Theologian, Bush extol virtues of prayer on National Day of Prayer

Published: 2007-05-09

LISLE, Ill. (CNS) -- The Rev. Martin Marty, a Lutheran theologian and historian, stressed the importance of prayer as a "conversation with God" rather than an argument at a National Day of Prayer gathering at Benedictine University in Lisle May 3. Rev. Marty, a professor emeritus from the University of Chicago, pointed out that politics tend to get in the way of religion's role in society, particularly as Americans "do a lot more arguing about prayer than praying" in the discussion of issues such as prayer in the classroom or religious symbols in public places. Addressing a crowd of philosophy and theology professors and representatives from a variety of local faith communities, he defined two aspects of prayer -- the supernatural connection and the communal expression. The supernatural is sought in response to tragedies such as the massacre at Virginia Tech, while the communal aspect is the outpouring of sympathy and other actions after such a horrible event. "Where would we be without the churches" in the aftermath of catastrophe? he asked. President George W. Bush marked this year's prayer day with a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. In his seven-minute speech, the president said that Americans have always answered the call to pray, which makes the country a "strong nation."

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .