Jonathan Falwell Delivers Opening Prayer

[GamersNationxX]

Whatever happened to ONE nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL

[tomku2005]

God bless you Jonatham he is doing a good job at his church

[theSHAMZ14]

God bless you Jonatham & all Fallwell family. May you continue to be God's witness in your land which taketh His name in vain.

[1RationalMind]

I appreciate the sentiment of being prayed for, even though I disagree with religion.

Thanks! Have a good day!

[tegan71969]

I look forward to the day when ALL religion dies a painful and quick death. Then humanity can finally move forward in a more rational manner......

[jpdistef]

Amen to that!

[ktloveland]

@tegan71969 One day...all religion will die as Jesus Christ Splits the sky and comes down on a cloud of fire, taking all who surrender to be with him in eternity while everyone else suffers. I pray that all will come to that realization and surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ as Lord!

[tegan71969]

@ktloveland Ahhh ok, you are a student at Liberty University...now your comment makes complete sense! Wow, it's obvious you have been brainwashed pretty good at that school. I bet they don't teach you critical thinking skills there.

[ktloveland]

@tegan71969 u r entitled to your opinion. I assume by ur orginal comment that you are not a christian and I wish you were. I'm not here to shove anything down your throat as most people might. I pray that you would but in God's time and by your own will. U r totally free to your own opinion but Liberty University is a great school and is highly acredited.

[ktloveland]

@ktloveland Your objection is for that fact that we are Christians and you are on a slippery slope to say that we are dumb or don't have "critical thinking" just because we're Christians. Also I don't see the reason for you to insult someone just because the objected to something you said.

[ktloveland]

@ktloveland For you to call me stupid b/c i'm a Christian or go to Liberty University makes no sence what so ever when I nvr insulted you. If thats the way you feel then your welcome to that, doesn't make it true. God Bless you!

[tegan71969]

@ktloveland - I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.

[ktloveland]

@tegan71969 ok well now ur just trying to pick a fight. So if its that important to you then fine. You win!

[scubamary2009]

Yeah for Jonathan....

[jamesarongray]

Click "thumbs up" for keeping religion out of politics!

[tomku2005]

Rligion needs to be in politics

[Katydiditall]

Thank you so much Jonathan for the beautiful prayer you prayed. May God indeed bless, lead, guide and direct the men and women inservice to our country. May they be truthful,honest,honorable and decent in their love of America and their leadership of its people. May they adhear to the fact that they should not be putting rules and regulations on "The People "and exempting themselves. If we have to live under the guidelines they are trying to enforce may they have to live under them too.

[Patbow25]

Congress always opens with prayer from people of different faiths everyday...please learn something about history before you start whining about separation of church and state

[TheEtowah]

Keep praying, Jonathan. Heaven knows we need it.

[LuxLucisEternus]

Didn't Pliny the Younger, in a letter to Trajan, testify to the existence of Christ?

"They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so."

[TonyBeazley]

like all you porn freaks out there that tell the christians what to do if they don't like what's on tv..... turn the channel....well there ya go....if you donot believe in God then why should this prayer bother you? But then you have a right to turn the channel....Or do you just want to whine because your life is really that boring....would you rather have a satanic ritual performed before the start of the day instead of a pray for good luck and safety?

[skinnym974]

Bother may come from the blunt mix of religion and politics, a clear sign of non-independent and bias leading of a country representing multiple race and religion.

[zulmia]

Tony, do a thought experiment with me. Imagine that this country was a Muslim majority, and every day before Congress started, a blessing was asked from Allah in Mohammad's name. Imagine that many of the same people who defended this practice wanted to pass laws that made eating pork illegal, as well as passing laws against letting women show their faces. Would you feel the same way? Would you just say, "Well, I don't believe in Allah, so it doesn't bother me"?

[TonyBeazley]

well being raised in different churches and private schools its hard to picture the muslim thing in our country since I am so against shariah law nowadays. But I think you have missed the point , this preacher didn't ask you to do anything or make a law for you to follow...the muslims will. Alot of folks follow the 10 commandments without even knowing they are doing it especially if they don't know much about the Bible. Did any of you kill someone today? Did you steal? If no tell me why?

[CraigX1allen]

God says, "persecuted, we suffer it" 1 Corinthians 4:12

America says, "persecuted, we kill it' 1776 - 2009

America has ALWAYS contradicted Jesus Christ!

[Nukinator]

It is our only chance now...to pray.

[JackJ1957]

A heartfelt, Biblical prayer. Excellent. In Jesus' Name. IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN!

