Who is 'qualified' to pray for the president?
Religious Based News
Is there anyone who should be disqualified from praying for the president? The official inaugural festivities are underway so now starts the countdown on who says what about God, Jesus or the Higher Power. Clergy and religious civic leaders have been lined up bless Obama's presidency. And critics are lining up to "bless out" some of the invitees.
I think the real question is missed here but I think any who feel they are adding benefit to the country should be able to bless him. I think none should be allowed as that is asking a cleric to bless a heathenistic society and it makes no sense.
On a side note you can pray for him where you stand and none can stop you. Laying of hands is the only limitation. I think it is crazy that a government body that disregards Gods law can even entertain the idea of being blessed by him. A choice must be made are religion and state two different bodies or not.
I agree with Krakyn that this is a poorly asked question. Anyone who chooses to may pray for anyone they wish. Disqualifying anyone is an infringement upon personal rights and freedom of religion.
You were spot on that they cannot have it both ways. This nation was founded under the auspices of God and I see nothing wrong with the President (or soon-to-be President) asking for God's blessings. Seems appropriate. However, those who are so adamantly fighting to keep the lines of church and state separate regardless of the cost may not agree.
I find it very interesting that this man who is asking for God's blessings has also been supportive of issues that are blatant antitheses of God's laws.
As for this particular question and what it seems to really be asking, apparently the holy men are vying for their opportunity in the prayer spotlight. To me that is akin to the hypocracy of the Pharisees who would make a show of praying in public for their own glory and prestige.
There is nothing wrong with asking someone to pray for the new President & his cabinet. But it should not be a competition. If they really want God's blessings perhaps they should seek out a humble preacher who is more in tune with God than his own ego.
Not if we truly believe in and value freedom of religion. How can anyone be told they cannot pray for another, regardless of their beliefs?
As for who "officially" prays publicly for the President - seems to me it should be whomever the President feels best represents his own personal beliefs.
Aside from that - if a Muslim wants to pray for a Christian or Jew why stop them? If the Christian or Jew want to pray for the Muslim - so what? Where is the worry? Why do people get all worked up because someone who believes differently is asking their God to bless those with opposing beliefs?
I don't see the problem.