GOP lawmaker criticizes Obama for not mentioning God in Thanksgiving address

A freshman Republican expressed his disappointment Wednesday that President Obama didn’t mention God in his Thanksgiving address. 

In comments on the House floor, Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) said he was “surprised and disappointed” that Obama failed to make any reference to God during last week’s address. He also said he believed it was not an accident since Obama has “a history of doing this sort of thing.”

“Since the president has a history of doing this sort of thing, it’s hard to believe that this was simply an oversight on his part,” Duncan said. “Perhaps this glaring omission was an attempt at being politically correct, but regardless of the intention, there’s no excuse for once again leaving out the one [on] whom the foundation of our liberties rest.”

Duncan said there is increasing pressure in the U.S. to avoid public references to God, and said that as Christmas approaches, it’s clear that many shopping malls would rather play songs about Santa Claus than those mentioning God or Jesus Christ.

{mosads}”Seeking guidance from the Lord through prayer and thanking him for the blessings he has given our nation is something our country should do more of, not less,” Duncan said.

Duncan also noted that Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who has quickly gained fame for pulling out last-minute wins this year, has come under fire for the public expression of his faith. But Duncan said Tebow recently explained to reporters why he does this, which Duncan said should inspire others to do the same. Duncan quoted Tebow as saying:

“If you’re married and you really love your wife, is it good enough only to say to your wife ‘I love her’ the day you get married, or should you tell her every single day, when you wake up, at every opportunity? My relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life, so any time I get the opportunity to tell him that I love him, or get the opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I’m going to take that opportunity.”

Democrats responded to the GOP criticism of Obama’s speech, which was echoed over the weekend on Fox News, by decrying what they called an excessive emphasis on symbols and rhetoric over actions and policies.

“The first Thanksgiving was all about celebrating a freedom to worship in one’s own fashion,” Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) told reporters on Wednesday. “They gathered to give thanks not to one god, but to give thanks in celebration of some omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent being. In a country like ours, where religious diversity is just as important as ethnic diversity and race, I believe that the president’s speech was very appropriate.”

The Rev. Derrick Harkins, who directs faith outreach for the Democratic National Committee, pointed out that Obama quoted from Genesis during his speech and used the word “blessing” in a clear reference to God and religion.

— This story was updated at 1:07 p.m.

— Josh Lederman contributed.