Has Rev. Barry Lynn and the ACLU been notified of this blatent disregard for seperation of Church and State? The nerve of a public official leading a political meating with sacred ash on his forehead. The agony!! The horror!! By golee, this nation is an eyelash from becoming a theocracy. What in the name of all that is holy are we to do when these religious fanatics are allowed to run wild like this?!?

I think its good to see one of the nations leaders that maybe will practice what he preaches.

Good for Him!

I was very pleased to see Joe Biden with the ash mark on his forehead. What a wonderful reminder that we live in a country where we are able to publicly and freely celebrate our faith.

Why should that be a problem? Apparently it wasn’t. Good.

Not to split hairs, but we (Episcopalians) use ashes also.

Somebody forgot to tell him that he had dirt on his forehead.
Ok, I just couldn’t resist it.

We Lutherans also get smudged on Ash Wednesday. I’ve run into this perception that Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes is strictly a Roman Catholic thing. Why is that I wonder?

Yes, many other Christian do ashes. Where are the pics of Congress with there smudges?
This is to commenters.

How interesting that for all their bluster about religiosity, none of the conservative congressmen showed up publicly with ashes and that it was a Democrat who bore public witness to his faith.
Of course, maybe the conservatives’ churches don’t hold Ash Wednesday services until evening. Which makes me wonder, Do Protestants ever hold morning services on weekdays?

Can I simply remind you that this is not the place nor the time (when is?) to lambast each other’s faith practices? Hooray for any and all who chose to observe Lent, ashes or not…comments about Catholics vs. Protestants vs. (insert denomination here) in regards to celebrating Christ’s presence and love are counterproductive. Behave.

I am so tired of the nit picking of everyone. Maybe the ashes on Bidens forehead got people to reflect upon themselves. This is not just a Catholic holiday. It is a Christian holiday. Other faiths have their holidays that remind them to reflect. Why can’t we just learn to love and appreciate one another. We as a people are acting like a flock of chickens that are just looking for another chicken to peck and beat on. Shame on us.

Being catholic doesn’t make you a Chistian. Neither do the ashes.This practice as it is done today isn’t from the word of GOD.

Weird. Perhaps in his next televisual appearance he can sacrifice a goat.

Your Name:
So just what DOES make you a Christian, in your view? You’re an expert, I guess, since you said the ashes as it is done isn’t the from the word of GOD. You know this how?

With a name like pagansister, I’m not surprised at your Christian-bashing remarks. Non-CHristians are the first to scream about Christians being judgmental and turn around and act judgmental themselves. Sad.

Happy secular: 17 years raised a Christian…left…glad, thus the name I chose. However, just curious how you know that the ashes are used improperly because it isn’t from “the word of God.” Whose interpretation of that word, yours? No judgement here or bashing here, just asking a question, Happy.

Biden is all show….no substance.

@pagansister:
I love how those who claim they grew up Christian, then actively chose to forsake said religion, seems to have this vendetta against those strong enough to continue in the faith they gave up.
What’s wrong with how they practice their religion anyway, Pagan? Right or wrong, why should it matter to you? If you gave up the religion anyway, why should it bother you how Christians practice it. Besides, growing up Christian for 17 years makes you no more a subject-matter expert on the religion than any other poster on this thread.
Commence trolls in 3…2…1….

With the sex scandals involving priests, the pope being a former nazi, I’m not sure Biden should be advertising he is a Catholic

It’s nice to see some of our politicians practicing their faith. I don’t think anyone should feel they need to hide their religion. Sorry that a little bit of ash on the forehead seems to get everyone all riled up.
How about the ads on TV for “hook-up” services and other ads advocating casual sex. I for one am more concerned that my kids see this and think that this is an acceptable way to live life than the fact that the Vice President practices a religion.

It’s nice to see some of our politicians practicing their faith. I don’t think anyone should feel they need to hide their religion. Sorry that a little bit of ash on the forehead seems to get everyone all riled up.
How about the ads on TV for “hook-up” services and other ads advocating casual sex. I for one am more concerned that my kids see this and think that this is an acceptable way to live life than the fact that the Vice President practices a religion.

This is the second time as vice president that mr. Biden appeared with the Presidnt with ashes on his forehead
d8e2zy

A few observations. Freedom of religion is a constitutional right in America. Our society has become so secularized that it is very uncommon to see any public display of religious practice, especially from politians. Respect for religion is uncommon, contempt for and ignorance of religion is the norm, as seen in several comments here.
Biden has a constitutional right to wear ashes on Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately in Biden’s case, his display is nothing more than hypocrisy. His public record is one of blatant betrayal to Catholics and to his faith. True faith demands more than mere public display. Simply displaying ashes on one’s forehead on Ash Wednesday does not make one a Catholic. Biden is a hypocrit and a traitor to all Catholics.