John Gibson Hypes A ‘War on Easter’, Announces Easter Bunny Under Attack
John Gibson Hypes A ‘War on Easter’, Announces Easter Bunny Under Attack
As sure as April showers bring May flowers, so too does Fox News every year around this time announce that there is “a War on Easter.” Last year, Bill O’Reilly suggested the Easter bunny was “under attack.” After embarrassing himself and his colleagues, O’Reilly eventually acknowledged, “There is no attack on Easter.”
This year, John Gibson is carrying the “War on Easter” mantra, hailing it today as “an incredible development.” Gibson cited efforts by the city of Walnut Creek, California, to rebrand the Easter bunny as the “spring bunny.” “Is this political correctness gone too far”? Gibson wondered. Watch it:
The truth is there is no “war” on Easter. Like the alleged “War on Christmas,” right-wing pundits stir such controversies in order to raise money and suggest that “secular progressives” are at war with Christianity.
Walnut Creek’s changes were made five years ago. San Francisco Chronicle reporter Chuck Nevius said, “Walnut Creek is flabbergasted that they are in the cross hairs of a national controversy.” Fox News has tried to sensationalize local events such as these to try to create a national firestorm where none exists.
Digg It!
Transcript:
GIBSON: You might call it the War on Easter. Ever heard of the spring bunny? What about the spring egg hunt? Well that is what several California towns are calling what used to be the Easter bunny and the Easter egg hunt. Now there’s an objection coming from somebody in Walnut Creek, California, a suburb of San Francisco.
The question is why does the word Easter have to be expunged? Is this political correctness gone too far? With me now the San Francisco columnist who has been looking into this incredible development. What did you find Chuck? Has Walnut Creek banned the word Easter?
CHUCK: It has become a flashpoint for Easter controversy. And no one is more surprised than the residents of Walnut Creek. As you may know, they actually made this change five or six years ago. And frankly, nobody said peep, if we can use another Easter term. A guy wrote a letter to the editor in the Contra Costa Times, a small paper out there in the east bay. And little by little this has become a national controversy.
GIBSON: I understand there are several towns in northern California that have done this. Have you figured out why it is that somebody decided you could not call this bunny the easter bunny?
CHUCK: Technically, the reason is, we are using public money and we cannot do something that is strictly religious for a single religion to promote that. Now if you can explain to me how a rabbit works out with the whole Easter thing and the egg, that would be difficult for me to explain. It is the buzzword of Easter that’s causing all the problem.
GIBSON: Well that’s just it. There really is no religious connection between that bunny and the Christian celebration of easter other than the fact that it is spring, renewal, and rebirth. So has Walnut Creek decided that they are fully behind this notion of being so inclusive you cannot say the word Easter as attached to that bunny — is this political correctness gone too far?
CHUCK: I think they were blindsided, they had no idea this would be a problem. They surveyed 10 cities around the area in Contra Costa county. Eight of them do something like an egg extravaganza or an egg hunt. It has gone back as far as 10 years. I think more than anything, the whole Christmas controversy, I have not written a book on this like some people, the Christmas controversy has heightened awareness. I think we are a little hair trigger with the whole thing. When you throw in the idea that it is the Easter bunny — oh my gosh, what’s wrong with the bunny — that is what is setting everyone off. Walnut Creek is flabbergasted that they are in the cross hairs of a national controversy.
GIBSON: You might want to call them and tell them that at the White House they have an Easter egg roll.
CHUCK: Right, and you might point out that the Lion’s Club and some private clubs have it. Churches have it all the time. They just feel — as the city of Walnut Creek — they can’t promote it.
GIBSON: Thank you and be sure to have a nice Easter.
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rabidbunny, this one is all yours….
March 7th, 2007 at 7:39 pmI’m glad O’Really is here to remind us of the Biblical origins of the Easter Bunny. That was the bunny that moved the rock from Jesus’ tomb while the apostles weren’t looking, right?
March 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pmThem christers loves them some pagan fertility symbols, eh?
