How Not to Oppose the National Day of Prayer

[rug]

By Andrew Aghapour / May 5, 2016

Today is the National Day of Prayer in the United States, an annual day of observance that was formally established by Congress in 1952. The law that establishes a National Day of Prayer (36 U.S.C. § 119) falls under Title 36, which outlines various patriotic observances including Mother’s Day and Save Your Vision Week. According to the law,

“The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”

Albeit technically ecumenical, the National Day of Prayer has traditionally been a rallying point for conservative evangelical Christians. Its main organizer is the private National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by Shirley Dobson (wife of James Dobson). Moreover, the phrasing of the law privileges monotheistic beliefs by explicitly mentioning a singular God. The National Day of Prayer is a reminder that, even in a republic founded on the principle of religious liberty, those in power can enshrine their beliefs into law.

Every year, like clockwork, two groups voice outrage about the National Day of Prayer: conservative Christians who haven’t fact-checked the perennial rumor that Barack Hussein Obama has cancelled this year’s event; and secularist advocates like the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) who argue that it violates the separation of Church and State.

(The FFRF challenged the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer in 2008 but was ultimately unsuccessful. The courts determined that the law did not cause sufficient injury to nonbelievers, and that the President is free to make general nonbinding appeals to the public.)

There are many reasons to oppose the National Day of Prayer, and there have been many reasonable attempts to strike 36 U.S.C. § 119 from law. But this year the American Humanist Association is promoting an opposition effort that is fundamentally misguided.

http://religiondispatches.org/national-day-of-prayer/

[Kali]

1. I would have just totally ignored it, myself.

But I saw your post on the latest page. I don't like the government appearing to endorse religion, we should have a formal day of non-believer observation/recognition too, I suppose. Nah, would be better to just leave the shit to churches and individuals.

[rug]

2. I didn't realize it myself. I thought it was Cinco de Mayo.

Here's another urgent matter about to be litigated:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218228309

[Fumesucker]

3. I propose a National Moment of Thought

Yes, I know it's an unrealistic goal but what are dreams for?

[rug]

4. That's not a bad idea.

But it should be a flowing waterfall not a hunk of concrete.