Friday, January 04, 2013

Congress: America No Longer a Christian Nation

Bibles in Congress replaced by myriad other "holy" books.

For background, read 20% in U.S. Have No Religion, yet ARE Spiritual and also read Atheism, Paganism Latest Liberal Media Darling as well as Bishops Hammer ObamaNation, Even with Hitler, Stalin

-- From "Religious diversity in Congress expands list of holy texts" by Stephen Dinan and Tom Howell Jr., The Washington Times 1/3/13

[Rep. Tammy Duckworth Dem-IL,] the first female combat veteran to be in Congress, used the Hindu holy book that she had with her while serving in Iraq.

“I chose to take the oath of office with my personal copy of the Bhagavad-Gita because its teachings have inspired me to strive to be a servant-leader, dedicating my life in the service of others and to my country,” she said.

Her election underscores the growing religious diversity in Congress, where the first Muslim was sworn in six years ago on a Koran, and the first Buddhist senator took office Thursday.

. . . Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona Democrat, who is claimed by atheists as one of their own . . . didn’t hold any text for the official swearing-in on the House floor, and did not take part in a ceremonial oath with Mr. Boehner.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "A Hindu moment for Congress" by Stephen Prothero, Boston University (posted at USA TODAY) 1/3/13


When a Hindu priest from Ohio offered the first Hindu prayer in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, the socially conservative Family Research Council denounced the prayer as "one more indication that our nation is drifting from its Judeo-Christian roots." When a Hindu from Nevada offered the first Hindu prayer in the Senate in 2007, protesters from the anti-abortion group Operation Save America interrupted him, calling on Jesus to forgive the nation "for allowing a prayer of the wicked."

But on Thursday, when Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, the first Hindu ever elected to the Congress, took her oath of office on the Hindu scripture the Bhagavad Gita, the nation simply shrugged.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "First Hindu in Congress to take oath on Bhagavad-Gita" by The Associated Press 1/2/13

The first Hindu member of Congress will be sworn in tomorrow on a Bhagavad Gita (BAH'-gah-vahd GEE'-tah) instead of a Bible.

Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, a 31-year-old Democrat, succeeds Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, who will become the Senate's first Buddhist.

Hirono, a Democrat elected to succeed the retiring Senator Daniel Akaka, has described herself as a non-practicing Buddhist.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bera, Tulsi sworn in as US lawmaker" by Press Trust of India 1/4/13

Indian-American physician Ami Bera and the first Hindu US lawmaker, Tulsi Gabbard today scripted history after being sworn in as newly-elected members of the US House of Representatives.

Dr Bera, 47, is only the third Indian American ~ after Dalip Singh Saundh in 1950 and Bobby Jindal in 2005 ~ to have ever been elected to the House of Representatives.

Democratic lawmaker from California's 3rd congressional district, Dr Bera has been made a member of the powerful House Foreign Committee, where he is likely to play an important role in shaping the foreign policy of his country and work towards achieving his goal of strengthening relationship between India and the US.

“Representative Gabbard and Dr Bera serve as an inspiration to Hindu students across the nation. These historic elections have hopefully opened the flood gates to having more members of the next generation with Hindu backgrounds find their voices in America's political system,” said Sohini Sircar, general secretary of Hindu Students Council.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Pastor Says Obama NOT Antichrist, Poll Numbers too Low