[damogg]

Our nation was founded as a Christian nation. We have the govenment we have now because we have strayed from our faith. What's happening in our world is the natural consequence of mans sinful nature. If the politicians would make policy based on the bible, our nation wouldn't be going down the toilet now. The problem with government is they've removed God.

[jlitchford]

Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

[nlmyers]

In fact, the Capitol building was actually used for church services even before it housed the Congress. Further, Mr. Jefferson—long revered by the left as the principle figure in the separation of church and state debate—attended the Capitol church services as President and Vice President. Other Presidents, including Madison and Lincoln, attended the Capitol church services.

[huffdaddy76]

Too many people equate America with its government. America is not its government. America is a set of propositions about the relationship between government and citizens. Thus, America can be religious, in any number of ways (thanks to religious freedom), while the state "should be" neutral. In fact, religious freedom has flourished in America precisely because the state has kept out of religious matters. It's not the state's business to promote any particular religious creed.

[huffdaddy76]

We should all be concerned, especially Christians, about these self-righteous displays in Congress. Too often such displays are used as moral cover for passing dubious legislation, the details of which are often worked out behind closed doors and implemented by a faceless and unaccountable bureaucracy. And we all know that the devil is in the details. But I guess we're supposed to think that everything these lawmakers do has god's stamp of approval on it, that they're doing "god's work." HA!

[huffdaddy76]

Just to clarify: While American citizens can be religious in any number of ways (thanks to our civil liberties), state officials should not endorse their religious preferences in the course of fulfilling their duties in public office. That's neither their role nor what they are paid to do. They are to protect civil liberties and uphold the Constitution.

Are these lawmakers so insecure in their faith that they must broadcast to the world their piety?

[huffdaddy76]

Or does this public display of sanctimony function as moral cover for legislation that only benefits Wall St. and the large corporations that funded their election campaigns?

[pbrskater26]

Dude if this asshole is related to jerry falwell I'm am pissed off! What about seperation of church and state?

[rockthejungle]

Oh, to bad he is the son of the Great and Honorable Jerry Falwell ,you lose .

[zulmia]

First of all, to everyone getting freshly outraged: the House has opened with a prayer of some sort every day it has opened. I've seen Buddhist and Hindu prayers as well as Christian (I'm not sure if Muslim prayers have gone on; it wouldn't surprise me if they had).

Second, to those advocating the Christian Nation nonsense: We are a Christian nation in the same way we are a white, female nation. There happens to be a majority in the US, but you won't find any preference in the Constitution.

[jx14aby]

It will be a good day when they say no more. To all of them.

[zulmia]

I'll give an 'amen' to that, jx14aby. It seems terribly anachronistic to open Congress with an appeal to an invisible friend. I think a simple gavel strike and a call to order should be enough.

[sogofan]

The Senate,House,and Supreme Court open with prayer every day.If you think that is wrong you are entitled to your opinion,this is the USA where we are the land of the free and home of the brave.Our leadership,from the President on down need our support.If you dont believe in prayerful support thats fine but this nation is in for a rude awakening.Jesus Christ Himself is alive and well and is coming back for all who believe in Him.That is not my opinion-That is Gods opinion.We all need prayer.

[checkurself]

God's opinion. I take offense that you are speaking words and saying it came from God. Prayer should be done in churches and other places of worship NOT government buildings.  It's against our rights ~ freedom of religion. Pray all you want. I won't stop you that's your business. I pay my taxes and I don't want Congress wasting time praying. Let them pray at home.

[Glorthac]

Better yet, let's end Congress, the United States, and the end of seperation of church and state!

[sogofan]

First of all, for those of you throwing around the "F" word, I find that very offensive and it shows your lack of intelligence if that is all you can come up with. Secondly, contrary to opinion we were founded as a Christian nation.We have gone astray and if we do not repent from our sins and get right with God we will never be healed economically,spritually or politically.That is a summary of Second Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14.There was nothing wrong Jonathan praying before the House.

[checkurself]

If you read documents written by the Founding Fathers you would see many of them were not religious nor affiliated to any religion. Christianity, prayers in schools, and "In God we trust" was pushed into government so to show other countries and our citizens that the government was anti-Communism. There is a difference between freedom of religion and forcing a religion on it's citizens. No one religion should deemed more important than the another in a country with freedom of religion.

[sogofan]

I cannot believe the outcry here. No wonder the nation is going to hell in a handbasket. If you ask me this nation needs our prayers You people act like he went in there with a submachine gun and killed everyone, making it sound like it was some kind of horrific event. Our nation,President and all of our leaders need our prayers. If you do not believe in God, thats fine but dont be lashing out because the nation that you reside in was created by God himself.