March 7th, 2007 at 7:42 pmJohn Gibson at it again, hyping a non-story to avoid talking about the I-word. I’d almost rather read about him giving us the usual nonsense about how well things are going over there than this obvious distraction ploy…
March 7th, 2007 at 7:43 pmget a life gibson
and, TP, it’s ok to point this stuff out sometimes, but people like gibson are doing it all day every day, so it really loses some “news” value here, too.
it is always delightful to see Righty trying create a diversion though- they’re like octopi, ejecting clouds of acrid ink to cover their escapes…
March 7th, 2007 at 7:43 pmHoly Hasenpfeffer Batman! This has to be the most serious news of the day. NOT.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:43 pm(From the movie Mad Max, Beyond Thunderdome):
the Collector:
“There’s only one condition, the fight is to the death…”
Mad Max :
March 7th, 2007 at 7:45 pm“Who’s the bunny?”
He’s right, I was hoping for some rabbit stew!
March 7th, 2007 at 7:46 pmHey abiding dude, remember what I said I’d do for a grand?
March 7th, 2007 at 7:47 pmJohn Gibson = CUA (Completely Useless American)
March 7th, 2007 at 7:49 pmI am a person of faith and I have no war against progressives (democratic or republican) and am not attacking either group Christian or otherwise. I can see clearly with no help from controversy creating pundits.
If you believe in easter or ester, fine, have a great holiday and enjoy your wife and children and the earth we have been given to survive upon. If not respect others beliefs.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:51 pmThe ultimate betrayal - the Israelis and the CIA had foreknowledge of the impending 911 attacks and they did and said nothing.
Read it and weep.
What Did Israel Know in Advance of the 9/11 Attacks?
http://www.counterpunch.org/
“…the Israeli New Jersey cell celebrating on the morning of 9/11 (protected under the CIA wing, they were free to behave as they pleased).”
“Their explanation of why they were happy”, FBI spokesman Margolin told me, “was that the United States would now have to commit itself to fighting [Middle East] terrorism, that Americans would have an understanding and empathy for Israel’s circumstances, and that the attacks were ultimately a good thing for Israel”. When reporters on the morning of 9/11 asked former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the effect the attacks would have on Israeli- American relations, he responded with a similar gut analysis: “It’s very good”, he remarked. Then he amended the statement: “Well, not very good, but it will generate immediate sympathy [for Israel from Americans]”.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:52 pmFrom Anna Nicole to the Easter Bunny. FOX Noise never ceases to amaze me!
March 7th, 2007 at 7:52 pmWhat about Tom Delay’s war on Easter?
March 7th, 2007 at 7:53 pmBill Murrey in Caddyshack, putting the wire up the plastic-explosive molded bunny comes to mind.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:54 pmWar on war.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:57 pmThem christers loves them some pagan fertility symbols, eh?
Comment by The dude abides
Yeah, the irony here is that the Easter Bunny and painted eggs are all holdovers from a time before Christianity appropriated all the Pagan holidays in order to enforce their beliefs on the Pagans.
Most Christians are just plain too stupid to figure this out.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:58 pmObama Israel’s boy?
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml
March 7th, 2007 at 7:58 pmAckSyn JAckSyn,
Okay I’ll stop making fun of religion, when you lock these wackos up who represent you! :)
PS Progress & Republican are two words that never go on the same page, well unless that page is underage and working for congress!
March 7th, 2007 at 7:58 pmhttp://video.google.com/ videoplay?docid=-5182535448932065917 HBO edits out
March 7th, 2007 at 8:00 pmexplosion at WTC.
Boy, those guys on Fox never miss the BIG stories!
March 7th, 2007 at 8:00 pmThe Easter Bunny Hates You!
March 7th, 2007 at 8:00 pmAckSyn JAckSyn, Okay I’ll stop making fun of religion, when you lock these wackos up who represent you! :)
I am not a Republican. =) But if you want me to lock up christian democrats…..
March 7th, 2007 at 8:01 pmNext:
* The WAR on SPRINGROLLS.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:02 pm* The WAR on HINDBRAIN.
* The WAR on SANITY.
* The WAR on NOUNS other than WAR, TERROR and ALERT!
* MOAR WAR!
Can I watch for a $100?
March 7th, 2007 at 8:02 pmPS Progress & Republican are two words that never go on the same page, well unless that page is underage and working for congress!
Really?
