Man Requests Satanic Prayer Before Town Council Meeting

[eyemixer]

So you do not agree with Matthew 6:5?

I see you do not understand the verse, not even a little to use it in this argument. The verse is about hypocrites not about genuine prayer, get on track. That verse would apply to those who pray to other gods though, so for them,yes I would agree. You believe that verse refers to praying in public because you oppose public prayer, you should not try to use scripture against Christians who understand it's meaning.
GC

---

How do you know my position on public prayer? I have not stated it so you are making a total assumption based on I know not what. Please do not state my beliefs based solely on your unfounded opinion, it is very disrespectful.

I asked a question. Once you assumed I am opposed to public prayers you decided that I was trying to 'use scripture against Christians who understand it's meaning.' That again is an incorrect assumption on your part.

I asked the question because I understood the verse to be a fairly explicit condemnation of prayer as spectacle. Both grandparents on my father's side were Ministers in the Episcopalian faith and my Grandfather led a parish near Shreveport, Louisiana for decades.

I discussed this passage with them, as one of the many we discussed over the years, and the position they seemed to take was that prayer should be as personal as a community observance can be. They frowned on public displays but felt houses of worship were fine since they allowed a sense of community spirit. They emphasized modesty in both decor and manner however and kept the focus on the Word and the people.

This was the opinion I got from actual Christians, so if you do not feel this is a correct interpretation I am happy to discuss why you think that is the case. I may change my mind on what the intent of the verse is. I may not, it depends on what you have to say on the matter, but 'get on track' and 'against Christians who understand its meaning' don't really advance a discussion any.

If you are willing to explain your interpretation of the verse so I can understand what it is, and why you feel it is a better interpretation, please do so.

From Can I post links yet Mods?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when you pray, be not like the pretenders who like to stand in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets to pray, that they may be seen by the children of men, and truly I say to you, they have received their reward.

I have stated my opinion on what the verse means, in context of public prayer. I understand that there are two groups in play, those being addressed and the 'pretenders' and there can be a whole discussion about 'pretenders'. I am willing to have that discussion as well if you want.

EDIT: We can examine the passage from any biblical source your prefer, I have no axe to grind in that regard.