked’?? Why certain religions fuel more intolerance to other forms of faith? Very interestingly, here is the link to Pope Benedict’s recent statements –
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19692094/?GT1=10150
This really surprises me when I am still trying to understand the hatred between Shies and Sunnis. I raised the same questions in my blog too.
For example, look at Mark’s comments above. “We can pray for their salvation while they pray for our destruction” – WOW!! Pretty harsh! Can he point out one thing from Hindu priest’s prayer to support his claim?? When did Hindus pray for the destruction of Christians? On the other hand, for those who read history, it’s quite obvious who did what!! I am sorry – only a demon worshipping person can make such a statement!!
For the record, there was no reference to any Hindu gods in the prayer offered by Hindu priest. I give him full credit for being so sensible unlike those who are attacking him! And, there is no conspiracy to replace Christian priest with a Hindu priest. It was purely a symbolic gesture to admit the multi-culturalism here. This is not different from how Christians and Muslims get special privileges and subsidies from the government of India!! Though majority of Indians are Hindus, did you know that Indian government re-directs revenues from Hindu temples to other Churches and Mosques??
Vittal,
God says in the Bible that He will not share His glory, that we are to worship only Him, and that we are not to worship false gods or be subject to pagan rituals, prayers, etc.
We are to be tolerant without condoning. In other words, I believe all people have a right to worship whatever deity they believe in or to choose to be atheist and believe in nothing, even if they’re wrong. However, since this country was founded on Christianity, I find it highly offensive that our elected officials would allow prayer on behalf of them and this country to anyone other that God Himself – Jehovah God of Abraham.
You see, my triune God says He is the only God, and that there are no other paths to Him but through His Son Jesus Christ. You may call that intolerant, but I didn’t say it – God said it.
“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:2-3
“Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.” Isaiah 43:10
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God.” Isaiah 44:6
“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6
As for Mark’s statements, he is most likely referring to articles such as these:
ARTICLE
Persecution in India
CalNews
Asia News
Crosswalk
Not all Muslims are violent, and not all Hindus are violent. We know that. But Christians are not running around chopping up people or cutting off their heads to try to convert them.. To say that Christians are hateful for simply following God’s commands to worship Him and only Him is to be intolerant of us.
You see, true Christians have no choice but to reject all other religions, because our God specifically commands us to do so. He punished the Jews severely when they strayed away from God and started worshipping pagan gods.
I do not consider it hateful to obey my God. And even if it is considered by others to be so, I cannot deny Him for the sake of political correctness, because I would be in direct disobedience to Him.
As for the Hindu priest not referring to any Hindu gods, then who was he praying to, and why pray at all then?
Again, I appreciate your input. It helps me to understand a little about the way others look at things when people post comments. Thanks.
Blogger wrote: "Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, Atheists, they all have one thing in common. They deny Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour, and God."
-----
I see you are stuck with political correctness.
You omitted Jews.
The Jewish Talmud slanders Jesus of Nazareth and his Mother Mary, with words I dare not post here.
At least Muslims hold Jesus as a Prophet and his Mother-Mary in adoration. Also Mormons, Hindus and others do not denigrate Jesus.
AC:
I agree that Jews do not accept Jesus as their Savior. They are wrong, and are just as lost as any Hindu, Muslim, atheist, or other denier. I did not purposely leave them out. However, I was referring primarily to those who worship false gods in this post, and in that context, Jews do worship the true God whereas the other groups mentioned do not.
As an American Christian I would think you ought to be more concerned with your Christian brothers and sisters in the middle east (including the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories) and the Arab Christians inside Israel.
This post was not about Christians in the middle east, so I question your bringing that up. However, I do support prayerfully my Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world – in fact I support a missionary to Israel. It is very difficult for him, so I know what you mean about Christianity being suppressed there. I disagree though with your reference to “Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories”. You can see my previous post here
Ms. Green, the excerpt of my comment you posted, is in full in the commentary section of your entry:Tuesday, June 19
The Real Story on the Middle East.
I thought the total comment was appropriate for that entry. My family had their home and property stolen, were beaten up and driven out of Jerusalem in 1948 by Jewish settlers, in the name of Zionism.
But, they were fortunate to be alive. Some of their neighbors(including Christian-Palestinian, Christian-Armenian) and Muslims were unceremoniously killed after their lands and homes were stolen.
Our Lord and Savior surely would not sanction such behavior nor the on-going behavior of Zionists and their supporters who ignore the immoral and illegal behavior.
Ms. Green,
I commend your courage and willingness to offer your opinion, however, I must disagree with at least one of the basics you have listed here.
The United States was not founded on Christianity. The majority of our Founding Fathers were Diests.
Please see the site below
http://chicora.org/founding_fathers_and_religion.htm
This lists quotes from our Founding Fathers and one can extrapolate their intentions and personal feelings from these very direct quotes.
Historians who study this time period also agree that the United Staes was not founded on Christianity.