Look up Progress for America Voter Fund.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:06 pmSo was it the rabbit that was resurrected or that guy with the beard that talked about sin and all that? I always forget this.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:08 pmComment by dlet — March 7, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
I think it’s all about wether or not the spring bunny comes out of its hole and sees Jesus’ shadow, then we have 6 more years of war in Iraq.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:10 pmIt’s just a silly rabbit….. aaaaaahhhhhhh (for monty python fans)
March 7th, 2007 at 8:14 pmAll I know is kids like to hunt for hidden things and I get a chance to have a day off and enjoy the flora in the park.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:20 pmNo War On Easter. However, there is a War On Passover.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:21 pmI think it’s all about wether or not the spring bunny comes out of its hole and sees Jesus’ shadow, then we have 6 more years of war in Iraq.
Comment by Brandt
Anne would, perhaps, be proud of you for such a statement.
Is the bunny also gay? Maybe an atheist bunny? Maybe its a democrat bunny? Perhaps this is an eveready conspiracy? Do bunnies actually care what humans think about the eggs they cannot lay? Maybe it’s a coporate conspiracy to get people to buy candy? Or farmers to get people to buy eggs?
March 7th, 2007 at 8:28 pmEaster Bunny stew at my house on Easter!
March 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pmNot this BS again…
March 7th, 2007 at 8:32 pmI’m having a War on St Patrick’s Day.
That’s fair warning leprechauns….
March 7th, 2007 at 8:33 pmI think it’s time to stop blogging about stuff like this and really concentrate on these issues exclusively:
Britney’s hair
Dannielynn
The Secret
Kidding. Actually, I might put this post in with that list considering all the big stuff that could be in this space right now.
Walter Reed, Domenici and Wilson, Miers and McKay, Libby, Cheney, Black site prison at a former Nazi base in Poland, MZM, Dusty and the agency …
… you see, I don’t have any more time in my day for John Gibson (who’s just the biggest ass) and his War on the Day that Jesus Did a Magic Trick.
No time for you, Gibson.
I do have time to read about the gay porn star posing with Coulter at CPAC, but only two minutes.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:34 pmStupidity gone wild.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:35 pmAckSyn JAckSyn,
Maybe the easter bunny will bring you a sense of humor.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:38 pmMay a vengeful God rain down 10′ of bunny turds on Walnut Creek.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:38 pmThis guy Gibson is obsessed with selling scare & hype about ‘religious holidays’,. Easter was celebrated by Middle Eastern people,Mediterranean and Europeans long time before Christianity:
ancient Godess Eostre (Mother Goddess of Norhtern Europe)
Teutonic dawn goddess of fertility was [Ostare,Ostra,Ostern,Eostre,Eastra,Eastur,Austron all came from ancient European word ‘Eastre” which means ’spring’
Cypress : Aphrodite
Ancient Israel: Ashtoreh
Greece: Astrate
Ancient Egypt: Hathor
Ancient and modern Arabic: Ashera…tribe, and also the word used for fertility.
Ostra a Norse Goddess of Fertility
The rabbits and the eggs are nothing but a symbolism of fertility used during ’spring’ celebrations.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:39 pmComment by AckSyn JAckSyn — March 7, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
Actually, it is a gay, pro-abortion, illegal immigrant bunny that believes in global warming and is a member of the log cabin republicans AND the lesbian polygamists for Christ.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:42 pmComment by Chris
That reminds me of a bumper sticker I used to see around town:
Nuke a Gay Whale for Chirst.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:51 pmBREAKING NEWS ALERT!!!! Dick Cheney just shot the Easter Bunny in the face…….details at 11… Fox News exclusive.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:51 pmWhere are we going to commit these people?
March 7th, 2007 at 8:55 pmUncle Ho,
But they had to cage, and clip his paws off first, we all know Deadeye Dick only hunts caged & crippled animals.
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/2693558/detail.html
March 7th, 2007 at 8:55 pmNuke a Gay Whale for Chirst.
Comment by Zooey — March 7, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
I know I’m going to regret asking this … How do they know the whale is gay?
March 7th, 2007 at 8:56 pmI believe OJ Simpson is the father of Nicole’s baby before I believe Gibson’s hype of Easter….
March 7th, 2007 at 8:58 pm#
Where are we going to commit these people?
Comment by Perry Logan — March 7, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
I’ve got some room in my basement.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:59 pmShhhh…..
March 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pmBe berry, berry quiet
We hunting wabbits…
bwahahahaha.
I am not entirely sure that Gibson knows the Easter Bunny isn’t real.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pmI know I’m going to regret asking this … How do they know the whale is gay?
