Before President-elect Obama ever had his picture taken with Rick Warren, I did. If I can find it, I'll post it.
Obama's getting flack for inviting Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration because of Warren's conservative views, esp. in the issues of homosexuality and abortion.
Warren's sure to get flack from the extreme religious right for being "chummy" with a liberal like Obama. But, as a pastor, how do you say "No" to an invitation to give a prayer, esp. when the Bible tells us to pray for those in governmental authority?
Kudos to Obama for demonstrating some diversity. And for my bud RW, can you get me tickets?
If he had invited me to pray, I would. Just so you know.
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Better RW pray than someone who would make one of those non-specific prayers to "whatever you believe in." I also thought the same thing about the religious right getting critical. I think it's cool, perhaps this is the beginning of Obama consulting and talking with RW. Perhaps a relationship with RW will help Obama be a better president. Whatever happens it should be interesting.
I agree with Andy completely. I don't believe Rick Warren will waste this opportunity to speak to such a crowd of witnesses!
Thank you for saying so Rick. I agree with you.
I never cease to be amazed at the way some in the Church respond to things like this. We were commanded to "Go into all the World and preach the Gospel." Rick Warren is, and kudos to him for it. May he become the next Billy Graham to those in the White House. BTW, I'd go in a heart beat if BO had asked me. May someone be touched and reached by this.
Good post Rick, I think that Obama is clearly demonstrating a break from the old tired ways of the past, where people do sometimes put too many labels on other people. Where people segregate themselves into groups and don't understand that we are all one group of people with different ideas.
I think more important than that, is the fact that in some way we each can demonstrate how great life as a believer can be, and how each of us should support one another in our daily struggles.
All you folks have said it well!
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) has spoken out saying, ""Mr. Warren compared same-sex couples to incest. I found that deeply offensive and unfair".
And, ""If he was inviting the Rev. Warren to participate in a forum and to make a speech, that would be a good thing," Frank said. "But being singled out to give the prayer at the inauguration is a high honor. It has traditionally given as a mark of great respect. And, yes, I think it was wrong to single him out for this mark of respect."
Sounds like Obama has made a great choice. If Barney's against it, it must be the right thing to do.
I was so amazed at all the athiests who posted nasty comments about Obama choosing Rick to do this. I guess I shouldn't be amazed, but I was.
Anyway, I look forward to hearing Rick's prayer.
Good post, Rick.
Frankly, I'm hopeful about an Obama presidency (especially as a student of leadership and communication). I know there are some concerns that evangelicals, in particular, have, but that's what prayer is for. :-)
Interestingly, Kirbyjon Caldwell (an African-American and a United Methodist pastor) prayed the prayer at the last two inaugurations. The first time, he took a lot of flak for praying "in Jesus' name." The second time, he concluded a powerful prayer with something like, "respecting persons of faith, *this prayer* is humbly submitted in the name of Jesus Christ." :-)
I am looking forward to inauguration including Rick's prayer!
Ah, that Kirybjon quote should have read ... "respecting persons of all faiths ..."
Great post! And I agree with Andy also!
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