The Duck of Minerva

It’s Time to Play: Presidential Candidate or Televangelist??!!

by Brian Rathbun

7 August 2011, 0250 EDT


Can you identify which of these prayers was offered by Texas Governor Rick Perry in his prayer rally in Texas today? Yes, the Rick Perry who might run for President. The politician who, if he did run, it would be his nomination to lose. And which are those of prominent televangelists? Bet you can’t! Please respond below in the comments section with your guess, and I’ll report the results soon. No cheating! Wouldn’t it be fun to have a preacher for a President? Hurray!

Your choices:

A) Lord God, I would ask that not one person leave here without knowing your son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Draw them by your spirit. Let them feel your love and presence as they have never felt it before.

B) In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.

C) We know a loving god. We know the greatest darkness comes just before the morning. We know there is hope for those who trust in him who fills our hearts with joy and gives us life. This god who knows our imperfections. He didn’t leave us to live a life in our sins, but paid the price for them. He who knew no sin. He gave his life in ransom for many.

D) May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord shine upon you and be gracious onto you. And may god give you peace. In your going out and your coming in, in your lying down and your rising up, in your labor and in your leisure. Until that day before you come before Jesus.

Rathbun is a professor of International Relations at USC. Brian Rathbun received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002 and has taught at USC since 2008. He has written four solo-authored books, on humanitarian intervention, multilateral institution building, diplomacy and rationality. His articles have appeared or are forthcoming in International Organization, International Security, World Politics, International Studies Quartlery, the Journal of Politics, Security Studies, the European Journal of International Relations, International Theory, and the Journal of Conflict Resolution among others. He is the recipient of the 2009 USC Parents Association Teaching and Mentoring Award. In 2019 he will be recognized as a Distinguished Scholar by the Diplomatic Studies Section of the International Studies Association.

Rathbun is a professor of International Relations at USC. Brian Rathbun received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002 and has taught at USC since 2008. He has written four solo-authored books, on humanitarian intervention, multilateral institution building, diplomacy and rationality. His articles have appeared or are forthcoming in International Organization, International Security, World Politics, International Studies Quartlery, the Journal of Politics, Security Studies, the European Journal of International Relations, International Theory, and the Journal of Conflict Resolution among others. He is the recipient of the 2009 USC Parents Association Teaching and Mentoring Award. In 2019 he will be recognized as a Distinguished Scholar by the Diplomatic Studies Section of the International Studies Association.

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