I consider myself a student of Scripture and feel that Warren, as a Christian, has an obligation to respond, positively, to the future President’s request. Warren can be criticized for much — but not for this.
“I consider myself a student of Scripture and feel that Warren, as a Christian, has an obligation to respond, positively, to the future President’s request.”
Hmmmm. An obligation. That’s pretty strong. Certainly, if BO were genuinely interested in learning about the Gospel, a request to any Christian should elicit a positive response. But in private. Not if it is a big public “Look at me, I’m asking about being a Christian” show.
Don’t you think it’s a bit like, say, Augustus asking Paul to attend and bless his coronation as emperor? How would Paul have responded? Not positively, I think (unless he took it as an opportunity to publically proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and we know we ain’t gonna hear any of that from Warren at the inaguration). I don’t recall any situations when Paul or any of the Apostles were called on to appear and bless bless the ascension of a civil authority to civil power—especially a non-Christian civil authority.
This is also quite a bit different a situation from “rendering unto Ceasar.” That was the submission to civil authorities. It would only be submission here were Warren ordered to show up and say the prayer. But he is not being compelled. So that doesn’t really help.
Bottom line here, there is an entirely secular and public purpose to BO’s request. And that purpose is for Obama to cover himself with a mantle of legitimacy from a prominent Christian.
I believe an appropriate response would be to tell BO that Warren prays for him daily; but that BO’s public positions are so deeply contrary to God’s law, it would be inappropriate for Warren to appear in public and pretend otherwise. Mind you, I would not say this were BO just a sinner and yet another nominal Christian. But he advocates that the government should aid and abet its citizens breaking God’s law.
That’s right. Around here he’s vilified for everything he says. I have no problem with him praying at the inauguration. I just pray he says the right things. People here complained about Billy Graham, too. Sigh.