CNN

Yes, freedom of religion- to worship as one sees fit; but to lead our senate in prayer – NO! This country was founded on Christian principles even if people choose not to believe that and we need to uphold that. No other country in the world would allow a foreign religious leader to lead prayer in their government.
This country will come to a disasterous end if it chooses to turn its back on the one true God...and it is slowly turning away.

Christina, Chesapeake, VA .. our nation was founded on freedom of religion and freedom FROM religion. Specifically ANY one religion – whether it is practiced by the majority or not.

Either we say NO prayers during govt functions or we say a prayer for every religion.

Christians cultists like you need to stop forcing YOUR beliefs down everyone ELSE'S throats. I don't need to pray to YOUR God to be saved by MINE! And neither does anybody else.

If you don't like it, move to the Vatican.

Our nation was founded on the principles of Christianity. If America keeps on its going, I truly believe that we will lose His favor. America isn't bigger than the Creator of the Universe. I don't want USA to end up like so many other civilizations that have fallen. I truly believe that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD, not gods. I'm a Christian and don't know if I would have done as those speakers did, but at least they were speaking truth and standing up for their faith.

"Yes there are other false religions that enjoy peace within our borders, however, we are fundamentally Christian nation whether you athiests believe it or not."

Sorry, the people who created this nation disagree with you.

Yes, it IS very difficult to get mentally past Rajan Zed's last name and how it is spelled, I understand that. A lot of people have been just as upset about his last name as the fact that some people decided they would "interrupt" his prayer. Where have we come to, as a people?

How about no "official" prayers in the Senate (and House et al) at all. It is long overdue for religion of any sort to be removed from the process of governing our country. Keep your faith out of my house and I will keep mine out of yours.

Once again, religion is responsiblle for about 90% of the worlds problems right now.

Why is congress praying openly during its public activities anyway? Whatever happened to separation of church and state?

Lastly, I guess its not enough that we've outsourced all our work to India and imported millions of H1B immigrants from India to take our jobs – particukarly good paying tech jobs in computers and communications – now we have to import their religion, too?

No religion belongs in the business of The Congress.

I believe that all religious ceremonies shoulod be removed from government offices. POlitics and religion just do not mix at any level.

Amazing how the Christofascists (RW christians not normal christians)support govt imposed prayer but only if it's a prayer they like

This is not a Christian country. This is a country with many Christians. For those who do not realize the difference-I feel sorry for you.

For those of you out there that believe all religions are equal, you could not be farther from the truth. God does favor some countries over others which is quite clear. Look at Israel, America, Canada, Britain, Australia for starters. All these nations are fundamentaly Christian in origin and as a result they have been preserved by the God of the Bible. Yes there are other false religions that enjoy peace within our borders, however, we are fundamentally Christian nation whether you athiests believe it or not. I view the AFA and the protestors as Christian patriots indeed. Whatever your view on this you must understand that God will someday turn his back on us for our blasphemies and it will be you liberal progressive atheist that help it happen. One thing I can promise you is Jesus loves the world and 2000 years ago he prophesized the world would hate him. Whether you approve of God or not doesn't make him any less real and I promise you, two seconds after you die you will be the biggest believers in hell. God help us.

Hinduism leaves every woman/man free to pray to God in any form s/he chooses to (Or not, atheism is big in Vedic writings) Nobody has (credibly) seen God, so any manifestation has an equal chance of being correct or wrong! Pantheism / atheism is at its core; especially since all religions lack rational clinching evidence favor of their local God and their internal contradictions do not lessen the fervor of their followers.
Humanity is considered close to divinity and therefore every human is expected make a considered evaluation of right, wrong, real or unreal. Dharma is the correct path a human chooses to follow in context to his/her free will, ability, humanity and existing societal norms. Karma is accountability for every action a human takes. No action is inherently sinful although actions that hurt the world family will come back and bite you. So I suppose I can understand how it disturbs "single god/single book" advocates. Its okay…we Hindus understand your confusion, it take a while to get it and its better than the taliban's with us or against us thoughts. Meanwhile God (if he exists) would find himself out of place in any gathering of politicians!

