Rick Warren: Error Numero Uno for the Obama Administration

Let me write this diary in as frank a vein as possible. I am writing to a few: I've never been "recommended"
Rick Warren makes me sick. So does the "Saddleback church." I am not kidding here. Name your lodge something that doesn't expressly invoke the American Frontier Spirit and Great West! Now, I don't mind the actual praying and the singing and the standing together and feeling grand, and all, but I do mind some Buffalo Bill self-made huckster preacher intoning about Jesus in the inauguration of the only person I've ever truly and deeply supported to be president.
Can I make myself a little clearer?
I don't believe in Jesus. I hope Rick Warren doesn't mention Jesus on my behalf.
As it happens, I would prefer he went light on God, too. Not that I dislike Christians or religious people. Sorry, not so. I just don't see things quite their way. I write about religion and politics in Africa's history, and half my natal family is Methodist. But also personally, which is how I am G-- d----ed writing here in this posting, I do not believe in Jesus, nor feel that melting fealty and inner peace, nor eyes-shut fervent love poured out in tongues or earnestness or whatever, for Jesus Christ, nor the promise of salvation should I vest myself in Him.
For me, hearing about Jesus has no place in the inauguration of a president of all Americans. We're a secular country and not a Christian Nation. John Anderson disappointed me on this score a generation ago and that bill did not pass.
Except in the brief moments God's name appears in the ceremonial. In God We Trust, Swearing In, all that is fine. I don't even mind the pledge of allegiance. But like many people I think, I am sick and tired of having to hear every president sign off with God Bless You. Presidents are not holy fathers but the power of the people concentrated in one executive empowered to do their will.
I am sick of politicians and slickers invoking the earnest love for the Father, the super-leader who's manifest only subjectively, as if a guide lay just beyond non-believers' sight -- look to Him, and you'll be okay!
Now comes Rick Warren, in his ideology of "giving yourself" to God and so therefore having a purpose, which can then open doors to further purpose and action (thank you. I've saved you five dollars for the used paperback, Purpose Driven Life!.) For some people his notions work, but for many they offer a reason to stop asking "why," and "what can I do to change this world?" That's what the Jesus folks have to offer: "Here's how to stop asking, 'Why?'"
But I would say to Rick Warren, the people who were finally asking "Why" again, and more and more loudly, are the ones who just elected Barack Obama president.
Invoke an ecumenical God if God needs invoking, and respect the notion that we can influence our own destiny not only by prayer and hope but by further action. Let us regain control of our country as citizens capable of shaping our own destiny, and leave us to our private worship in our churches and synagogues and mosques.