>I couldn't agree more...but my question regarding the >prayer is that the prayer doesn't thank G_d, it thanks >Jesus Christ. So, if you are a Jew or a Muslim, you >cannot pray to Jesus.
Our prayer is passed down via the CHA3 Kenpo branch.
It does not contain the last line paying respect to Jesus Christ. That line was added after the original prayer was authored. On a funny note, it is more traditional to use the original Ordonez prayer that doesn't mention Jesus Christ. Thus, the prayer is non-denominational.
The prayer does mention that the United States was founded on Christian principles. That statement isn't
false as all of the founding fathers were Christian, and
thus their morality was based on Christian principles.
Overall, our club has few problems with the prayer,
which we recite at the start and end of every session.
No one is forced to say the prayer, but everyone is expected to know it.
One student insisted that uttering "Christian Principles" was against his religion.
An otherwise well-educated individual, this fellow really didn't understand its usage. He was allowed to say "Jewish Principles" or just stay silent during those words, as he did want to recite the prayer. It is hard
to counter the substitution of "Jewish Principles" as
Christianity is (uh oh, I'll get in trouble here) considered by some to be a reformation of Judaism. And, we don't know exactly which principles were used to found this country and whether they are exclusively Christian.
Other students have questioned the ritual of the prayer.
These students are largely from strong religious backgrounds, yet consider themselves atheists. These
people generally have contradictory values, such as
labeling themselves of a particular group yet insisting that group isn't defined by racial/genetic boundaries and
is not actually defined by a religion. That's a big topic, so I'll move on. Others insist that since they do not
believe in God, they will not participate in the prayer because to do so would be false and dishonor those that geninuely recite the prayer. I'm not sure where I am, but I do recite every word of the prayer.
Overall, about half of our students question the use of the prayer. That's a large percentage, so obviously, this is not a topic to be overlooked. No one seems to
have trouble bowing to each other or bowing as they enter the room. Apparently, the history of our bow is respect to the American flag. Our latest practice room is
a rented time slot in a fitness club. We are not allowed any permanent fixtures, including advertisements of our class schedule on the bulletin board. Thus, we bow to an invisible flag.
Any thoughts ?
Gints