Sorry about trying to rechristen you, Ben.

[...] an assembly in prayer.That's exactly what happened Thursday in the United States Senate. CNN has the report: Three people were arrested in the Senate visitor’s gallery Thursday for disrupting the [...]

She's just like Rosie and Bill Maher, they aren't haters or racists, they are comedians.

Yep, Hillary was just being a comedian.

Apologize for even bringing that up.

Hillary Clinton had a good, racist joke about Ghandi owning a 7-11 a few years back

So none of you would mind if some Sunni or Shiite radicals held prayers in the Senate? Why would this be any different?

Get religion out of the government! Please follow the constitution that you all swore to uphold and constantly ignore!

Sorry for posting again, but I always forget to bring up this good old document, the Treaty of Tripoli. This was unanimously approved by the Senate in 1796:

"Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

(and yep, 'Mussulmen' = Muslim and 'Mahometan nation' = Islamic nation)

"To the secular progressives that hate anything christian (see Christmas tree (Holiday tree), Christmas party (holiday party) this countries humble beginnings and ideals were based on the Judeo- Christian philosophy."

No, it was not. Or else adultery would be illegal, and we would all be required to keep the Sabbath holy. This country was based on Enlightenment thought. And if you're referring simply to the people, I'd say capitalism-the search to turn a profit in a new world-was a bigger influence than religious freedom. Remember, Jamestown was established long before the puritans got here.

And for those going on about "One nation under God"-the pledge of allegiance is not a government document. It was written to sell flags in the 19th century, and the reference to 'God' was not added until 1954. In fact, the pledge has existed without "one nation under God" longer than it has with the phrase. I also believe that "In God We Trust" was not added to currency until the 1950s.

Interesting argument that America was not founded upon a belief in God. Last I checked, my money printed by the Government Mint said "In God We Trust". The Washington Monument has two words inscribed on the top of it "Laus Deo" or Praise be to God.
Hinduism has many Gods. No one said that people should be intolerant of others freedom of religion, it just should not occur in our Government halls.

I usually don't agree with Sen. Harry Reid on much politically, but I strongly commend him for defending American Hindus such as myself.

I think the presence of religeon in public life is a good thing as long as it is not imposed upon anybody. I've never had a problem with the Christian prayer or symbols that are so visible in our institutions. But that should be open to all religeons. Religeon is a source of strength for leader. Hinduism has been a source of strength for me as Christianity is for leaders of Christian faith.

Although our country was founded by separatists and some simply happened to be Christians fleeing religious persecution from English monarchy, OUR COUNTRY WAS NOT FOUNDED ON JUDEO-CHRISTIAN BELIEFS OR IDEALS! We have the first amendment and LAWS regarding SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE for a good reason: so "our government" stays far, far away from issues that could lead to the next round of crusades.

Each person that agreed upon no opening morning prayer on the Senate floor definitely has good foundation to feel that way. Our "forefathers" wanted as far away from prayer in our government as possible - they also did not count each woman or non-white person as a whole person and felt voting was best left to the palest, wig-wearing, slave&land-owning man. They probably roll in their graves knowing that women and previous slaves received the right to vote. They were men with agendas and political strife that would have never allowed such a thing as religion to get in the way of either. Plus, quotes from that era clearly stated by signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution make mention of our government not being based in religion.

John Adams, the 2nd Constitutional President: "the Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion."
John Adams, from the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (Article XI)

Thomas Jefferson:
"The legitimate powers of government extend only to such acts as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."
–from Notes on Virginia, 1784

A baptist minister wrote the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892, the words "under God" were not added until 1954 BY CONGRESS! It went from an oath to prayer.

Now some more words of wisdom from another former president that you may find interesting:
"No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God."
–George H.W. Bush

Okay?

Hey Jack, where did it say that this Hindu chaplain was a fundamentalist? A classic sign of a bigot is trying to hold a whole group responsible for the actions of some.

These Hindu people use money and political power to Persecute christians in North India .In India ,attacks against christian missionaries are on the rise because of Hindu fundamentalists.

