Would There Be An Uproar If It Was Billy Graham?
Posted: Friday, January 09, 2009
by Abigail Richards
As many are aware, President-Elect Obama has come under fire the last few weeks because of an announcement concerning his selection of Pastor Rick Warren to say a prayer at his inauguration.
The very groups and factions that supported Obama are now outraged, holding protests and contacting the media over the issue. One group has even sued to have the phrase "So help me God" removed from the oath Obama is going to take. Rick Warren has found himself named in the lawsuit. For information on this, check out Alf Gordon's article /swa417184.htm
An avid supporter of Obama declared after the award ceremony that she debated not even going to the inauguration in protest of Warren.
"My older brother is gay, and so its a family issue for me" Hathaway told FoxNews. "My father is coming with me to the Inauguration. At first we discussed not going, and then we thought we'd just turn our backs when he [Warren] speaks. But we didn't want to be disrespectful. So we're going to wear ribbons protesting his appearance."
Seriously, we are going to protest a pastor praying for our country. Has not a pastor prayed at every inauguration?
My question is what is so disarming about the selection of Rick Warren? Is it just the fact that it is not Billy or Franklin Graham? Ever since 1953, there are records of Billy Graham taking part in inauguration festivities.
Graham prayed at Nixon's inauguration and even the last democrat president, Bill Clinton. Franklin Graham took over the legacy for Bush because his father was ill.
Why is Warren a big deal? Several gay and lesbian groups oppose the belief that Warren holds based on Biblical principles that their lifestyle is a sin. Does Graham not hold that same belief?
It is funny to me. When I first heard about the choice, I saw it simply as a political move to try and win over Christians. In the process, Obama seems to be losing his core followers.
Add to that the fact that every past president has had prayer at their inauguration by a pastor that holds the same beliefs when it comes to gay and lesbian lifestyles, I don't see the issue.
I don't understand why it is even an issue? It never has been before, but this year it is? Why?
If anyone can explain the difference between having Graham at the inauguration versus Warren, I would love to hear it. I just don't see the difference.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Abigail, Great article! You are so right...maybe that's the problem!? I would take my brother (who happens to be gay and conservative) with me were I to be invited to attend the inauguration. I wonder if the liberals were hoping that, with the election of Obama, they could do away with religion once and for all!
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