# Aw, for the love o’ God . . . “National Day of Prayer and Fasting” **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 26, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376 "2003-03-26T21:31:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/21 "2003-03-26T23:21:33Z")
**NaSultainne** , the first amendment specifically forbids the government from endorsing one religious view over another. The “majority” makes no difference. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/22 "2003-03-26T23:36:54Z")
Eh, as staunch a supporter of SOCAS as I am, I can’t get too heated up over this. As long as our Congresscritters are preoccupied with the appeasement of imaginary deities, they have that much less time to be picking our pockets or getting into other mischief. And picking March 17 as a Day of Fasting and . . what was the other thing?. . whatever. . . just shows how out-of-touch those ninnyhammers and jacklegs are. ---
**Author:** ![ataraxy22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ataraxy22/32/307_2.png) [@ataraxy22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ataraxy22)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/23 "2003-03-26T23:43:24Z")
Well, popular opinion on the streets of Baghdad right now is that that sandstorm sweeping through Iraq at present is Allah’s effort to thwart the progress of the invading Infidels. It’s high time America’s appointed leaders make every day a “NDP” so that the ensuing government directed and ordered mass petitioning of YHWH counterbalances the equally fervent petitioning of Allah, which apparently currently has the upper hand. If the ensuing stalemate results in a stationary sandstorm over the Iraqi capital, you didn’t hear this from me, ok? ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/24 "2003-03-26T23:50:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Polycarp \* > \*\* > > I think a day set aside when believers can together petition their deity or deities in pursuit of a common cause is an excellent idea. I don’t think Congress is the appropriate body to call for one; I’m not sure there **is** an appropriate body (make a guess how many large denominations don’t participate in the National Council of Churches, and then add in all the non-Christian, non-Jewish groups and individuals). > > \*\* I’m sure that various church (meant broadly) groups could get together and propose a day of prayer. However the vast majority seem to be somewhat less enamored of this war than Bush and his buddies, so they might want people to pray for unAmerican things like peace. No wonder Congress wants to get involved - prayer is too important for the ministers to handle. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![december](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/25 "2003-03-26T23:55:27Z")
Our victory could be compete, We’d sooth the entire Arab street, …By choosing a day, …When all of us pray, And people have nothing to eat. **NOT!** ---
**Author:** ![NaSultainne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NaSultainne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NaSultainne)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/26 "2003-03-27T00:01:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diogenes the Cynic \* > **NaSultainne** , the first amendment specifically forbids the government from endorsing one religious view over another. The “majority” makes no difference. [minor quibble]The word is “establishment”.[/minor quibble] A proclamation on **one** day out of 365 (three hundred and sixty-five, for pete’s sake!) hardly constitutes either “endorsement” or “establishment”. You are overreacting and overreaching. Seriously. ---
**Author:** ![X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbe5ce/32.png) [@X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X_Slayer_ALE)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/27 "2003-03-27T00:09:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by blowero \* > \*\*And of course, you would be equally nonchalant if we had a national “There is no God” day. After all, you don’t have to participate, right?:rolleyes: \*\* In actuality, if they did pass a “There is no God” day I would be suitably surprised. I dont think a majority of congress would ever think of commiting political suicide let alone do it as a group. After that emotion passed, I would then nonchalantly ignore the resolution. I am a Roman Catholic. My faith is not dependent upon the opinions of Muslims, Jews, Protestants, Hindus, agnostics or atheists. :dubious: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kalhoun \* > \*\*They’re talking about making a RESOLUTION. They’re using government time and money to plan a fuckin’ prayer meeting. I’m stunned that you don’t see the problem here. HELLO! They have a church if they want to talk to god about siding with the US! \*\* These are politicians. They get paid for making these statements or if they sat on their ass blowing bubble farts. They use up money regardless of what they do. They can call for a freakin prayer meeting, rant about aliens taking over the moon, subscribe to one conspiracy theory or another, lambast their collegues, and suck up to anyone and everyone who can help them do their job. Its what they do. You watch C-Span. This bit of trivia is not the worst and certainly not the last. This national day of prayer carries about as much weight and importance as any of the major cities (like New York) passing a resolution to stop the war. Its non-binding, a waste of time and totally useless, but the politicains made a statement and thats what this is all about. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diogenes the Cynic \* > \*\ ***NaSultainne** , the first amendment specifically forbids the government from endorsing one religious view over another. The “majority” makes no difference. \*\* Yes and they asked for a day of prayer and they did not specify whether you prayed to God, Allah, Yahweh, Buddah or your great aunt Bertha. Even atheists pray at one time or another, even if it is just for luck or fate. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/28 "2003-03-27T00:16:55Z")
This could lead to some nifty restaurant promotions. _AFTER THE FAST: STOP IN AT OUR 50-FOOT BUFFET!!!_ ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/29 "2003-03-27T00:23:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mrblue92 \* > \*\*Nahh. Atheists wouldn’t even bother. It’d be like having a “Unicorns Don’t Exist Day”. > > But I bet some people would find a “National Day of Polyamory, Prayer, Sodomy, Fasting, and Hedonism” awfully funny. \*\* You stole my idea. I say we declare this Friday a Nationa Day of Debauchery and Gluttony. Who’s with me? ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/30 "2003-03-27T00:23:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Eve \* > \*\*Why aren’t those idiots using their time to do something important and useful, like renaming french fries?! \*\* **Eve** , the esteemed Representative of the Third District of North Carolina, from the metropolis of Farmville, who is responsible for “freedom fries,” was also cosponsor of a recent proposed Amendment to the Constitution that would provide that marriage should consist in the union of precisely one man and one woman. He has other distinctions, too! 🙂 **Na Sultainne** , I’m talking about common decency and respect for others. I’m under a promise to God to try to show them. And I do understand that it’s not anything mandatory, only a “sense of Congress” resolution – but IMHO Congress should have more sense! ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/31 "2003-03-27T00:25:45Z")