"I think people are forgetting that Democracy means that if the majority supports something you are entitled to two choices:

1) Peacefully and respectfully debate this issue in hopes you persuade the opposition.

2) Leave

Posted By Ben D., T.O. : July 12, 2007 4:27 pm

Dan, I think that you are forgetting that this is a Republic, not a Democracy. (Remember in the Pledge of Alligiance, it's "the REPUBLIC for which it stands.") This nation was founded on INDIVIDUAL liberty, not on the mob rule of the majority. Try reading your Constitution and search for the word "majority." Our Founding Fathers knew the folly of the mob rule called Democracy. Under our Constitution, an individual has the right to pray as he chooses, and to think and speak the opinions of his heart without reprisal. And it doesn't matter if the entire world, let alone the majority, disagrees with him. Where is the freedom in mob rule? Thank God, our Founding Fathers empowered the smallest minority: the individual. Let's not ever forget that.

I am disgusted by American citizens who fail to recognize the value of our Constitutional Rights. Almost all major conflicts throughout history have been rooted in religious disputes and restrictions. Our country's success can be solely attributed to the freedoms it has guarenteed. I often find history as a source for guidance, even in modern issues: the Indian Mughal Empire, led by a long line of both HINDU and Muslim rulers, was one of the most powerful in the world. For hundreds of years each ruler strongly believed in religious tolerance; one ruler, Akbar, believed so strongly in it that he tried to combine all religions into one called Faith-of-God. The following ruler, a strong believer of Islam, would not allow any religion but his own.

I watched the video on CNN and the behaviour on the part of the members of AFA is absolutely disgusting. Lets foret about faith and religion, at least learn to respect 'human beings'. A person offering prayer is being treated so badly, it hurts and my heart bleeds when i see the video. At least, i did not expect this to happen in a public, political forum that too in America!
I dont see any act of 'patriotisum' by doing what they did during the prayer session. So, the media should not say or label these people as 'patriot'. No difference b/t extreme islam jihadis and the people who disturbed todays prayer session. All are terrorist in their own ways. Please, please dont give 'America' a bad name.

All I can say is, to the rest of the world, I as an American am deeply, deeply sorry. We have just as many close minded people in this country as any other, and I am horrified that the AFA calls itself "patriotic". I can think of NOTHING more un-American than what those people said, and shake my head as these hate mongers continue to speak their message of hate against others.

If God turns his back on this country, it won't be because the senate was tolerant of differences in religious belief; it will clearly be due to intolerant hippocrytes like Gene Mullis, Concord, NC. After all, we are ALL God's children, and He wants us ALL to be saved. Unfortunately, those who don't listen (Gene Mullis, Concord, NC) are very unlikely to find their salvation.

Yes, this country was built upon the priniciple of freedom of religion. Please keep in mind the historical period under which this occurred. George Washington was the Pastor for his troops. Did the Founding Fathers even know what Hindus believe in? Hindus do not believe in one God, but many Gods. They also believe in the caste system, reincarnation and are a patriachial society. That is, women are not valued, however men are. I applaud those that stood up for the right thing. When we all pray we should know WHO we are praying to. Gandhi said that he didn't like Christians but that he liked Jesus. Hey, we are all sinners, thanks Ghandi. No Hindu prayer in the government halls of America.

Full TEXT of the prayer by the priest.
Tell me how is it different from any religions teachings ? Hindus believe in "Truth is one,sages call it by different names"

"We meditate on the transcendental glory of the deity supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of heaven. May he stimulate and illuminate our minds.
"Lead us from the unreal to real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. May we be protected together. May we be nourished together. May we work together with great vigor. May our study be enlightening. May no obstacle arise between us."

Seeking the blessings of god on behalf of and for the Senators, Zed declared, "May the Senators strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world, performing their duties with the welfare of others always in mind. Because by devotion to selfless work one attains the supreme goal of life. May they work carefully and wisely, guided by compassion, and without though for themselves."

"United your resolve, united your hearts, may your spirits be at one, that you may long dwell in unity and concord!" he added, and ended with, "Peace, peace, peace be unto all."

