Like so many presidents before him, Barack Obama has invited a revered guest to his inauguration: God.
Although the Constitution forbids the government from establishing religion, faith is once again figuring prominently into the nation's grandest political pageant, just as it has over the course of American history.
Whether Republican, Democrat or Whig, presidents from the nation's beginnings have invoked the Almighty's powerful hand to convey their visions in times of calamity and contentment alike.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Obama's religiously minded inauguration
According to the Los Angeles Times, Obama's religiously minded inauguration has strong historical precedent. Money quote:
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As strange as it may sound, I was encouraged by the religious points in yesterday's inaugural festivities.
I am a conservative and whole-hearted supporter of the separation of church and state as intended by the founding fathers. I do not want an established church supported by tax dollars exclusively and I do not want the policy makers under the thumb of a particular religious sect.
But I also see that our founders did not intend there to be a separation of God from government. Take a look at the buildings around D.C. See the many frescos and carvings of biblical figures. Be reminded that our founders were (for the most part) at least reverent men who wanted the blessing of God on the endeavor of America. God knows that success was not a foregone conclusion.
Yesterday, Barack Obama, those present in D.C., and America in toto recognized something the founders did, that is "unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psa 127:1).
I appreciate the emphasis and thought is was tastefully done.
My only comment might be that I am glad it was a liberal President who made this great acknowledgement. Too many times when conservatives acknowledge God in their political life, they are either gerrymandering or being accused of violating the church/ state separation.
I'm just glad we still live where such open, public acknowledgements of God can be done to unite us as a people.
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