Ah, yes, I see the wisdom of bringing religion into this war. The Iraqis will be reminded of the Crusades, and all the crushing defeats suffered by Salah ad-Din. This will sap their will to fight. A brilliant move on the part of the US Congress. I congratulate them on their strategic acumen. ---
**Author:** ![Splanky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b2d939/32.png) [@Splanky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Splanky)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/32 "2003-03-27T00:31:35Z")
> [@](#): > > This does NOT have the effect of law; no one can be forced to honor it, no one is under threat or coercion to even so much as pay attention to it; just how many people in these fifty United States of America do you reckon’ even know about this? Well, the constitution \*is[i/] the law of the government, and the government _does_ have to abide by it. If they don’t, measures can be taken by other parts of the government or by the people to stop. If congress decides to pass a law for this filth, the courts can deem it unconstitutional and void. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/33 "2003-03-27T00:32:26Z")
Maybe if Congress had been praying steadfastly for guidance before this, we wouldn’t be participating in the slaughter of human beings – which is against _my_ religion. Blessed are the peacemakers… I think that the word “National” bothers me. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/34 "2003-03-27T00:39:04Z")
> [@](#): > > **X~Slayer(ALE)** said: > Yes and they asked for a day of prayer and they did not specify whether you prayed to God, Allah, Yahweh, Buddah or your great aunt Bertha. Even atheists pray at one time or another, even if it is just for luck or fate Prayer specifies theism. Buddha is not a god, and many forms of Buddhism do not include prayer. Neither does Taosim or Jainism or other non-theistic religions. Where did you get the idea that atheists pray? This legislation presumes that a theistic God exists as a matter of fact. That’s what’s wrong with it. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/35 "2003-03-27T00:41:39Z")
BTW, **XSA** , God, Allah and Yahweh are all the same thing. Your comment basically says that you can pray to God, God or God. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/36 "2003-03-27T00:48:04Z")
Just another chapter in the continuing story of Shrub’s seditious attempts to catastrophically blur the boundaries between church and state. I have not seen such disgusting un-American insanity occupy the oval office since Nixon. ---
**Author:** ![X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbe5ce/32.png) [@X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X_Slayer_ALE)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/37 "2003-03-27T01:00:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gorsnak \* > \*\*Ah, yes, I see the wisdom of bringing religion into this war. The Iraqis will be reminded of the Crusades, and all the crushing defeats suffered by Salah ad-Din. This will sap their will to fight. A brilliant move on the part of the US Congress. I congratulate them on their strategic acumen. \*\* OK I kinda agree with what youre saying. It is logical and emminently reasonable even it its sarcasm, but let me point something out to you: **Iraqi:** Allah is Great! Allah Is Great! Allah, help me destry the infidel invader attempting to outs my beloved and so very kind leader Saddam Hussien, whose feet i was ordered …er honored to kiss. **American:** Look bub. He aint all that. He starves the Shiites, gasses the Kurds and kills whole villages. **Iraqi:** Allah! Allah! Allah, do not allow me to listen to this infidel’s lies and deception! Allah, he does not follow your ways, he does not like you… I was told they eat pork spare ribs! Allah help your poor unworthy servant! **American:** Look pal. Saddam ordered you to hide in hospitals and schools, walk behind civilians and shoot anyone saying anything bad about Saddam… **Iraqi:** Allah is great and allah will guiode me thru this difficulty. Allah will hold my arm to aim my Russian AK at the dirty filthy infidels! **American:** \ God Help you… **Iraqi:** BLASPHAMY!! This is a crusade to oppress the Muslim faith! It is about our religion! You Hate us!! You are a Muslim Hater!! You kill muslim women and muslim children!! Blasphemer!! **American:** :smack: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diogenes the Cynic \* > \*\*Prayer specifies theism. Buddha is not a god, and many forms of Buddhism do not include prayer. Neither does Taosim or Jainism or other non-theistic religions. Where did you get the idea that atheists pray? This legislation presumes that a theistic God exists as a matter of fact. That’s what’s wrong with it. \*\* The US constitution does not allow a govt to subscribe to one religion over another. It does not imply no religion at all. It merely prevents a theocracy not impliment an atheistic secular government. Atheism is not a religious view. It is not a belief of anything. ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/38 "2003-03-27T01:12:14Z")
Jesus … this is starting to read like one of those really scary novels about the Right taking over the country. I guess this just represents Bush pre-emptively working on consolidating his (should be safe) vote for 2004 – and greasing Falwell’s colon for old times sake, but nonetheless … \*ONLY IN AMERICA \* ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/39 "2003-03-27T01:18:28Z")
The government can’t endorse any religious view at all, even the existence of God. Did you read what I said about non-theistic religions. Even if you want to remove atheism from the equation (which you can’t. Atheism is legally just as valid as theism) you would still be discriminating against non-thesitic religions like Buddhism. ---
**Author:** ![chigger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@chigger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chigger)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376/40 "2003-03-27T01:29:20Z")
Ok. Sounds ok to me. Is it alright to smoke while I’m praying? Maybe I’ll ask for better cigarettes … … goddammit, why can’t we get better cigarettes in this country? And can I ask for an extension in unemployment benefits while I’m at it? Or how about a new Senator? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-for-the-love-o-god-national-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/164376.md?page=3)