Comment by Chris
Maybe it’s swishy…? The spout spray is just so fabulous?
Not really sure…
March 7th, 2007 at 9:00 pmUncle Ho,
Ya gotta get the bunny in the stew somehow…
March 7th, 2007 at 9:02 pmJustSomeDude; typical, no balls to hunt for real, gotta have a canned hunt.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:05 pmZooey; put in a call to Norman Bates, he’ll do it.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:07 pmDonnie Darko now that was a bunny!
March 7th, 2007 at 9:12 pmWhat to talk about on the show:
March 7th, 2007 at 9:15 pmWar in Iarq - no it’s not going too good.
War in Afghanistan - no it’s not going too good
Fired US attorneys - no that’s not a good story
Libby is guilty - no avoid that topic until it cools down
Hmm - we have air time to fill — what’s in the files — here! this is good, let’s discuss the librul war on Easter!!
#56- Marie……..Exactly true, avoid the real issues…and apply distractions with stories like Easter bunny.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:27 pmAre these neconservative knuckleheads even aware that Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny were originally pagan fertility symbols — that select elements from pagan fertility celebrations (which typically were celebrated in the spring at about the time of the vernal equinox) were incorporated into the Easter traditions in order to ease the transition from paganism to Christianity, much in the same way that Christmas gifts and the Christmas tree have their origins in the pagan celebrations of Saturnalia in Rome and Yule in the Viking tradition (both of which occurred in the winter)? One would think that the Religious Right would want nothing to do with Easter eggs or the Easter Bunny since these have no true relationship to the Easter story, especially since they’re typically against anything which might even deviate slightly from the Bible — but no-o-o-o-o, they’ve gotta have their eggs and their bunny!
Somebody call the rabbit which Gal Dove dreams about in the movie “Sexy Beast” — that’ll take the wind outta their sails right quick!
March 7th, 2007 at 9:32 pmBluestocking,
they would have to have read something in order to know of pagan fertility symbols. Reading means educating oneself, and that is anathema to them — they can only comprehend their prescribed “talking points.”
So much of the celebrated christian reliigon was co-opted from the Roman gods and their myths. When I studied mythology in college, I really had my eyes opened.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:43 pmsomeone needs to tell john gibson that easter is not about a bunny.
March 7th, 2007 at 9:44 pmf you believe in easter or ester, fine, have a great holiday and enjoy your wife and children and the earth we have been given to survive upon. If not respect others beliefs. — AckSyn JAckSyn
**************************************
Respect works both ways, AckSyn — can you not see the hypocrisy in your own post? As it was worded, the call to respect others’ beliefs appeared to be directed solely towards those who do not believe in Easter and not towards those who do — implying that people who do not believe in Easter should respect the beliefs of those who do, but that those who do believe in Easter are under no particular obligation to respect those who don’t. The apparent assumption in your statement is that everyone who believes in Easter respects the beliefs of those who don’t — and I as well as others can tell you from personal experience that this is unfortunately not the case. It’s been my experience that while evangelicals are eager to demand respect for their own beliefs, but all too often are woefully deficient when it comes to offering that same respect to other people who do not share their beliefs and have no particular interest in doing so. Respect to some extent is a privilege which must be earned, not simply a right to which one is automatically entitled — if you lot want to be given respect, then perhaps you could stand to try harder to give it! I thought that conservatives always believed that those who expect to receive should also be expected to give — guess I was wrong!
March 7th, 2007 at 9:47 pmNuke a Gay Whale for Chirst.
Comment by Zooey — March 7, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
What am I supposed to do with all that pink blubber?
March 7th, 2007 at 9:48 pmFrankly, I would like to see a war on Easter.
It’s not a very fond memory for me…
March 7th, 2007 at 9:50 pmsomeone needs to tell john gibson that easter is not about a bunny.
Comment by joe in oklahoma — March 7, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
It’s not? Not even chocolate ones? : (
March 7th, 2007 at 9:51 pmI thought that conservatives always believed that those who expect to receive should also be expected to give — guess I was wrong!
Comment by Bluestocking
I think you misunderstood AckSyn JAckSyn. I’ve always known him to have great respect for others.
Just sayin’
March 7th, 2007 at 9:52 pmMy students loved it when I told them that the Xmas wreath and tree symbolized male and female genitalia…
Anyone know any sex related Easter symbolism?