Before stepping away from the podium, Zed also said, "And, Lord, we ask you to comfort the family of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson," wife of the former and late President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who died at age 94.

To the secular progressives that hate anything christian (see Christmas tree (Holiday tree), Christmas party (holiday party) this countries humble beginnings and ideals were based on the Judeo- Christian philosophy.

I am not a bible thumper that you so despise though I am Christian, my statement is not based on opinion but actual fact.

I don't see this as that big a deal, but quit hammering and lumping all christians in one group.

What did you expect, for God's sake. Why is it that Democrats embrace any and all things that cause Americans pain?

I need to make this clear.
 
While some people may feel understandably upset at the spelling of the Hindu clergyman Rajan Zed's last name, all of us need to understand that there isn't just one "brand", or, "flavor" of God out there to invoke at the commencement of legislative exercises. As we were ALL taught when we were just little children, America is supposed to be a melting pot of various faiths and backgrounds.

Apparently some people want this to be a pressure cooker instead.

There is nothing Christian or patriotic about what these three people did or what the American Fascist Association endorsed.

Wait just a moment.... this country was founded by white slave owners who didn't want to pay heavy taxes without representation. Sure, "all men were created equal." and by that you mean white land owners only in their eyes. Of course some of them are spinning in their graves!

They left it up to future generations to adapt and see fit.

Granted I was not raised in a traditional sense when it comes to church (started going in HS and college, instead of all my life), but variety is the spice of life. If we were all the same, the world would be a boring place. I believe that a God does exist, but I believe this God shows itself in many forms. The important thing is to have faith, not what specific faith it is...

Besides, if they are that upset that the hindu said a prayer, DO NOTHING. If you honestly feel he is destined for purgatory, then shut up! I don't need your 2 cents on the issue!

It seems that religion gets in the news when there is a controversy. I would challenge CNN to cover the positive Interfaith gathering for the 9/11 Unity Walk in Washington D.C. on September 9. Last year over a thousand people of multiple faith traditions came together in the Spirit of Unity and walked to the Gandhi statue. Stops included the Washington Hebrew Congregation, the Washington National Cathedral and the Islamic Center. CNN then could also show the uniting force of religion.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:4-6

I've not seen or heard from the remaining (and supposed) 29% who still support Bush. I guess these so-called "patriots" that disrupted this prayer were some of them.

...Are you suggesting that people bumrushed this blog to talk about religion, Zhane? Perhaps people who commonly visit this ticker, or are just looking at it today, saw this story and commented how they feel.

You're going to need a bit more evidence in order to presume to know every posters' intentions, much less they're religious beliefs. Just because one doesn't think the Senate should be conducting prayer, or that these protestors are radicals, doesn't mean one is not religious.

Sarav Chithambaram, this Christian here is with you. You have every right to practice your religion in this country. May the peace & love of God be with you.

Gene Mullis, there is a thing called FREEDOM OF RELIGION in this country, and the sooner right wingers understand that philosophy, the better off our country will be. May God forgive your condemnation.

This type of behavior is just another reason why I refuse to vote for any Republicans next year! Everyone can see how screwed up things can get when our leaders govern with senseless ideology.

From the AFA website: "This is not a religion that has produced great things in the world," he observes. "You look at India, you look at Nepal - there's persecution going in both of those countries that is gendered by the religious belief that is present there, and Hindu dominates in both of those countries."
Looks like there is some persecution going on here in the States too.

I don't think there should be prayer in the senate either-there should be seperation of church and state- but if they are going to pray- the different faiths should take turns and be represented.

I liked Senator Reids comments: "I think it speaks well of our country that someone representing the faith of about a billion people comes here and can speak in communication with our heavenly father regarding peace,"
-Too bad that was spoiled by people who cannot "turn the other cheek" if they were offended.

Hey Zhane, do you know what you get when you leave the religious wars to the religious? WARS!!!! How many people have died in the name of their God. It takes the rest of us who truely live our convictions, to shake these people and hopefully wake them up so they can take a look around and see the damage they're doing. And maybe, just maybe they'll see that planting a tree is much more productive than starting wars.

