With apologies to GK Chesterton, we notice a remarkable collection of photos from the GOP’s national convention this week at the Washington Post.

Many commentators (check out samples here, here, or here) have opined on the abundance of religious rhetoric emanating from the Florida convention.  If each of these photos is worth 1,000 words, this photoessay tells the story best of all.

The first thing any viewer will notice is the diversity of religious speakers.  From Judaism, Greek Orthodoxy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Catholicism, Sikhism, Protestantism…the convention made an effort to promote itself as ferociously religious, but determinedly non-sectarian.

Image source: Twin Cities.com

The second reflection that jumps out at us is the spectacle of the convention floor during each invocation.  A vast room, not too unlike an old-fashioned revival tent, packed with people from all walks of life, bowing their heads in reverent prayer.  The image of a convention floor giving its moment of respect to God sent a political statement.  Whatever God you worship, the GOP seemed to be saying, we’re the Party for you.