Blasphemy runs counter to all civility.
Profane ridicule of Christ or of Holy Symbols is deemed a Mortal Sin in Christianity.
Formerly under criminal law blasphemy was held to be a public offence, punishable by the common law.
So with lying to use The Cross for a false purpose.
Confiscation of goods was one traditional punishment.
Elimination of civil standings and offices was another penalty.
Blasphemy is a sin against the virtue of religion by which we render to God the honour due to Him as our first beginning and last end. St. Thomas says that it is to be regarded as a sin against faith...
So, now, we have a presidential candidate -- John McCain -- demeaning The Cross with plagiarism and with presentation of his lie inside a church.
What McCain did was equivalent to painting curses on a Buddha.
This Sin transcends politics.
This is blind ambition, overcoming all respect for God and for Christ. Suitable for an Antichrist.