Posted on 04/17/2007 5:19:24 PM PDT by wagglebee
Speakers at the Virginia Tech convocation yesterday called on Allah and Buddha in their efforts to minister to the survivors, family and friends of victims of the shooting massacre at the school – but Jesus wasn't mentioned.
It was left up to President Bush to come the closest to offering a biblical message of hope, when he suggested the school community that lost 32 members to the shootings by an out-of-control resident alien student find "comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God."
But even he didn't bring Jesus, the only hope of comfort and future life for Christians, into the memorials.
"I'm sitting here watching the convocation service at VT," wrote a WND reader who was given anonymity. "Five minutes ago they had four representatives from the local 'religious community.' The Muslim specifically invoked Allah's blessings… and he didn't shy away from saying the name of Allah. The Jewish rep asked for God's blessings. Buddha was represented. The only name that [was] omitted, of course, Jesus Christ."
And another WND reader cited the speakers, in order:
"BUT NOT ONE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN PASTOR/PREACHER. NO INVOCATION OF THE NAME OF CHRIST JESUS," the reader said.
"The only thing that surprised me, though, is that they didn't have a rep from the Universal Life 'church' or the 'Church of Satan.' Go figure," said the first reader.
It was up to the president to deliver references to Christianity.
"People who have never met you are praying for you," Bush said. "They're praying for your friends who have fallen and who are injured. There's a power in these prayers, a real power. In times like this, we can find comfort in the grace and the guidance of a loving God."
Most of the other official statements of condolence released also ignored the savior of the Christian faith.
"Today is a day to reflect on our many blessings of family, neighbors, and our Blacksburg community, which includes the students of Virginia Tech," said a statement from the town of Blacksburg, where Virginia Tech is located.
"I urge Virginians to keep these victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers," said Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat.
"In time, Americans will learn more about the circumstances of this senseless tragedy. For now and forever after, our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the other students, faculty and staff of Virginia Tech, and their families," said Sen. John W. Warner, a Republican.
"My heart goes out to the parents and families of the victims of this senseless act," said Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat.
The school has announced a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the mass killing Monday. The campus also was ordered closed through this week, and counseling services were being made available to students, faculty and staff.
"We come to express our sympathy in this time of anguish. I hope you know that people all over this country are thinking about you and asking God to provide comfort for all who have been affected," the president told the community assembly.
"May God bless you and keep you and keep the souls of the lost and may his love touch all of those who suffer and grieve," he concluded.
He earlier had ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half staff at the White House, federal buildings and grounds, naval craft and military posts through Sunday.
"Our nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts. We lift them up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering," Bush said in the flag proclamation.
Authorities have identified the shooter as Cho Seung-Hui, 23, a senior English major at the school whose class writings were so disturbing he previously had been referred for counseling.
The name of God was spoken at the convocation. :)
It's also bigoted, simple-minded, and inflammatory.
In other words, it's WorldNet Daily.
That’s silly. People express their opinions at the time the event happens. It’s not like anyone has called the parents up and complained to them.
susie
...I heard the Governor discuss Jesus on the cross saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Please, this is no-fact zone.
Well...I can see why this happened. Without the protection of Jesus...the devil runs wild...without any regard for anyone. If I was a Christian parent and heard this...my kid would be out of that school fast.
Allah? WTF? Disgraceful. Christianity needs to flex a bit of muscle. These people are weak sisters. Disgusting.
The OP bemoaned the lack of mention of Jesus.
susie
You forgot to mention, GET READY TO HAND OVER YOUR GUNS.
I am sorry if this is in poor taste, but the line up of “spiritual” guides was nothing more than a diversity “dog and pony” show. I am a Roman Catholic and I was astounded that there was no priest there.
I have a feeling that some people were not able to watch or listen to the convocation today. They are getting bits and pieces of information through comments being made, and not all of those pieces of information are factual. I wonder if there is a transcript available for those who missed it. That might help.
And people wonder why our nation is falling apart. Good grief!
Soon, the only safe place to say the name of Jesus will be in a church...and that will be tenuous.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
You’re welcome. I think it’s sad when we become so entrenched in our own beliefs and ideology that we blind ourselves to the possibility that someone with a different view might be able to teach us something.
Perhaps there wasn't a priest available on such short notice? I'm sure those who were given the enormous task of putting together a convocation on such short notice did the best they could given the horrifying circumstances. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
I have a feeling that those who spoke had some kind of relationship with the campus itself. I can’t see why they should have strangers come in to speak if that is the case.
Nice, but you’re skirting my point, which is that you contradicted yourself. You said to Czar: “I find your comment to be repulsive. Perhaps the mods would be willing to delete your comment if you request it.” But to me you said: “I’m not asking for anyone to remove posts that personally offend me.”
Believe in God, believe in Jesus, the son of the Almighty God, and take those beliefs to your heart. Ask for forgiveness for your sins. Put your immortal soul in the hands of God and His son Jesus Christ, and you will have no fear. You see through the false profit, you will see the word of the Lord. Keep your heart to Jesus, keep your life to Jesus, and you never be alone, nor will ever be forsaken.
Through His Son, Jesus Christ, you will get to Heaven.
Sometimes the lessons we need to learn come from the most unlikely of teachers. I’ve always enjoyed Patsy Clairmont who is a wonderful religious speaker. I have one of her tapes that is called, “God Uses Cracked Pots”. She offers words of wisdom, using humor and God’s Word. God has much to teach us if we’d only listen with an open mind and an open heart.
We are in a liberal Baptist church and hear more Mother Theresa, Diettrech Bonheoffer, and MLK quotes than words of Jesus.
What is silly is when “people” fail to realize that not every single opinion is worthy or appropriate to be spoken or expressed.
I don’t know how such events are pulled together nor how they chose those who would speak.
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