NDR Media Coverage

People Pray for a Reason

by Tom Barnes

HARRISBURG -- Will supporters of praying to God win out tomorrow over the forces of human reason or will reason edge prayer?

It's a question that surrounds the state Capitol, as Christians and other believers in Almighty God prepare to celebrate the National Day of Prayer here tomorrow, while a York-based group called Pennsylvania Nonbelievers Inc. prepares to celebrate human reason.

Last week Gov. Ed Rendell angered the latter group, which bills itself as "Central Pennsylvania's Leading Organization of Atheists, Agnostics and Humanists," by issuing what seemed like an innocuous proclamation -- officially declaring tomorrow as the National Day of Prayer in Pennsylvania. Many other governors and mayors around the country do the same to mark the annual celebration, which began in 1991 by Shirley Dobson, wife of well-known Christian evangelist and radio personality James Dobson of Colorado.

But Rendell upset the atheist/agnostic/humanists by refusing to also designate tomorrow as National Day of Reason, even though the term "national" might have been a bit out of place since the event will take place only in Pennsylvania. But why quibble?

So the nonbelievers, led by their president, Steven J. Neubauer, issued a press release yesterday, saying they will hold a rally on the Capitol steps tomorrow at 1 p.m. to publicly protest Rendell's refusal to give them equal proclamation treatment.

"The hourlong rally celebrates the human power of reason and its value as an alternative to prayer in everyday American life, government, private institutions and the military," the group said.

"A recitation of the traditional pre-1954 Pledge of Allegiance will also be featured," the group added. That's the version of the pledge without the words "under God" in it.

Rendell has generated a lot of protests in the past year over his proposals for tax increases and slot machines, but his staff seemed dumbfounded yesterday when told about the nonbelievers' protest.

One of his aides, the quick-thinking Chuck Ardo, quipped, "Obviously, they will not call the wrath of God down upon us."

But seriously, folks, why won't Rendell declare tomorrow a day of reason?

Ardo said, "The governor feels strongly that reason ought to reign every day in all our lives. It's not necessary to have a special day for it."

As for prayer, he said, "Given the times and the circumstances we find ourselves in today, a day of prayer seems to be in order. Many Pennsylvanians choose to pray on a regular basis."

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Copyright 2004 PG Publishing Co., Inc.

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