Arizona State Representative Doug Quelland delivered an opening prayer that invoked many traditional Christian values and left Democrats ruffled. What the Democrats' reaction really shows is that they don't understand what prayer is about at all.
"The opening prayer is the one opportunity during each day that we can come together as a body. The opening prayer should unite us, not divide us.Rep. Quelland wasn't praying to Arizona, or to the citizens of Arizona, or to the diversity of Arizona -- he was praying to God. The purpose of prayer isn't to show respect for diversity or to bring people together, the purpose of prayer is to speak with God by confessing the evil we do, thanking him for his blessings, praising his greatness, and asking him to meet our needs and the needs of others."But the prayer on January 26, 2004, was divisive. It was a pandering, mudslinging, name-calling political statement. It was hateful and mean-spirited. It was undignified.
"The citizens of Arizona deserve better. We are diverse. We have unique perspectives. And our unique voices should be respected. Especially during the opening prayer, as members of this body we must set aside our differences and show respect for Arizona in all of its diversity."
The real disagreement here is that the complaining Democrats don't believe in and worship the same God as Rep. Quelland. They worship themselves, and they think prayer is all about them.
No doubt the Dems missed this line in the prayer: "We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable."
Perhaps Rep. Quelland's critics would like to deliver a specific criticism of the prayer, citing the segments they disapproved, and giving their reasons why. Or perhaps they'd prefer to prescribe the prayer for all time. Something that just asks God -- whoops, are we allowed to mention God in a public place today? -- for good roads, good weather, and good beer.
Some people simply cannot brook dissent. Is it merely a coincidence that they all seem to be on the multicultural Left?
"Harsher punishments for parole violators...and world peace."
I rarely agree with Democrats on anything, but this was a self-righteous harangue. That it took the form of a "prayer" makes it more tacky in my book, not less.
I thought I recognized it. He "borrowed" it from Rev. Joe Wright who used it a handful of years ago to open a session of the Kansas State Legislature. You can find more details here.
AG: Yes, I don't think the origin of the prayer was a mystery, or that he claimed it was original. I've seen it several times in several different forms. I don't think your scare quotes around "borrowed" are justified.
Xrlq: I see your point, and it's arguable that Quelland was addressing his prayer more to his opponents (to irritate them perhaps) than he was addressing it to God.
Whether or not he said the prayer with any other motives, we'll never know. Only God can judge the heart.
God can also use whatever He sees fit for His purposes. So even if it was a stunt, there is no doubt in my mind what REALLY bothered those men in that room.
Being brought face to face with the reality of sin is enough to make anyone cringe. Too often, in my experience, I lash out and criticize those who point out my faults- when in reality, it is not their possible 'motive' that offended me.
The knot in my stomach comes from being forced to see that I am continually trying to whitewash what I have done. It's in my nature. It's in OUR nature.
There is not enough accountability in this world. Accountability is not a 'fun' process. It is painful, and our new, twisted, world order views painful experiences as something to be avoided. Pain = Bad For You - Fun = Good For You
Someone I respect once taught me a valuable lesson by asking me, "Jim, do you know why you feel guilty about that?"
"...its because you ARE."
If a Democratic legislator offered a prayer praising God for the election of a gay bishop and in support of affirmative action, I'm sure there would be Republicans offended.
Joel: I don't know about Republicans, but Christians would probably be offended by what they saw as heresy. Just as these Democrats were offended by heresy against their religion.
Rep Quelland is simply using religion for politial gain. WAKE UP PEOPLE. It causes an outbreak of 'moral superiority' on one side and 'moral indignation' on the other.
When politicans start speaking about religion, it's usually with a view to giving themselves political advantage - whats so difficult to understand about that?
Anyone truly spiritual would run a mile from politics and such religiosity..........
The (POOR) in america are real. I am one of them. I am (POOR) in every sense of the word. I have a vehicle that is broke down, I have no heat, I have no job because I cannot work and I cannot get disablity. I do not fall in the right catagegory as far as the government,(
department of Human Services), is concerned. You either have to be dead, or rich for them to help you. What the census bureau reports and what really is, is two different things and can be as much as 10 million off. The same as the unemployment rate, if you are not drawing an unemployment check you will not be counted. The real unemployment rate is around 22 million in the USA. Please do not talk about poor people unless you are one. I live in a 3 beedroom house that the floors are caving in, I have 2 disabled children. Please don't talk about the POOR PEOPLE in america... Thank You