March 7th, 2007 at 9:52 pmWhat am I supposed to do with all that pink blubber?
Comment by Jesus Herbert Christ
Go to the gym?
March 7th, 2007 at 9:53 pmAnyone know any sex related Easter symbolism?
Comment by unbelievable
Isn’t the bunny I’m gonna stew a fertility symbol?
March 7th, 2007 at 9:59 pmunb; which part (chocolate bunnies) do you eat first? I go for the ears 1st myself.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:01 pmMmmmm, chocolate bunny ears….
March 7th, 2007 at 10:04 pmIt appears that if progressives really wanted to be at war with (or to destroy) Christianity they are smart enough to know that doing nothing is far more effective. The majority of so-called Christians through their hypocrisy inflict much greater damage to Christianity than progressives ever could.
Just saying…
March 7th, 2007 at 10:05 pmWiily; true. think of all those fine upstanding paragons of Christianity.
Haggard, Swaggert, Jim & Tammy Faye, just to name a few.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:13 pmHaggard, Swaggert, Jim & Tammy Faye, just to name a few.
Comment by Uncle Ho
The Baptist minister in my town was just arrested for molesting kids.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:22 pmFine “christian” man.
Frankly, I would like to see a war on Easter.
It’s not a very fond memory for me…
Comment by Jesus Herbert Christ — March 7, 2007 @ 9:50 pm
We all have our crosses to bear.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:24 pmI should have seen it coming. You’ve got the Walter Reed fiasco, the Libby verdict, the U.S. attorney firings, the GSA crony hearing, NASA IG malfeasance, and a gay porn star Marine given an award and having his picture taken with all the right-wing blowhards at CPAC, all in the same week. Fox News had no choice but to pull out the big guns: “The War on the Easter Bunny”
March 7th, 2007 at 10:25 pmThis is important: remember that the Easter Bunny died for your sins!
March 7th, 2007 at 10:27 pmAnyone know any sex related Easter symbolism?
Comment by unbelievable — March 7, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Turtle is in the House….
http://www.locksley.com/6696/easter.htm
Easter is apparently named after the pagan goddess Eostre (Latin: Oestre), an Anglo-Saxon maiden-goddess of fertility. Some might link her to Ishtar / Astarte, the Middle Eastern goddess, but such a link is only apparent. The identification of Ishtar with Astarte was instituted by Sargon the Great when he engaged in his wars of conquest, to make his goddess the goddess of the conquered areas.
The similarities in names are probably because of the very early lingual connections mentioned above. Their languages have a common Indo-European ancestry, and god-names change slowly indeed.
This goddess-name may be older than we suspect. The “Oestre” name in Latin apparently derives from the Greek, and has it’s roots in a word that means “frenzy.” We see this word again in English in “estrus,” meaning a female mammal ‘in heat’ and able to conceive, and there we see the meaning behind the “frenzy” definition.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:28 pmWe all have our crosses to bear.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
Hey, I heard you’re a track star in Costa Rica. :)
March 7th, 2007 at 10:28 pmThe Baptist minister in my town was just arrested for molesting kids.
Another prime example.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:29 pmHey, I heard you’re a track star in Costa Rica. :)
Comment by Zooey — March 7, 2007 @ 10:28 pm
I had flashbacks the other night after that came up, the cold sweat was pouring our from under my shell. Omaha Beach? That was an episode of Dancing with the Stars compared to Costa Rica.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:34 pmGoodnight, Uncle Ho.
It was fun.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:35 pmI thought that conservatives always believed that those who expect to receive should also be expected to give — guess I was wrong!
Comment by Bluestocking
I think you misunderstood AckSyn JAckSyn. I’ve always known him to have great respect for others.
Just sayin’
Comment by Zooey
Thanks Zoo.
I do have great respect for others no matter what. If one believes in Easter who am I to deny them that or make fun of their religion? Who am I to deny a child an easter egg hunt?
I have given until I have little left, I am flat broke. I help anyone who asks for it. I take abuse from people on a daily basis and do not complain about it. I have never considered myself a conservative, because I claim to have religion does not make me a republican.
I am sovereign.
Sapre Aude.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:39 pmWhy do you Leftists hate Evangelicals and Catholics but support Muslims?
March 7th, 2007 at 10:39 pmWhy is it ok to bash the Christian religion but not Islam?
