[honway]

This man was asked to perform a service, not get in someone's face

The United States is a predominately Christian nation. How is mentionimg the name Jesus getting into anyone's face?

[Bella_Bru]

So would you have a problem with a prayer that did not mention Jesus? Isn't G-d part of the Christian faith? Why couldn't the prayer just say G-d? Unless you are trying to proselytize, why would you need to include Jesus and not just stick with G-d? Would you be ok with a Hebrew prayer as well?

[Numbers Guy]

How is mentionimg the name Jesus getting into anyone's face?

Especially because opening prayers are common in all legislative bodies, and such prayers reference that minister/rabbi/whoever's beliefs. A little respect for differing religious beliefs is what is called for, just as Christians should be respectful if a Moslem cleric is giving the prayer and refers to Allah.

[Illbay]

He didn't simply "mention the name of Jesus." I have often had discussions with Jewish friends where I have "mentioned the name of Jesus," as in "Jesus taught that we should love one another."

This man prayed IN THE NAME OF JESUS. This is appropriate when he is standing in the pulpit of his church. It is appropriate when he is at home with his family. It is appropriate when he is invited to pray with a family to whom he ministers.

It is NOT appropriate when giving an ecumenical prayer to open a legislative session. Instead of selfishly thinking about himself and the "point" he wanted to make, he should have deferred to his audience.