Is it normal for God to have such a focus in an inauguration?

[femme.democratique]

Historians, can you present some historical context on whether anything like the theocracy that is now being inducted has ever occured in past ceremonies?

I am so sick of all the God BS. If only the fundie / RW crowd out there knew when they speak of faith in God they're really saying "faith in Greed Oil and Drugs"

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. If they want a theocracy, they should move to Iran

------------------------------------
Would Jesus love a liberal? You bet!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/

[franksumatra]

2. yet God was not there

I doubt he was invited.

[Meme]

3. yeah it is. He sent us this president for crying out loud

what were you expecting.. that God wasn´t invited on this party after sending the president himself?

[Sgent]

4. In the place of one of the hymms

Clinton had Mya Angelou (sp?)...

[Rick Myers]

5. If Jesus showed up for the events...

He be HELD FOR QUESTIONING...

[madinmaryland]

10. I thought Jesus was going to the Steelers/Patrioits game and

skipping the inauguration.

[jdonaldball]

6. Actually yes. Look at Lincoln's Second Inaugural. However

Lincoln's references to God were diginfied and especially HUMBLE, and appropriate for the occasion, especially in a predominantly Christian country which had just been through its worst war (still the worst one to date)
Lincoln's references to God were not arrogant, and not theocratic.
His speech was full of humility and compassion.

[WI_DEM]

7. actually, yes

most inaugurals I've seen are heavy on religious symbolism. Usually always includes prayers from Catholic, protestant and Jewish clerics and sometimes even the president himself will recite a little prayer--Eisenhower and Truman both did. Also the ultimate example is that they put their hand on a bible to take the oath--usually open to a favorite passage. Often in the inaugural address itself the president will recite some biblical passage. Finally in the oath itself are the words "So help me god."

[jdonaldball]

9. slight correction on the Oath

The words "so help me God" are not in the Oath as originally written, not required by law. George Washington added those words on his own initiative when he too the first oath, and it just became a tradition. But it is not required by law.

[ablake]

8. How many times can you say "God"?

How many times was the word "God" used in during the inauguration? I'd love to see that stats on that as well as how many times the word "God" has been used that past few inaugurations.