“Dear Lord, This year you took my favorite actor, Patrick Swayzie. You took my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett. You took my favorite singer, Michael Jackson. I just wanted to let you know, my favorite president is Barack Obama. Amen”
This “prayer”, currently circulating on Facebook, is a variation on the one e-mailed by New Jersey teacher’s union representative Joseph Coppola about that state’s governor, Chris Christie ,during a conflict over proposed education cutbacks. In his apology Coppola stated, “While it was intended as a joke I recognize that it was in poor taste, bad taste and was definitely an error of poor judgment and I sincerely apologize to the governor.” That apology was issued after the message was sent to 17,000 union members. Currently on Facebook 1,183,063 people have read this message and clicked that they like this statement and that number is growing.
For those unfamiliar with Facebook, most posts, statements, or links come with a Like button that you can click to show approval, support, or general agreement. The fact that well over a million people have shown support for this statement is frightening. Defenders of this statement may try and excuse it as a joke, but the fact that it is worded as a prayer makes it no laughing matter.
Prayer is sacred to a number of religions. Joking about prayer should be troubling to a number of people. The recent controversy over South Park and Mohammad illustrates the problems that can arise when humor and religion are at odds. This “prayer” would be at odds with several religions, but since the “prayer” begins with “Dear Lord,” it brings to mind Christianity first and foremost.
Christians willing to support a prayer calling on God to “take” the president is an act of hypocrisy. Christianity does not need any more attention for hypocrisy. Christians that are Pro-Life and Pro-Death Penalty do that well enough already. No matter who the statement is about, and no matter how the individual may feel about their politics, this “prayer” stands at odds with Christian teachings and beliefs. Invoking the Lord in this “joke” qualifies as taking the Lord’s name in vain. One commandment broken. Another commandment says something about not killing. Asking the almighty to do it for you? Probably sacrilege at best.
What is the truth behind the sentiment of this message? Would those who supported this statement be upset at the death of Barack Obama, or thankful for answered prayers? To publicly support a “prayer” calling upon the almighty to take the president’s life borders on sedition. Threats against the life of any president, no matter how veiled, are no joking matter.
