Matthew 6: Jesus condemns public prayer

[Cinjin]

What about school sponsored prayer at a graduation ceremony? Is that earnest prayer, even though the praying is triggered by conformity rather than an earnest desire to pray?

I'd say no to public school sponsored prayer. As for the politicians, it looks like a show to me. If a certain church body were to get together and have an outdoor service, say at a park, then I would say that it wouldn't violate Jesus' words.

But that's NOT what it says does it Lek. Nope. Jesus doesn't give you a disclaimer and he doesn't give you a time when it is ok does he? Nope he doesn't. It is just your worthless opinion that your messiah thinks what you're doing is ok. Lets look at the verse again:

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Hmmmm. Nowhere in that verse do I see your god giving you the OK to pray in public under ANY circumstance. In fact, I'd say he has given you a direct order that you in your tiny mortal coils have chosen to disregard.

My point is, if you're allowed to make judgement calls even where Jesus gave you a direct order, than how arbitrary can your decisions become when you DON'T have Jesus giving your direct orders. I'd say that's more than a little terrifying. Oh wait, that's the Christianity we've all come to know and despise: Dangerous & Terrifying.