Did Jesus Really Forbid Praying in Public?
A few moments ago a friendly critic left a comment on one of my YouTube videos which I felt was worthy of a proper response… well, at least as proper as I can muster. The video was of me reciting Chapter Six of Matthew which just happens to be the second part of the Sermon on the Mount. My atheist friend (I hope I can call him “friend”) has stated: “The sermon states that prayer in public (including church) is hypocrisy. This sounds like a problem” But does it really? I have to disagree. The verses he is referring to go thus: “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners TO BE SEEN BY MEN. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen, then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-7) I wrote in caps the bit that I think is crucial to my argument – TO BE SEEN...