The Savage Republican

Every now and then, Pravda on the Mississippi surprises me. This was one of those times. This story was in the Faith & Values section of yesterdays paper.

"What's in a name? U.S. military chaplains and Christians offering public prayers are being forced to consider that question as they are discouraged, and in some cases prohibited, from praying in the name of Jesus."

The author is speaking about Navy Chaplain Lt. Gordon J. Klingenschmitt who was on hunger strike after being transferred off of his ship because he refused to follow an order to quit praying "in Jesus name". To the commanding officer who made that order, I have one little question...What part of the First Amendment are you unclear on?

The establishment clause of the First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

There is another case that was mentioned in the article. Apparently a US District judge has ruled that it is illegal for Christian prayers to be offered in the Indiana House of Representatives. I like how the author of the article put it...

The establishment clause of the First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Yet the above-mentioned cases do establish a preference for non-Christian faiths and non-religion over Christianity, and most certainly prohibit free exercise...

...Why? Because praying in the name of Jesus is not form or fashion, but essence. It is a fundamental function of the faith itself that transcends religion and rests on relationship. Just one of many scriptures on the topic illuminates why: "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

While I normally do not feel that this kind of thing is something government should do, it is obviously something that is long overdue. Then, after the President signs the executive order (protecting the rights of military chaplains to pray in Jesus name) I think it is time for someone to look into ways to remove Judge Hamilton from his seat. If this judge can't understand what establishment is (and is not) then obviously he needs to go back to Con Law. Maybe Hugh Hewitt will let him audit one of his classes...

I will let the Strib have the final word on this...

"Leave Jesus out of my prayer and deny the person on whom the faith is founded? Absolutely not. The name and person of Jesus -- his life, crucifixion and resurrection -- is the essence of Christianity, the how of my prayer. "

Amen and AMEN!!!!!