In light of the excellent contributions by Brian McLaren this past week, it was easy to immediately distinguish the way some people use religion to benefit the well being of the masses, while others use religion to benefit only themselves. In Huckabee’s response to explain his most recent surge in the polls, he reasoned that it resulted solely from the powers of prayer.

I wholeheartedly appreciate his use of prayer as a way to bring people together. In my eyes, common prayers create a sense and feeling of human spirit that on its face is a good thing. But as a political leader (and more so as a spiritual leader), Governor Huckabee should lead his supporters to pray for something more worthwhile and less self-serving. I thought putting others ahead of yourself was a most Christian teaching. Egotism is the only thing that would allow him to consider himself worthy of such a miracle. Does he really believe he is the “chosen one,” that somehow his ascension to the Presidency will be driven and approved “by the Grace of God?” Monarchs, despots and the like saw their seats of power as ordained by God and therefore unquestionable. Here, seats of power are ordained by the populace and always open to challenge. I hope someone close to him reminds him of this point.

I ask Mr. Huckabee that next time, he lead his supporters to stop praying for 5000 votes and start praying for 5000 loaves of bread.