Blessings,
Carolynn,
Thanks for your input, and when I have a little more time, I'll check out the link you gave. However, I can tell you up front that it will not change what I believe about the founding of this country. You see, there are just as many quotes from founding fathers that will give you the opposite impression - that our country WAS founded on Christianity (your use of the word "majority" is in my opinion, not accurate). Plus, a country NOT founded on Christianity would not, as one of its first acts of Congress, vote to print Bibles for missionaries to the Indians. A country NOT founded on Christianity would not, for its first textbook in the public school system, choose the Bible. A country NOT founded on Christianity would not have acts of Congress passed that called for National Days of Prayer and Fasting and mention praying to Jesus Christ. A country NOT founded on Christianity would not have founded the Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) for the purpose of furthering the Bible and the faith. There wasn't even any major question that this country was founded on Christianity until the last 40 or 50 years. There are just as many or more historians who study this time period that would agree with me than would disagree. It's an issue that has definitive sides to it, and I'm comfortable with the side I'm on.
Ms Green,
I respectfully disagree. Even John Adams stated, "The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
Treaty of Tripoly, article 11
He was the first Vice-Presedent and the Second Presedent. He was one of the people there in and the covnersations and meetings held during the founding of the United States. I would tend to take his direct statement above even the hostorian's views.
However, to quote Voltaire, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Blessings,
Personally speaking, as a Soldier in the US Army, I defend the US Constitution and the American Way of Life. That includes the Freedom of Religion. I was delighted to see a Hindu Chaplain opening the Senate in prayer. I was upset by the rude outbursts of 3 Senators. I see so much intolerance, hate and ignorance. It reminds me of other religious fundamentalists who believe only their God is right and everyone else is wrong. So many wars have been waged and blood has been shed it makes me sick!
I think it's very ignorant and bold of us to label God and put God in a pretty little box and KNOW what God is, what God looks like, know what God's name is and attach labels. God is too great, mighty and powerful for us to even fathom. God created everyone of us--all people, American Indians, Europeans, Africans, Asians, Pacific Islanders. Therefor, God revealed Him/Herself to the different people of the world in a such a way that they could relate to. Do you think that someone from China sees God how someone from Europe sees God? Or as far as names go, language is man made. We all don't speak English, Herbrew, etc...That's the beauty of God! There are so many personalities, faces, names we refer to God as! Does it make any of them wrong? "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet." The diversity makes God so beautiful! Diversity is the spice of life. So, how can I be such a biggot and say "you're worshipping God wrong," or "that's not God's name, this is God's name," The diversity of God is beautiful and we must be true to ourselves and love and worship God from our hearts and with our hearts.
As far as our Country being founded on Christian beliefs, etc. did you know that a good number of our Founding Fathers were Deists, Theists and Freemasons? I believe that's why the Freedom of Religion was so important to them.
And violent crimes...what can I say about violent crimes? Well, a few things come to mind. The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the Reformation, the Klu Klux Klan, abortion center bombings (led by Eric Robert Rudolph, Clayton Waagner and David McMenemy just to name a few). How about the conversion of the Native Americans all in the name of the Christian God? Also, terrorist organizations such as the Army of God, National Liberation Front of Tripura, Lord's Resistance Army, Freedomites and Christian Patriot come to mind. Need I say more?
Of course, I am very thankful for the great Country in which I live in and fight for recognizes our rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. I am thankful for my Christian Soldiers, Atheist Soldiers, Hindu Soldiers, Muslim Soldiers, Buddhist Soldiers, Pagan Soldiers and all other Soldiers that stand beside me and give their oath to uphold our great freedoms.
Bright Blessings,
April
Ms.Green,
I respect your views though I totally disagree with your narrow definition of God. Religions are like different languages - it may sound different - but they all have the same common goals.
Also, I was little surprised by the way you cherry-picked thedata from history. I guess, April did a good job of presenting the other side of facts.
Anyways, At this point, I have nothing more to say.
Peace.
April - Thanks for stopping by and giving your input. And thank you for your service to our country! I pray for our service men and women frequently.
Vittal,
I appreciate your input and politeness. You are welcome to come back.
Carolynn,
Your statement, "I would tend to take his direct statement above even the hostorian's views." is great. I agree that the words of founding fathers, and the US Congress, would speak better than historians. And for that reason, and because of the many writings I've read not only by early Americans, but official proclamations, etc, by the governmental bodies themselves, I'm inclined to believe what I believe.
I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. I appreciate your input though. And I too support your right to believe what you believe.
Arab Christian, you said, "My family had their home and property stolen, were beaten up and driven out of Jerusalem in 1948 by Jewish settlers, in the name of Zionism."
That's terrible. Unfortunately, many a crime has been committed in the name of religion, when in actuality, the crime itself would not be supported by the teachings of that religion, although of course there are exceptions. I can understand your having a negative attitude toward Jews because of that incident. I've met good people (and bad) from all walks of life and all religions - just as I'm sure you have also. It's hard sometimes not to have the wrong attitude toward a whole group of people because of what a few individuals do.
Thanks again for your input.
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