Time Immortal

I’m not sure what’s more laughable. I’m honestly torn between two possibilities.

One one hand, it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious that every time an atheist tells me that atheism isn’t a religion because there are no assemblies or organizational structures that adherents of that particular philosophical/metaphysical conjecture attend or participate in, a group of atheists does something to disprove that notion.

On the other hand, it might even be more hilarious that said atheist(s) are usually too blinded by, and ignorant because of, their raw hatred of all things religious to even realize that putting up a sign during the Christmas season featuring a former New York landmark which was obliterated by Islamic terrorists is functionally meaningless. Had they run this a month and change ago, during Ramadan, it might have made more sense, because Ramadan is an Islamic holy season. But during Christmas? Forgive me, but when was the last time that nineteen Baptists hijacked four airliners and drove them into skyscrapers? For that matter, when was the last time Christians committed any sort of mass-casualty terror attack?*

But then, I think that I may have just discovered what is, in fact, the most laughable thing about atheists in that very reflection: they seem to be cowards. I very much doubt that the atheist group that posted the Twin Towers signs would have ever had the guts to put up their artwork during Ramadan, and for good reason: Christians don’t issue fatwas. We just pray for you, rather than call for you to be beheaded.

One other note: why do people think that ‘Imagine’ is a good song?

(In Soviet Russia, hat tips you: ex-atheist The Curt Jester)

* no, Timothy McVeigh was not a Christian…he was, in fact, an self-admitted atheist.

Well, they’re calling it a ‘holiday’ tree…but there’s really only one holiday associated with the display of decorated trees, so we know what they really mean.

All power to ‘em, although I’m not sure exactly what point they’re trying to make. Or why it’s even important to them that they set up a holiday tree…Christmas is kind of one of those holidays that really shouldn’t be a holiday if religion is just a delusion or a big fraud, anyhow. All we’d be left with at that point is the sales in the stores.

Happy Winter Sales Holiday, everyone!

There is one potential upshot to this, though — there’s always the possibility that some of these ‘free’thinkers might shake free of their atheistic delusions by immersing themselves in at least a small amount of Christmas tradition, such as the setting out of a tree. Little things like that can often be the first steps toward ardent faith.

(In Soviet Russia, hat tips you: Sondra K)

Hey, this is Simon, Ken’s little brother. I just received an email from him telling me that he on the Island of Crete, as part of his honeymoon to Greece. He’s been in this small town, well kinda small town, the size of Red Deer for a few days, and he’s already decided that it’s way better than Athens, though he forgot to mention the ruddy name! He also said that he and Grace are very happy, as they should be. Grace has been “glowing”, which i think is in reference to her tan, ever since they got there. I’m actually quite amazed that he’s survived this long, seeing he doesn’t know any modern Greek. Well, all our wishes go to Ken and Grace for a happy Honeymoon, and a safe return home.

Happy New Year!

I have to say…after the Catholic Church, the English monarchy is my favourite institution.

Which is high praise indeed.

Why on all other nights do we eat either leavened or unleavened bread, but on this night only Matzoh?

Why on all other nights do we eat all kinds of greens, but on this night only bitter herbs?

Why on all other nights do we not dip even once, but on this night we dip twice?

Why on all other nights do we eat either sitting or reclining, but on this night we all recline?

This night is different from all other nights: because we were slaves to Pharoh in Egypt. Because we were brought forth from there by God with a mighty hand and outstretched arm. Because we are thankful and because it is our duty to keep the commitment to freedom ever present in our memories and in our lives. So that we will always remember and never forget.

We eat Matzoh only on this night to remember that in our haste to escape from Egypt, we could not wait for the bread to rise and so removed it from the ovens while it was still flat.

We eat Maror on this night so that the bitter taste of these herbs will remind us of the bitterness of slavery.

We dip, twice, on this night - greens in salt water and Maror in Charoses - the first to replace tears with joy and gratitude, the second to sweeten the bitterness of suffering and loss.

We recline on this night because, at the time of the exodus, slaves consumed their meals standing, or, at best, sitting upright: the right to recline at mealtimes was the privilege and a symbol of a free man

Had we not escaped the tyranny of the despot Pharoh, we and our children might still be enslaved, deprived of freedom and dignity. Through these special foods and rituals and by the recounting of the exodus story, we hope to refresh our understanding and teach the significance of the freedom we so dearly cherish.

To all my Jewish readers: a blessed Passover is my wish for you. Shalom.

Just a quick note to all my Irish readers: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Sorry I’m posting notice a little late in the day…it’s just been one of “those”.

And please pardon the very evident frost in this picture: this is the only photo of clovers that I had in the gallery!

I gave up beer for Lent, so no green Guinness for me tonight…but whoever is raising a pint this evening, here’s “cheers” from me.

I’m told that March 12th is Labour Day for the folks down-under. To that end, Happy Labour Day!