Religious Right Takeover Of National Day Of Prayer Sparks Discord, Says Americans United. Can you imagine the surprise here at the American Street, to find out that supposedly non-denominational, public holiday has been turned into a paid political advertisement for right wing christians who support the Republican’t party? Consider the source*, but also consider the concept of abusing spiritual belief to the point of turning it into a political weapon. IMHO it tends to be one of the main reasons empires wither and die…

[slight enhancements to the original from the Funny Farm Editorial Staff]

Far from being a day to bring people of various faiths together, the National Day of Prayer has been hijacked by intolerant Religious Right groups who seek an officially “christian nation,” says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The National Day of Prayer (NDP) takes place on May 3rd. By federal law, the commemoration occurs on the first Thursday of every May.

Most events around the country are coordinated by the National Day of Prayer Task Force, a private group run by Shirley Dobson, wife of Religious Right leader James C. Dobson of Focus on the Family. The task force instructs its volunteers to allow only conservative christians to speak, and its events are often laden with “christian nation” rhetoric.

[snip]

“Dobson and other Religious Right leaders obtained seek a nation where their version of Christianity has official preference,” said Lynn. “And they are using the National Day of Prayer to advance that agenda. I’m glad that an increasing number of America’s religious leaders realize that and are organizing alternative events.”

An application for prayer coordinator volunteers on the NDP Task Force Web site claims that its events are “judeo-christian” but then goes on to require that applicants sign a statement affirming belief in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus and his resurrection.

The application also requires coordinators to “ensure a strong, consistent christian message throughout the nation” and “commit that NDP activities I serve with will be conducted solely by Christians….”

[snip]

Let us put on our pirate gear, and pray to the Flying Spaghetti Monster**:

Bring some of your daily garlic to those who are in desperate need of it around this globe. It would be greatly appreciated if you took it in an appropriate manner from those who would seek to hoard it, and unreasonably deny it to those truly in need, and mark them with the Indelible Stain of Saucery.

Please let Your Noodly Appendage smite those who would use their religion to divide their fellow beings, and let the Slap Of A Wet Noodle remind them to be less slimy and more flexible in their religious fervor.

Let those who celebrate the good in human spirit, and those who manage to be spiritual without being religiously fervent to the point of unwanted intrusiveness in others’ lives, bask in the good that resounds from their own deeds.

We ask this in Pasta’s Name.

Ramen.

* - both of the quoted article and the organization which it represents, and the people who are neither religious or right that it refers to.

** - in an unsanctioned, unofficial manner of your own choosing. Pirate regalia optional.