Contrast between the two prayers
by Cheryl M. Wetzel, Editor
The story of Rick Warren’s selection to give the Invocation at the Inauguration- and the homosexual community’s furious opposition – has occupied much of the press for the past several weeks. After the initial deluge of complaint, Gene Robinson was asked to open last Sunday’s Concert at the Lincoln Memorial with prayer.
Today, we have heard both prayers and the contrast between couldn’t be stronger.
Robinson opened his prayer with a pluriform tribute to a ‘god of many understandings.’ He prayed for anger, especially at discrimination against “gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Later in the prayer, he did ask for mercy, compassion, wisdom and safety for the President-elect. Jesus? No, not politically correct.
Warren opened the Invocation to the Almighty God, creator of all we can see. He asked for blessings and courage and faith and God’s favor. He reminded us that our nation is in God’s Hands; asked for peace – peace of mind and peace in our hearts. Warren concluded his prayer ‘in the Name of the one who changed my life, Jesus Christ.’
I must conclude that the essential differences expressed in these two prayers – one given primarily to defend and support gay rights and the second given in gratitude for the certainty of a living relationship with God through Christ – explains why the Diocese of New Hampshire has 10,000 people and Rick Warren’s church has over 40,000. As Scripture reminds us, “from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Cheryl M. Wetzel 1/20/09
Cheryl, I don’t know why I am so frequently surprised by Christians who behave badly. How difficult would it have been to be graceful in your remarks?
Agree with Bishop Robinson or disagree on gay rights, it is at best tunnel vision and at worst unkind and wrong, to select his prayer by implication as lesser in standing or in message than Pastor Warren’s. Each of these good men reflected their best selves in their thoughtful words.
Each man spoke to a community of believers (in God, not necessarily Jesus as God)whose ears included those not as finely tuned as yours for the deep resentment of Bishop Robinson that your remarks betray. Each man spoke as a reflection of the revelation of God to each of them. Why do you chose to find fault there? Are you so much better informed?
You speak as if Bishop Robinson’s primary goal was to advocate for gay rights when very clearly it was about so much more. There was no more emphasis placed on this one issue than six or seven others.
When can we stop being so concerned about being right and get on with doing good…that includes behaving in a loving way toward those with whom we have the least affinity.
Mike F.
I suppose we’re coming from somewhat different points of view on this one, Mike, but I didn’t find Cherie’s words to be “bad behavior”.
While I agree with you that we should be less concerned about being right than about doing good, we are also called by the great commission to spread the good news which occasionally includes pointing out false and or harmful doctrine. While I admit it’s a bit of hyperbole to make a point, I wouldn’t find causing physical harm to someone to stop them from committing murder a case of behaving badly. How much more, then, should we be concerned with someone who is endangering people’s immortal souls?
In the total context in which it was presented, including Bishop Robinson’s public comments in the weeks before the prayer, I have to agree with Cherie about its intent. Frankly, I find it surprising that a Christian Bishop would go so far out of his way to avoid calling on the name of Christ and more than a bit distasteful that he would call on God (although I’m not sure which god), to grant us tears, anger, and discomfort.
There was a significant difference between Pastor Warren’s prayer and Bishop Robinson’s prayer. Both called for a blessing upon and safety for our new President, but one was uplifting and one was designed to show how politically correct the reader was. I’ll let you decide which was which.
Mark