Well, I'm back, from a long weekend which I will relate as soon as my thoughts congeal properly.

One of the stories I couldn't tackle in my absence was the story of the Hindu prayer offered up in the Senate. I wanted to start the article by saying unequivocally that I don't like it, that it didn't belong in a government institution, and that those who are offended have every right to be offended.

In short, I'm saying what every evangelical Christian is saying right now on the subject.

BUT (come on, now, you couldn't expect me to keep an article THAT short, could you?), now it's time to say what they're NOT saying.

See, I am glad this came about because the prayer underscores what nonChristians have been saying about Christian prayer in the Senate, in an organized, faculty supported fashion in the schools, and in other public gatherings, especially ones where participants are compelled to attend: it is offensive to them, and it has no place in those areas. Now, if it takes place in an atmosphere where attendance is voluntary, that would be one thing. But in the case of the Senate, the legislators (hypothetically) are required to be there (I know, I know...we won't go there...YET!)

I'm not going to sit back with the PC crowd and say the prayer didn't offend me. It's as offensive as all get out. But the reason it offends me is the very reason prayer doesn't have place in houses of government in the first place!