god checks the math

And the answer is one? three? infinity? Suppose it depends upon the word problem which appear to be complex and largely unsolvable by mere mortals. But folks keep coming up with answers and shoving them in our face and demanding this is so. This is how it is. Uh, really. Might want to re-check your math.

Like the Islamic fundamentalists who declare jihad over a cartoon depiction of the Mohammad? What! The religion of peace is turned into something that says it's OK to kill someone over a cartoon? God has a sense a humor and he doesn't find this funny.

Speaking of funny business the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Private Property has been protesting the Bodies Revealed exhibit being held at Union Station. The reason? It's a blasphemous display of God as expressed by the human form. Really? Wouldn't, shouldn't God be proud of his handiwork and want us to marvel at its nuances and details?

The ease at which fundamentalist groups want to rail at another world view of which they known very little brings to mind the saying "oh yeah of little faith." Why be afraid if your faith is boundless? The truth shall set you free. Why are these folks so ashamed of being human? Of seeing the human form? We think it's rooted in a fundamental distrust of sex as a natural extension of our being.

According to its web site, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, founded in 1973, was formed to oppose the ideas of liberal, socialist and communist trends of the times and proudly affirms the positive values of tradition, family and property (read, the Catholic Church). Another example of the Cold World War view of "you're either 'wid us, or 'agin' us" that's worked so well in the Mideast.

The founder of the movement, Prof. de Oliveira, talks about the need for truly counterrevolutionary action in service of the Church to resist the neo-pagan revolution of our days. Colorful sidewalk demonstrations,such as were held last weekend Union Station, are an example of just such counterrevolutionary actions.

Is it tradition that prevents them from using anything more sophisticated than heraldry banners to usher in the revolution against the neopagans? Do they really believe that with a few waves over their heads, the peasants will bow down in service of the gilded throne and take up the 3rd Encyclical?


Really, they rail against the neopagans but they could learn a lesson or two about colorful sidewalk demonstrations from the masters of the agitprop, Bread and Puppet Theater. A 2-story puppet of Jesus on the Cross paraded through the shopping districts would surely cause some wonder among the debt-ridden classes this weekend. Alternatively, they could drag people through the streets using special effects to enhance the gruesome nature of such punishment. Such demonstrations might confuse traditionalists as being real examples of an unbeliever were being punished in accordance with previous mores.

Bread and Puppet image, Nathaniel Brooks for the NYTimes.