"Ignorance is one of America’s greatest problems to date…" I totally agree with you Nahor. I wonder how many of these AFA members know anything about Hindu religion or any other religion for that matter.

The new secular state indeed!

In god we trust!...... but which god?

I think people are forgetting that Democracy means that if the majority supports something you are entitled to two choices:

1) Peacefully and respectfully debate this issue in hopes you persuade the opposition.

2) Leave

The US may have been founded by Christians, however, they were very specific regarding their views about the freedom of religion........

This is the kind of idiocy that makes us hated and laughingstocks around the world. I love how our leadership hides behind the excuse, "The rest of our world is jealous of our freedoms" to explain other countries' animosity toward us – then we turn around and limit and restrict those very freedoms in our own country. Freedom of religion is one of the basic cornerstone on which our country was founded, so comments like "Our forefathers are turning in their graves" only demonstrate posters' ignorance. Our forefathers would be proud that the freedoms they fought and died for were enjoyed by the citizens today – such as freedom of religion and the expression of such on the Senate floor.

Since when did we have a single national religion? One of the great things about this nation is that are no restrictions on the right to worship. I am actually more surprised that this is the first time that a member of the Hindu faith has led the prayer.

The actions of the people in the galler this morning demonstrate only their own ignorance.

It seems many of the posters were waiting in the shadows to jump on anything religion related. I think it is you all who we should be scarred of. To have such a hate and loneliness in life to lay in wait to bash a religion is absurd. Perhaps God didn't get you that Benz or that model wife. Get over it. Go outside and plant a tree. Leave the religion wars to those who are religious or you'll all be caught up in the cross fire.

I find this type of protest to be representation of the fact that there are so called religious people in the world who have no idea about what "religion" is. Ignorance and insecurity breeds intolerance! I hope most Americans are above this type of intolerance.

ONe nation under God is becoming two nations under various demons.

Truly it IS an abomination to pray to (worship) any being or thing which is not truly God.

While this may seem like an exercise in semantics to the ignorant, the real God thinks this is an important issue. The people who worship false "gods" (sic) will become like the thing they worship and will eventually be destroyed by those false "gods".

Righteousness exalts a nation.

The only abomination are the Christian Zealots that incite violence and discord with their radical beliefs. Right wing Christians are the single biggest threat to freedom, equality and peace in the world today. Everyone should be aware and guard their loved ones against this poison and infection called evangelism.

why does the senate do a prayer every day? doesn't that go against separation of church and state? I agree with the guy who said they should represent different faiths every day if their doing prayers.

This is a democracy of hypocrisy

Why is there ANY prayer being conducted in a government building?

for god's sake. please, everyone, please behave to each other as if we are in a civilized society. and what ever happened to the separation of church and state? i actually do not believe that the senate should display their religion at all, but if they really feel that they must, as a representative body of the united states, which happens to be home to people of many faiths, they should, by all means, encourage persons of varied beliefs to participate. I am deeply saddened by the barbaric display of hatred and intolerance by people who claim to be christians. christianity is, in it's ideal and truest form, a religion of love and tolerance.

Unreal – This type of ignorance is very dangerious – next thing you know we will be trying to convert other countries to Christianity – Oops wait! we already have tried doing that.

What is the matter with people?

The United States is not, has never been, and hopefully never will be a 'Christian nation.' Americans are generally quite religious, but this country does not belong to any religion. Though I don't understand why the Senate opens with a prayer, I also don't really care.

I feel sorry for the ignorance of these protestors. Their zeal is admirable, and I hope they can channel that kind of energy to focus on more pressing matters, but their cries can only hurt the country. The quote from Barry Lynn seems very accurate.

And for any American Hindus that may be offended: Take comfort in knowing that you are an American, of equal stature, just as much as them. Though chances are you represent American values better than them.

This behavior by this so-called family group is appalling. It just shows that in this country, especially for high ranking figures, the First Amendment is not always Freedom of Religion: just practice Judaism and Christianity. Just think: how difficult it is for a faith group that is not Judeo-Christian to procure a site to build a house of worship. There will be so many protests from neighbors saying things like: "this disrupts traffic" or "I worry for the safety of my children".

