The 12/12 edition of our continuing examination of news and events from a secular perspective.
First up, the House of Representatives passed its "Christian Appreciation Day" resolution. Out of fear that Christians might feel that politicians do not pay them and their religion official enough attention on the floor of Congress, Rep. Steve King of Indiana filed H.Res 847, which recognizes Christians, Christianity and the Christmas holiday as "important." Appreciate Rep. King removing all doubt, as we secularists may tend to ignore the Christian minority in our midst.
Most appalling in this resolution, other than its passage 372-9, is its attempt to create a very Protestant Congressional definition of what Christianity is:
Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible
No mention of the sources of Holy Tradition or of the infallibility of the Church as teacher of faith and morals; the "Bible" is the final word, apparently, in thorough-going Protestant style, though whether the passages praising rape, the killing of idolaters and of adulterers are now officially recognized is unclear. It seems particularly asinine that the Congress of the United States would weigh in with a theological interpretation of Christianity about which Christians have been killing and oppressing each other for nearly 2 millennium. Most of the violent disputes in the Balkans and in Ireland center around the boundaries of ethnic, cultural and religious groups divided on the same points over which Congress, American-style, ignorantly glided.
Second up is how gays are causing and maintaining wars through their desire for and efforts to obtain the legal benefits of marriage. Pope Benedict XVI has made it clear that it's not economic, ethnic or (you guessed it!) religious conflicts that damage world peace, but rather that gay couples want legal recognition and protection of their relationships. Benedict served in Hitler's military (unwillingly) as a young man; perhaps his unit was deployed differently than most.... Go read dedmonds' diary on this great advance for world peace. Just because a committed gay couple arguing with each may perhaps LOOK like World War III doesn't mean it is, Benedict.
Third is how Christians struck a blow for Christmas in the War for Christmas, in this case a series of violent, physical blows in a mini-pogrom against a group of four Jewish subway riders who dared to wish others a Happy Hanukkah. At least one other diarist is handling this one far better than I would have, so I defer. Nice to know that good Christians haven't forgotten their advocacy skills during periods of disuse.
Thanks to all and cheers!