Pray in parliment

Is a christan pray to start Australian Parliments a good thing

  • Total voters
    9
A

Asguard

Kiss my dark side
Valued Senior Member
this is another issue which has really gotten up my nose constantly, that is at the start of every sitting of parliment the speaker reads out a pray, unfortunatly i cant currently find it but its an adaption of "the lords pray"

Now concidering that its a christan pray and we have jewish MP's, a Muslim federal MP not to mention the number of athiast and other MP's its compleatly discriminating and a discrace yet the practice continues. While looking up something else i found this story


Prayer 'a waste of time': Atheist MP

Adelaide Now
NICK HENDERSON, POLITICAL REPORTER
June 11, 2007 02:15am

A LABOR MP has described parliamentary prayers as an "archaic practice" and a waste of time, angering fellow politicians.

Legislative Council backbencher Ian Hunter wrote a letter to The Advertiser after it was reported he was reading a book during prayers.

"Of course, as an atheist, I don't say prayers," he said.

"I see them as just one more example of an archaic practice which wastes the time of MPs.

"However, I am a polite fellow generally, and rather than cause a fuss for my colleagues who may take some comfort in such practices at the commencement of each parliamentary session, I prefer to improve my mind by reading."

His comments follow criticism last month of Liberal frontbencher David Pisoni, after he was accused of mocking MPs during prayers.

Senior Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis demanded Mr Pisoni - who denied the accusation - issue an apology.

The prayer takes about a minute to be read out at the beginning of each day and MPs generally bow their heads, remain still or occasionally read documents during this time.

Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith yesterday said parliamentary prayers were important for all MPs.

"I think it is very worthwhile in both Houses of Parliament," he said.

"I think it is very appropriate for MPs to take an oath and those who wish to, to make an affirmation."

Family First leader Dennis Hood said prayers had been read in Parliament since the Westminster system began and there was no reason for them to be removed.

"Many people in the community regard having prayers in Parliament as an essential part of the process and not a waste of MPs' time in any way at all," he said.

"I think it is important to continue having prayers in Parliament because they offer MPs the opportunity to reflect on the history and tradition and importance of the decisions they are making and the debate they will be undergoing."

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21883574-5006301,00.html
Click to expand...

i also found this one from the Canberra Times
 
It depends on the diversity of the population. If it is homogenous religiously speaking, then it can be a good thing as a form of culture. If not, then it's a bad thing because it assumes everyone is religious or follows one religion.
 
they dont, thats the whole point, its only a standing order which could be varied to remove it, to make swear and oath to do the best for the people of australia, to list there drinks telly from last night:p (the last is a joke ofcourse:p) but there is no legal or consitutional requirement to have a prayer
 
its a waste of time, and its not what they're paid to do, but if its only a minute long i don't really care. as long as the christians are being mocked while they do it, i'm happy i think.
 
codanblad you dont think it is a problem in that it gives the APEARANCE that the parliment is more interested in the christan "God" when they should be focused on those who elect them?
 
Depends on those who elect them. If any Minister in India were to commence proceedings without prayer, it would be seen as inauspicious. Even our atheist ministers will oblige.
 
They should at least rotate. I might even pay to come see voodoo day or realin day. ;)
 
What a weird mentality. Anyway the Indian Parliament does not open with any prayer.
 
Asguard said:
codanblad you dont think it is a problem in that it gives the APEARANCE that the parliment is more interested in the christan "God" when they should be focused on those who elect them?
Click to expand...

well as sam pointed out, they might have been elected for being christian. the issue as i see it is they're screwing around praising jebus when they should be working, but so long as its only a minute i wouldn't make a big deal out of it. if there's a way to get rid of it, i support it.
 
you think thebwhole parliment was elected by christans? what are we? iran? the US?

most australians would vote AGAINST a candiate if they were endorced by religious leaders the way they are in the US

do you even know what rudds religion is?
gillards?
turnbulls?
i will give you an easy one, tony abbot

what about at the stste level (i dont know what state your in so if its not vic or sa subsitute)

Brumby?
Ran?
ect

religion should be irrelivent to politics here which is why i find thid practice offensive. the time doesnt bother me, the image does
 
From the link:

"I think it is important to continue having prayers in Parliament because they offer MPs the opportunity to reflect on the history and tradition and importance of the decisions they are making and the debate they will be undergoing."
Click to expand...

It would certainly provide evidence as to why politicians are deluded liars.
 
S.A.M. said:
What a weird mentality.
Click to expand...

What? Praying to imaginary gods or practicing voodoo? Why should there be any significant differences? Why shouldn't a PM stand up and demand the ritual of Talukkalar?

"THE RITUAL IS CALLED TALUKKALAR. THE TALUKKALAR RITUAL

WILL MAKE YOU GREAT,POWERFUL AND POPULAR AMONG ALL MEN.

IT WILL MAKE YOUR ENEMIES AND ALL WHO DO NOT WANT YOU TO

PROGRESS TO GET YOUR DREAM TIED AND WEAKEN THEM.THEY WILL

SEE YOU MOVING FORWARD AND THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO YOU

ANY HARM.YOU WILL BECOME VERY VERY GREAT,PEOPLE WILL

HONOUR YOU,RESPECT YOU AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TALK

ABOUT YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE, PEOPLE WILL COME TO YOU FOR

SPIRITUAL HELPS ,YOU WILL SAY SOMETHING AND IT WILL BE LIKE

THAT.IF YOU COMMAND THAT A MAN SHOULD DIE ,BECOME BLIND

OR BECOME SOMETHING IT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE PERSON ON THE

7TH DAY YOU SAY IT. YOU WILL BECOME A SUPER MAN…..

YOUR NAME WILL BECOME A NEWS TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN YOUR

AREA AND COUNTRY.WE HAVE DONE THIS RITUAL FOR A GREAT

POP MUSICIAN IN AMERICA .TWO VERY POWERFUL POLITICIANS

IN AFIRCA.THEY WON THIER ELECTIONS."

http://www.afrikanvoodoomagickpowers.com/talukkalarbloodsacrifice.htm
 
S.A.M. said:
Sure, why not?

Make it a whole lot more interesting
Click to expand...

Actually, it makes it a whole lot more useless, which is the entire point, Sam.

What it truly demonstrates though, is the level of intellectual flatulence theists attempt to promote in a vain effort to show that their delusions are "important for all MPs" and "very worthwhile" and an "essential part of the process" which is just another way they shove their beliefs down everyone's throats.
 
I see what you mean about cooperating with everyone for mutual benefit.
 
(Q) said:
Is that a claim that practicing ancient myths and superstitions is somehow beneficial to all?
Click to expand...

Like watching a religious George Bush lowering his head in prayer while behaving like a lunatic the rest of the time. Sure its a really beneficial:D

People should pray in their religious institutions and or at home, not in government.
 
for me, prayer in gvmt is kinds like the referee wearing a Bulls jersey in a game between the Bulls and Lakers. Its supposed to be impartial.
I am very much against it, tradition or not.
 
Asguard said:
you think thebwhole parliment was elected by christans? what are we? iran? the US?

most australians would vote AGAINST a candiate if they were endorced by religious leaders the way they are in the US

do you even know what rudds religion is?

religion should be irrelivent to politics here which is why i find thid practice offensive. the time doesnt bother me, the image does
Click to expand...

1. i didn't suggest that, and i don't think that.

2. why would MOST australians be aware of the opinions of religious leaders? i personally agree with the idea though, i would be suspicious of anyone with strong religious links.

3. no idea, i don't know the religious backgrounds of any politicians.

4. you're right, its inappropriate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top