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.
Governor Kaine referenced both Job and Christ.
There's just little you can do about the fact that the Christian minister did not mention the name of Christ. But at least it gives WingNutDaily another scandal to write about.
More than a few shades of the future coming to a neighborhood near you.
I noticed this as well. But, then, what do you expect? This is a public college. Christianity is forbidden. (Anything else is sacrosanct.)
Where was the quote?
Did you watch the convocation today? I did. All of it. Christianity was not forbidden. Perhaps someone could provide you with a transcript of the convocation.
Grrrrrr!!!
):^(
Noted that the recitation of the Lord's Prayer by the entire auditorium was not easily heard. Seemed like the mikes were turned off for that and then turned on again immediately thereafter. Hummm....
The point is that somebody at the university selected this little crew, and selecting an ELCA minister to represent Christians is very like selecting Rudy Giuliani to represent conservatives.
Time to riot in the name of Jesus.
I don’t know but it seems to me your issue should be with the Lutheran Minister of there was no mention of Jesus.
When the 1st speaker started raising her voice in anger and calling this global I said this is not of America.
And the 3rd speaker speaking on Ecclesiastes: ‘There is a time for everything. I could not believe how ignorant these were not people of old age dying a natural death! IMHO
President Bush had to ecumenical because he is President of all the people
Maybe the University should have written the speaches for the 4 religious reps?
While I am not a member of the ELCA, I am a Lutheran. I come from a long line of Lutherans as a matter of fact and personally, I find your comment offensive.
I was appalled by the politically correct Lutheran minister who could not mention Jesus or quote the bible! But I took comfort in hearing the Lord’s Prayer recited by the entire coliseum - the large majority of whom obviously knew the prayer by heart. The Lutheran also said “let’s observe a moment of silence” rather than saying a prayer or asking the attendees to pray silently. Wouldn’t want to offend anyone, although the muslim cleric and buddist rep. didn’t seem to mind.
Prior to Pres. Bush speaking, Virginia’s governor (Kaine) quoted Christ on the cross -”why have you forsaken me?” and referred to Job as a shared part of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. He noted that Job kept his faith through his questioning of God’s plan.
How PC of you. Want me to grovel at your feet?
How can we, as Americans, tolerate the lesser religions?
No, it is like selecting Harry Reid to represent conservatives.
I think we should remove ALL posts that offend you and then start banning people! I mean, we can’t have too many varied opinions on a discussion forum...that would be just freaky-deaky weird.
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