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 Governor quoted Jesus Christ.
The Lord's Prayer was said at the convocation.
Yes, and while you're down there, would you be so kind as to tie my shoes? ;)
I heard the governor of Virginia quote from Scripture “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me.” Even if it was a ‘veiled’ reference to Our Savior, it was one that refers to His salvific act. Every Christian in the world should recognize those words.
Whatever any of the other religious speakers may have said, there is no way they could top that.
How did the poster express dislike for the teachings of Jesus? I missed that.
Oh good grief. It is because I love the teachings of Jesus that I am more than willing to smile at you, in spite of your ignorant comment, while I wave goodbye. :)
That we allow these minority religions to speak, demonstrates the cesspool we have become.
After the FIRST shooting the ENTIRE campus should have been closed, it was an active CSI, no one in, all students in dorms, all classes canceled.
What would the outcome have been had they done the BASIC crime scene controls? John Edwards and the rest of his ilk are headed to VT.
Amen
I’m not asking for anyone to remove posts that personally offend me. I do believe, however, that I have the same right as you do to post my opinion. Isn’t THAT just “freakky-deaky weird”. LOL!
Because this is about Separation of CHURCH and State! Mosque is not a church, you silly.
Fred Phelps is that you?
Bingo!
They have a Muslim who believes in Islam,
a Buddhist who expresses Buddhism,
a Jew who reads from old Testament, and
a Christian who can’t bring himself to reference Christ.
This is the choice and fault of the administration. The only good Christian is one who doesn’t believe in Christ.
I think, particularly in the engineering school, you'd be surprised.
In hindsight, I have a feeling that you don’t even know what was posted that caused me to make the comment that I found it “repulsive” since the post I was referring to has been deleted. It had nothing to do with Jesus, FYI.
I’m not sure which poster you’re referring to. Me, or the one whose comment was deleted. I can assure you that I did not, and never would express a dislike for the teachings of Jesus. I am a Christian. :)
I didn’t find it repulsive but I was surprised, considering that islam isn’t a religion.
“I was appalled by the politically correct Lutheran minister who could not mention Jesus or quote the bible...”
Not as appalled as Martin Luther would be. This lack of confession of the name of Jesus disqualifies this minister as a Christian. Jesus said: “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent Him.” John 5:23.
I didn’t thnk I saw anything, but I wasn’t sure. I’ve definately seen some hatred for the word of Christ, to be sure.
Was it nappy?
ML/NJ
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