[Alderon714]

The forces of the darkside are strong in here. When light is shined into the room the cockroaches scurry for their dark hiding places.

The comments in here are a sad statement of what our public schools have produced for America.

[checkurself]

Go ahead, pray for all those who need it but this is a secular nation and religion does not belong in government. Is it right to make those Americans who are not Christian feel like our government is against them? There are Americans that are Jewish, Muslims, Buddhist, Hindu...to name a few and those who don't believe in any God. How would you like it if someone forced you to pray in the name of their religion you may not believe in?

[gerudgutierrez]

@sogofan woa stfu moron were not going to hell in a handbasket xD kill yourself you moron god doesnt exist faggot

[irishbeatle59]

Fucking appalling.

[hendte1]

There is absolutely no reason for you and/or anyone else to use that word - especially when it comes to delivering the Word of God in any place.

I am not ashamed - Stuart Henderson

[irishbeatle59]

I have this thing called freedom of speech...I don't know, you might have heard of it...it's outlined in this document called the constitution.

[1RationalMind]

This is disgraceful. How dare they invoke such a prayer in a house of government!

Separation of Church and State should be absolute.

It is disgraceful that such things are allowed to occur!

[hendte1]

God and Jesus are the only absolute - period.

Stuart

[1RationalMind]

Wrong. God and Jesus are just wishful thoughts, just ideas. They are not real.

There is no proof of "god". There is no place for them in government- period.

Keep your childish fantasies out of my country's laws, please.

Don't waste your time praying for me either.

[Vinifera7]

Why is prayer taking place in the House of Representatives?

Separation of church and state fail.

[hendte1]

Prayer is taking place because this great nation was founded on the prayers of our forefathers. If it weren't for prayer, we'd all be singing "Hail to the Queen." Thank God we live in a nation where we CAN pray. I would suggest if you do not appreciate this God-given right that our men and women in the Armed Forces are fighting for today, perhaps you would prefer living elsewhere. Praise God for our Freedom!

[Vinifera7]

The right to pray also encompasses the option to NOT pray. In other words, you have the right to choose whether or not you pray. And I definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY appreciate that right.

Regardless of that fact, prayer is a private activity and should not be sanctioned by the government. Everyone has the right to choose to pray in a church, by themselves, or even in public!

If the government is defending that right properly, they should not be endorsing prayer.

[Alderon714]

Because this Nation was built on Biblical proofs of God and Freedom.

Maybe you should learn a bit of history before sounding off like an id10t.

[Vinifera7]

I am not contesting that this nation was build on certain ideals such as freedom, but Biblical proofs of God? Where are you getting that from?

There are two conceivable options:

1) I am ignorant of historical facts.

2) You are full of shit.

Please provide a citation so I can know the truth.

[Revyloution]

Wow, you should read the biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine.

I think you would be quite surprised to learn what they thought of the Bible. But here's a hint:

Thomas Jefferson took a pair of scissors to it. When he was done, it was significantly lighter.

[doobtribe]

Religious parasite 1 - 0 Seperation of church and state

What's next scientologists?

[nafet]

Where is my huongan giving opening prayer?

Help! I'm being oppressed!!

[SkreetGil]

What! This should not happen! This in the US House of Representatives? Who gave the ok on this?

Man, if he would have said a Muslim prayer there would have been blood in the aisles!

Just a note...he's from "lynch" berg! You can't get anymore red neck than that! They liked it so much they named their town after it! RRR!

[hendte1]

Obviously you don't know much about history. Lynchburg was named for John Lynch. It had nothing to do with lynching, or being red neck. Check your facts before you go spouting off next time.

[huffdaddy76]

You gotta be fckin' kidding me! Can't get over this....

[huffdaddy76]

Since when did the House open with a prayer? How does this accord with the separation of church and state? The reason why religious freedom has flourished in America is because the state has kept out of religious matters. It's not the state's business to endorse or fund any particular religion.

[Alderon714]

Everyday it is in session. Ever read the daily log?

I'll pray for you too.

[huffdaddy76]

What, are you touched by this public display of sanctimony? Prayers are to be said inside closets, as Jesus admonished. Ever read the NT?

[Revyloution]

Mathew 6:6

Anytime im asked to say I prayer, I always quote that scripture. The poetry of those words really speaks to me.

[huffdaddy76]

Right on, my friend.

[zgrendelz]

fuck this guy and fuck his dead father.

[hendte1]

How dare you! Have you no respect for anything?

[Alderon714]

I don't think they do... and none appear to have read any history books at all.

