Well, the inauguration is over. Much has been written about the inauguration itself and the transfer of power. For this very brief blog post, I just want to comment on Rick Warren's invocation.
First, not everyone was happy that Obama even asked Warren to give the invocation. This was obvious at the mild smattering of polite applause Warren received as compared with the much more enthusiastic ovations for singer Aretha Franklin and the benediction speaker, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.
Of course, Lowery gave an impassioned prayer and his personal ties to the civil rights movement made today's event all the more symbolic. Yet, it was clear that Rick Warren did not have many enthusiastic friends today in Washington, D.C.
The reason for Dr. Warren's lukewarm reception today is, of course, the fact that he's a conservative, evangelical (and hugely influential) minister. So influential, in fact, that he played an instrumental role in banning same-sex marriage in California and has lent his voice to the movement that wants to roll back abortion rights. These are huge lightning rod issues amongst Obama supporters.
**See "What's Wrong With Rick Warren?"
Of course, the reasons that many Obama supporters hate Rick Warren are among those why I respect Warren.
The main thing, though, I respect about Rick Warren's invocation is his uncompromising and emphasized reference to Jesus. That was a welcome high note during today's proceedings.
At this point, we must all lift our new President up in prayer. I didn't vote for the man, but the American voters (by majority) spoke. And Mr. Obama is now President Obama. It's our duty as Christians and as Americans to pray for him.
1 comments:
If I am being completely honest (and this comes from an non-Evangelical) I thought Warren's prayer was not only appropriate, but sincere and quite moving. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think highly of Warren AND Obama's choice to have Warren give the prayer.
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