Writer Jason T. Berggren Questions White House's Decision Not to Hold a Public Ceremony for National Day of Prayer
Author of "10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith" issued a statement regarding the White House's decision to forego a public ceremony observing the National Day of Prayer.
Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 7, 2009 -- Is an interfaith public ceremony celebrating the National Day of Prayer a violation of the separation of church and state? Jason T. Berggren devotes an entire chapter of his book, "10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith," to the subject of prayer. It is also the latest topic of his site www.morethingsihate.com. Berggren describes the site as the on-going version of his book. It is where he discuses the difficulty of integrating faith in the day-to-day, such as politics and current events.
When examining President Obama's decision not to commemorate the National Day of Prayer with a public ceremony, Berggren comes to his own conclusion. He assumes, "the pivotal sentiment being that having a public ceremony is somehow an endorsement of a specific religion."
While Berggren understands the importance of the principle of the separation of church and state, he feels this is not necessarily an appropriate application of it. Berggren is quick to emphatically deny any personal desire to see a theocratic form of government established. His contention is with what he sees as a subtle trend to create a society of free people who are not free to be religious in the public square in any form or fashion. Furthermore, it is often not acceptable to acknowledge the historical importance religious diversity has played in the foundation of this country.
Berggren names the Declaration of Independence and its reference to a Creator as the basis of his argument. It is for this reason he does not believe an interfaith ceremony based on the idea of prayer undermines the principle of separation of church and state in any way. Berggren boldly cautions citizens against a subtle drift toward religious bigotry. He states, "This is a step toward devolution and tyranny, not enlightenment."
While Berggren tackles serious subjects on his site, he often brings a measure of levity to each situation. He concludes his discourse on the National Day of Prayer with this:
"What's next? No Christmas at the White House since it's about Jesus? I don't think Malia and Sasha will be too happy about that."
To learn more about Jason T. Berggren and his innovative new book, watch his latest interview with ABC News, or read his latest topic of discussion visit www.morethingsihate.com.
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