To Sarav Chithambaram, I'd like to reassure you that most Christians are also appalled by this behavior. I find the actions of the 'protestors' repellant and have found the so-called American Family Association frightening for a long time. This is is pure and simple right-wing reactionism of a sort that is found throughout world cultures and how much happier we would be if humanity could get past it. "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," indeed.

Gene Mullis, Concord, NC

God views this as worshipping other gods and might turn HIS back on this country because of it. Senate, the blood is on your hands.

Gene, I appreciate your religious view and as an AMERICAN it is your right! However, the notion that “God” and I use the term transcending all religions would care more about one country then another is absurd.

It is this type of mindset that causes acts of violence as recorded throughout this planets history.

“WE THE PEOPLE”

I am appalled by this unfortunate incident and equally disturbed by American Family Association. As a HINDU, I am deeply hurt to hear and read such hatred. All I can do is pray to my god to forgive those who are ignorant and forgive their senseless act. This incident sends a very wrong singal across the country and its thousands of US Citizens who happen to he Hindu. At this time when there is a need for peace and tranquility, these absurd acts dont have a place. Shame on the AFA for advocating hatred.

Or, we could have no prayers. Then, problems such as these would be mitigated. Plus, it would take care of the BS sense of entitlement maintained by so many fundamentalists in this country...just a thought.

Gene Mullis- who are you to decide the Hinduism is a false religion?

"Senate, the blood is on your hands." Oh please, your willingness to relate the war in Iraq with a Congressional prayer shows a complete lack on intelligence.

We serously need to take a moment and pray for our country! We have completely veered away from the foundation the the forefathers intended for this country to be built upon!

Ignorance is one of America's greatest problems to date... Why can't a Hindu man do what a Christian man can? Wasn't this country "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal"?

These people who protest other religions are so insecure about their own faith. Perhaps soon we will see a war between Catholics and Protestants similar to the Shia-Sunni conflict? Which sect is the one true form of Christianity?

This is from the article on MSNBC :

Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the protest "shows the intolerance of many religious right activists. They say they want more religion in the public square, but it's clear they mean only their religion."

As we speak our forefathers are rolling over in their graves.

I think that since morning prayer is part of the Senate's day-that it should be led by members of different faiths daily. As far as I know – we don't have an Official National Religion.

With regard the the American Family Association: I suppose they do have a representative religion. I have no idea who they are- or what religion purport to represent-butfor the Hindu prayer to have drawn criticism -they must not be for all families, that is families of different faiths. They also seem to be ignorant of the beliefs of other faiths- They must have no idea what followers of the Hindu religion believe. If they didn't encourage a protest- their website's message must not have been clear or they don't have appropriate control over the content of their website.

I am appalled by the behavior of so-called 'Christians and patriots'. I hope they go see Jesus soon. What has happened to our wonderful country when a few crack-pots can highjack a word like 'patriot' and turn it into a dirty word?

I guess the American "Family" Association will have to figure out what is more horrifying: gays, abortion, or Hindus.

Our Government is a clear example of the apostasy that is spoken of in the Bible. While our men are fighting and dying on the battle fields, our government is allowing false religion to enter the chambers of our government. God views this as worshipping other gods and might turn HIS back on this country because of it. Senate, the blood is on your hands. Gene Mullis, Concord, NC

They must also believe that the earth is flat and that Darwin didnt prove anything.

Absolutely disgusting behavior on the part of the protesters. "Christians and patriots," indeed.

On their Web site this week, the American Family Association criticized allowing a Hindu clergyman to deliver the prayer and urged supporters to call senators to ask the event be canceled.
We as a “Nation under God” have absolutely no right to infringe upon the rights of another religion. Organizations that use titles such as the AFA are misleading and about as anti American as any one can be.

“WE THE PEOPLE”

I actually found it pretty funny. I bet the protesters were the type that voted for David Vitter.

If they were truly "patriots," wouldn't they have figured out, oh I don't know, that FREEDOM OF RELIGION is in the Bill of Rights?