(This is just one subtle entry into the great lexicon of discussion and debate over this expansive and immense topic...in short this is just my humble observation and commentary)
There are two things that people say you should never mix, religion and politics. So, what is a Religious Studies/Political Science double major to do? Answer, write a blog post and hope that someone in academia notices it and gives you a teaching job.
I noticed with the inauguration that there were three very different prayers that made their way into the "pomp and circumstance," and they were given by three very different religious leaders.
The 'Messengers':
The three leaders; Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Rev. Rick Warren, and Rev. Joseph Lowery are about as different as they come but all gave a "shout out" to the almighty for guidance at the inauguration festivities. Rev. Robinson, is an Episcopal Bishop for the Diocese of New Hampshire, he is the first openly gay ordained Bishop within Episcopal church. He has worked toward AIDS education and anti-racism within the United States and throughout the world. Rev. Rick Warren is the pastor of Saddleback (mega) Church in Lake Forest, CA. As an Evangelical, Southern Baptist Christian, he is known for his writings including "A Purpose Driven Life" and "A Purpose Driven Church" as well as a weekly newsletter "the Ministry Toolbox." He also came out in support of California's Prop 8, de-legalizing gay marriage. Rev. Joseph Lowery is an active civil rights leader and co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Dr. King. He has been known for non-violent protests and speaking truth to power.
The similarities in their messages;
Although they all gave three distinct prayers they all had one common theme said three different ways; "And please, God, keep him safe.","We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.","Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little angelic Sasha and Malia." It seems (in order to keep discussion to a minimum) all three leaders' main message was to keep President Obama safe and for a higher power to bless the United States of America.
The differences in their messages;
While both Rev. Warren and Rev. Lowery, invoked the "Christian" God, through their rhetoric and nature, "Lord's Prayer" and "Lord" respectively, Rev. Robinson, invoked "O God of our many understandings" an interesting interpretation of those of other faiths. Rev. Robinson also went away from a traditional prayer script and asked for blessings of which one was "anger - at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people." Rev. Warren took the safe approach and appealed to the masses, the Christian constituency of the country, ending with the "Lord's Prayer." While Revs. Lowery and Robinson, tried an ecumenical approach; "many understandings" and "black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around...when yellow will be mellow...when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.", respectively.
Overall I believe it was a very interesting "motley crew" of prayers for our nation, all with the intent of bringing us closer together not farther apart. While I firmly believe in the separation of church and state I also see great reward in individual faith and belief in a "higher power." I see beauty in diversity and simplicity in letting go and joining together with God and with each other in a common purpose. I also unfortunately, see the opportunity for division within separate faiths and beliefs, so I know of the separation of church and state and it's purpose. It's a tricky balance and I hope that President Obama and his administration can walk the narrow rope.
For full texts and videos of the inaugural prayers:
Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson - text, youtube.
Rev. Rick Warren - text, youtube.
Rev. Joseph Lowery - text, youtube.
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