Prayer and Fasting

Below is the text of a resolution that has been submitted to the House of Representatives. (Found via Atrios at Eschaton)

It seems that now our Congress thinks we need to spend time praying and fasting in order to convince God to help us.  Of course, if the war truly was what God wanted Bush (and hence, us) to do, wouldn't he be helping us already?

And even though it may be something of a tradition for such resolutions to be put forth, exactly what business does the secular government of this secular nation have in calling upon the citizens of the US to "seek guidance from God to achieve a greater understanding of our own failings and learn how we can do better in our everyday activities"?  I'm sorry, but I think I have failings that require divine assistance, I think I can figure that out for myself, thankyouverymuch, and will decide on my own if I want to pray or not.  I certainly don't need the House of Representatives to call upon me to do so!

Another thing I found interesting - the resolution states that "all of the various faiths of the people of the United States" recognize "the need for fasting and humble supplication".  Somehow I don't think they did a comprehensive survey before making that assertion.  While I'm sure there are some people of almost any faith who would engage in prayer and fasting as a means of communicating with their God or Gods, it's not an actual tenet of every religion in the nation.  Many of the Pagan faiths, for example, have no position whatsoever about whether or not one should fast and pray. It's certainly not something that is viewed as "needed".

This is just another example of why it is the government should stay out of religion entirely, and if you think this resolution has me a bit incensed, you're right.  I am.  Granted, the resolution clearly has no binding legal effect on me to do anything,  but the government simply has no business trying to tell me what I should or shouldn't do as part of my own personal spirituality.

108th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 153

Recognizing the public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings and protection of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces during the conflict in Iraq and under the threat of terrorism at home.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 20, 2003

Mr. AKIN (for himself, Mr. GOODE, Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. HAYES, Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. BEAUPREZ, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. PITTS, Mr. RYUN of Kansas, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. WELDON of Florida, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. TERRY, and Mr. SOUDER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the public need for fasting and prayer in order to secure the blessings and protection of Providence for the people of the United States and our Armed Forces during the conflict in Iraq and under the threat of terrorism at home.

Whereas the United States is currently engaged in a war on terrorism in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001;

Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States are currently engaged in a campaign to disarm the regime of Saddam Hussein and liberate the people of Iraq;

Whereas, on June 1, 1774, the Virginia House of Burgesses called for a day of fasting and prayer as an expression of solidarity with the people of Boston who were under siege by the enemy;

Whereas, on March 16, 1776, the Continental Congress, recognizing that the `Liberties of America are imminently endangered' and the need `to acknowledge the overruling Providence of God', called for a day of `Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer' ;

Whereas, on June 28, 1787, during the debate of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin, convinced of God's intimate involvement in human affairs, implored the Congress to seek the assistance of Heaven in all its dealings;

Whereas, on March 30, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, at the bequest of the Senate, and himself recognizing the need of the Nation to humble itself before God in repentance for its national sins, proclaimed a day of fasting , prayer and humiliation;

Whereas all of the various faiths of the people of the United States have recognized, in our religious traditions, the need for fasting and humble supplication before
Providence;

Whereas humility, fasting , and prayer in times of danger have long been rooted in our essential national convictions and have been a means of producing unity and solidarity among all the diverse people of this Nation as well as procuring the enduring grace and benevolence of God;

Whereas, through prayer , fasting , and self-reflection, we may better recognize our own faults and shortcomings and submit to the wisdom and love of God in order that we may have guidance and strength in those daily actions and decisions we must take; and

Whereas dangers and threats to our Nation persist and, in this time of peril, it is appropriate that the people of the United States, leaders and citizens alike, seek guidance, strength, and resolve through prayer and fasting : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should issue a proclamation--

(1) designating a day for humility, prayer , and fasting for all people of the United States; and

(2) calling on all people of the United States--

(A) to observe the day as a time of prayer and fasting ;

(B) to seek guidance from God to achieve a greater understanding of our own failings and to learn how we can do better in our everyday activities; and

(C) to gain resolve in meeting the challenges that confront our Nation.