In Akron, Ohio, the Lord's Prayer was removed from the city council's daily agenda.
Rev. Barry Lynn said, "I'm delighted that the Akron City Council did the right thing and that no one attending those meetings now feels like a second-class citizen because they don't believe in the Lord's Prayer."
And he's on the side of those wanting to remove the prayer! I don't know any atheists (etc.) on here that feel like second class citizens. What do you think of his comment?
(Just curious, not inflammatory)
2007-10-31 04:27:00 · 23 answers · asked by herfinator 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
toogethr, source the Bush comment please.
Jiraiya, I was actually going to say something like that's how a lot of atheists feel, but I figured that would just "start something". Thanks for bringing that attitude into the open first!
2007-10-31 04:37:21 · update #1
Thank you lilith -- I was not aware of this comment, and I do think that Sr. was WAY OFF BASE, to put it mildly. Most Christians, I think, would agree that it is a ridiculous comment. He does, however, have the right to hold those opinions (and be sincerely wrong).
2007-10-31 04:54:38 · update #2
I would feel awkward.
He's at work, not in a church.
Shouldn't they be praying in secret (As their Jesus had said)?
The passage about praying in secret is directly above the Lord's prayer. (Now that's ironic).
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&version=31
2007-10-31 04:36:02 · answer #1 · answered by lilith 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have to imagine it in different terms. For instance, think of how *most* Christians would feel if parts of the Koran were recited and Muslim prayers were said daily by the members of this City Council. Not all Christians would feel uncomfortable with this, but I have no doubt that most would. I don't now if I'd call it a feeling of being a second-class citizen, but it is not appropriate given the context.
2007-10-31 11:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not an atheist but I think they made the right decision to remove it. Second class citizen comment seems kinda dumb. I think the prayer would just make people feel uncomfortable because someone elses beliefs are being put out in the open and theirs is not represented. I wouldnt want the prayer to be said its not the right place for it.
2007-10-31 11:33:11 · answer #3 · answered by b 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why the hell would a CITY Council need to pray to Jesus? Are they showing off or something? Can't all of those people pray on their own time? Why waste government time on religion?
People can pray personally whenever they want. Why is there an obsession with government sponsored prayer?
2007-10-31 11:34:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Prayers don't make me feel like a second class citizen, but I'm not in America, where religion seems to be imposed as a norm more than here in Australia.
2007-10-31 11:32:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, sometimes I feel like a "second class citizen" because I'm not Christian. But I have to pay the same taxes as Christians, of course.
2007-10-31 11:31:51 · answer #6 · answered by ~Smirk~ Resurrected 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Rev S. I don't think it is especially aimed at Atheists. There are so many other religions besides Christianity in the USA, Christians tend to forget that.
But they would likely feel more uncomfortable than Atheists, who are used to the group mumblings of believers and tend to ignore it.
2007-10-31 12:27:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never felt like a second-class citizen. I think the good reverend was taking a jab because it was just too convenient. He is just like all the rest of the Christians...he wrongly assumes the US was founded as a Christian Nation. He cannot help his ignorance. Maybe his momma just didn't teach him any better.
2007-10-31 11:36:59 · answer #8 · answered by Willow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
did you know what we call the Lord's prayer was not His prayer at all, it was an example that He gave to those who ask Him how to pray. One example of a prayer that Jesus used is in John 17.
I know this is off topic but just thought I'd point this out.
2007-10-31 11:37:32 · answer #9 · answered by just because 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
President Bush stated that Atheists should not be considered citizens of the US, let alone 2nd class citizens.
This is what you get when you mix Religion with the Government. Is this what you want? Next it will be - "Hindus shouldn't be considered citizens"? Should only "Christians" be considered citizens? I think it always HURTS to mix religion with politics.
2007-10-31 11:32:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'd say most atheists have learned to let the ubiquitous prayers and praises of imaginary gods roll off of us like water off a duck's back.
This is really more for those who belong to non-Christian religions, so they don't feel slighted or marginalized.
2007-10-31 11:31:39 · answer #11 · answered by The Reverend Soleil 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