by James Spiller

Created on: January 27, 2009

Much like the rest of the country, and perhaps in this case, the world, I turned on my television on January 20th to watch history being made. During all inaugurations preceding this monumental event I had been busy with school or work, so this was my first time watching a Presidential transfer of power. I was absolutely revolted by what I saw.

When evangelical Pastor Rick Warren stepped up to the microphone, I was curious about his purpose. What was he going to say? In this country we have a legally definitive separation of church and state, and I wondered how he was going to manage to keep his speech secular.

Imagine my disbelief when he led our nation, a nation comprised of thousands of unique religions, in Christian prayer. I couldn't believe my ears. Our wonderful country is based entirely on the idea of not imposing religion on anyone. That is why the original European settlers left their homeland, sailed across a vast ocean, and attempted to establish a new society rooted in religious tolerance. Why, today, after such strides have been made, is Christianity being forced on me and my nation?

So what message is meant to be sent by this Christian invocation? Are the leaders of our government implying that we are free to practice whatever religion we choose as long as we recognize the fact that Christianity is the most important? What other conclusion could be drawn when, on such an important day in American history, on a day when the entire nation was paying attention, a Pastor comes before us and praises Jesus?

Near the end of his invocation, as hundreds of millions of Americans listened in, the Pastor said:
"I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Jeshua, Isa, Jesus (pronounced "Hay-sus"), Jesus, who taught us to pray: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. "

What if I don't believe that Jesus existed? What if the very thought of Jesus makes me cringe in horror? What conclusions am I supposed to draw from a government that doesn't share in my beliefs? All this time I was thinking that I was free and equal in this country. While on the surface that may be true, how can I rest assured that my government is making decisions with my best interests in mind and not in the best interests of their "God"?

If I swear on a bible that I believe is a complete work of fiction and then lie on the stand, why am I under perjury? I never pledged allegiance to the government's God. While a young African American may have watched the inauguration and had his heart fill with hope, how does a young Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim feel about being ruled by a government that doesn't agree with his or her religion?

Obviously, this country is far from perfect. We have room to improve in all facets, but I think that our supposed separation of church and state is a serious problem. We are a nation of diverse people, and religious tolerance is just not enough. Our government is sending the wrong message by openly embracing Jesus, Christianity, and God and is alienating a large segment of it's population. Religion has a place in our lives, if we choose, but that place is not in our government.

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