[cjfilmproductions]

get all of these right wing churches and all of the lobbyists out of Washington please the people are supposed to set the rule this is our country

[1RadicalOne]

This is the son of the one who ran for a high political office, with promises of a "biblical constitution", prompting Keith Olbermann to say "ladies, those of you who line up behind this guy get a free burqa!"

[1RadicalOne]

Am I correct?

[PhiloCentinel]

Hopefully, one day, religion will be a thing of the past.

[Revyloution]

Mathew 6-6

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

Falwell must not be a TRUE (tm) Christian.

[JustinTheAtheist]

Yeah...How can anyone not see the obvious bias? "In Jesus' name we pray" Really? Okay, I have nothing against allowing people to believe whatever the hell they want to and to perform rituals for their beliefs, but I do not support the performing of rituals that may negatively affect others. This is certainly a negative thing. It shows a bias to believe in Jesus and God, rather than simply showing no preference.

Pray when you want to, but do it silently, or save it for when you're at home.

[angelmarauder]

Haha. I love all the anti-religion comments. It makes me glad that I support people's right to pray.

[3star2nr]

what the fuck is wrong with this country?

So are we going to have a muslim prayer next?

[angelmarauder]

If we become majority muslim then yes. It's amazing how faith can lead men.

[checkurself]

This is not appropriate at all. Not only is it a violation against the separation of church and state but it also shows bias towards one religion. It's a violation of our Constitution. This sort of thing pisses me off.

[angelmarauder]

You're wrong.

[Alderon714]

You have issues... I will pray for you.

[checkurself]

lol. I don't need your prayers. I have everything I need and am quite content with life. USA is a secular country. Just like no one race or gender should be deemed superior nor does one religion. God belongs in our personal lives if we want but NOT in government.

[Feldmm1]

What happened to the seperation of church and state?

[angelmarauder]

Maybe you should learn what that means.

[AboveAllNations]

Prayer invocations at public functions are inappropriate. Not everyone in Congress prays in "Jesus' name," if indeed they pray at all. Gods aren't in the Constitution, and they don't need to be in our government either.

[angelmarauder]

They are appropriate. It was an opening. Not a declaration of gov't support.

[ctypro96706]

Are these people acting as government representatives? Are they in a government building? Are they there to do government business? Are taxes used to support any of this? It's inappropriate.

[angelmarauder]

Do these representatives believe that God has a hand in all things? Are they using that government building to support a religious organization?

[jx14aby]

Can you believe this? At the highest level of our government, they're praying to god. What nonsense.

[hendte1]

What do you call this direct quote from the Constitution of the United States of America:

Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth. In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names.

[angelmarauder]

Proof?  ;-D

[jx14aby]

I call it Old English. It is an anachronism. Was discarded centuries ago.

The world will be a better place when we can all agree on what day it is.

[UberSciFiNerd]

i cringe everytime i see the morning prayer... i wish they wouldnt do it

[imaginepeace63]

The sins that you legislators committed (Republican and Democrat. Patriot act, CAFTA, NAFTA, Military commmissions act, the Iraq war, the afghan War. I could go on but this box only gives me 50 characters to type with

[OhioDemocrat]

I hope he a better man than his Dad.

[AppleNick]

It's a good thing Jerry Falwell is dead

[hendte1]

Actually Jerry Falwell is alive in Heaven with Jesus Christ!

I even have the guts to tell you my real name

Stuart Henderson

[Innize]

Tax the churches, pls.

Think of all the potential revenue <3

[terpis]

Does the apple fall very far from the 'toad'?

/watch?v=52yTqMcwuQE

[iluvsystemofadown]

oh my gudness -_-.... this is just retarted. Fuck... why take action when PRAYER can fix everything.

[USoSilly2Me]

Amen..!!

[jx14aby]

Yeah, and get that off my fucking money!

[FullOfFail]

Prayer in government? That shit has got to go. Obviously they have no understanding of what separation of church and state means.

[calciumblue]

If we were all created by some "Heavenly Father" that must mean we are all just a bunch of Asshole babies.

[dreamdewil]

Fuck Falwell.

[zutroy1]

Falwell was a hatefilled bigot who made his living off hatred of gays and non-christians, and exploitation of the low levels of education which plague America.

[jx14aby]

And now the United States Congress has recognized him as someone worthing of speaking before congress. What idiots.

[Alderon714]

What idiots? That would be you sir.

Read our history.

[jx14aby]

How about the part that says:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. . . . . ."

They can't even abide by the first clause of the first amendment.  Idiots.

[hendte1]

We will pray for you! I am so sorry you seem to have hatred in your heart.

Stuart

[dreamdewil]

Go ahead.... pray, sing, dance, or do whatever you want.

It's still pointless.