\Why does the Left protect Islam?
I don’t understand the Muslim-Islamic alliance.
Without name calling and attacks can someone logically explain it to me?
That was an episode of Dancing with the Stars compared to Costa Rica.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
I heard God was pretty tough on you. Poor turtle.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:40 pmThis is important: remember that the Easter Bunny died for your sins!
Comment by Drasty
Your pregnant?
March 7th, 2007 at 10:42 pmAnyone know any sex related Easter symbolism?
Comment by unbelievable
Sort of….
The name “Easter” has its roots in ancient paganism. On this, all scholars agree. You will NOT find Easter in the Bible, at all.
Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring is what most reference books say that the name “Easter” derived from.
The Venerable Bede, (672-735 CE.) a Christian scholar, first asserted in his book De Ratione Temporum that Easter was named after Eostre (a.k.a. Eastre).
March 7th, 2007 at 10:42 pmShe was the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe. Similarly, the “Teutonic dawn goddess of fertility [was] known variously as Ostare, Ostara, Ostern, Eostra, Eostre, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur, Austron and Ausos.” 1 Her name was derived from the ancient word for spring: “eastre.”
I am sovereign.
Sapre Aude.
Comment by AckSyn JAckSyn
Are you happy?
March 7th, 2007 at 10:42 pmWhy do you Leftists hate Evangelicals and Catholics but support Muslims?
I don’t. Why do you hate people you’ve never met and place your imagination upon them?
March 7th, 2007 at 10:44 pmAre you happy?
Comment by Zooey
Most of the time. However worldly hate, and war, does drag me down at times
March 7th, 2007 at 10:46 pmWithout name calling and attacks can someone logically explain it to me?
Comment by The Penguin
First, the name calling issue. Um, calling us “you Leftists” is name calling, dearest.
Second, we are not bashing christianity, we are basing idiocy. War on Easter? C’mon.
Third, this is not about Islam.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:46 pmComment by Wayne
Heh, I see wayne caught onto my Bede comment =)
March 7th, 2007 at 10:47 pmMost of the time. However worldly hate, and war, does drag me down at times
Comment by AckSyn JAckSyn
I think you’re truly blessed if you can say you’re happy most of the time. I know what you mean by hate and war dragging one down. We’re all here for each other. :)
March 7th, 2007 at 10:50 pmFunny post’s….Zooey you forgot I told you I fried up the easter bunny back in 79…Remember.?….LOL….
The christian’s stole this holiday like many other’s from the pagan’s pre 3000 bc. some believe….True bible studiers have told me they believe this (easter) is the time they believe jesus was actuely born, not christmas as many believe…
Several poster’s here were correct about the pagan term’s and spring equinox which is celebrated by pagans…..The egg’s and coloring from all part’s of the world were done around this holiday..In olden times egg’s were boiled with diffrent vegetables to add the color…..It’s a spring festival time for a rebirth after the winter…..Many chicken’s do not lay egg’s in the winter, light and weather dictates egg laying and all new life has been associated with the egg for centeries….Just some trivia bs..
Unbelievable, will look up and see if I can find any…..We pagan’s pretty much think of everything in healthy sexual term’s so there may not be any….LOL…..Blessings
March 7th, 2007 at 10:53 pm#90 Aww, let the moron erect strawmen. They need something to do between puppy vivisections.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:53 pmWhy do you Leftists …..Without name calling and attacks can someone logically explain it to me?
Er….** too late, lost my coffee again**
March 7th, 2007 at 10:55 pmWouldn’t you know it…underneath it’s a war on fertility. Afterall the easter bunny (all right a Hare) is the sacred animal of the goddest Easter. And wouldn’t you know it, her other symbol is the egg. The church just made truth and custom mesh.
But seriously, don’t you think we have enough folks in the world. Maybe we need this war.
Nice to see others tracking on the same line.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:57 pmAckSyn JAckSyn,
March 7th, 2007 at 10:58 pmI don’t hate Muslims. I was making a point that the Left constantly mocks and insults Evangelicals and Catholics,while nevetr mocking Muslims.
There was in St. Petersburg Florida an event called the Secular Muslim conference. Why doesn’t the Left show solidarity with Muslims humanist organizations trying bring Women’s rights to Islamic countries?
Instead the Left supports the Iranian Ayatollahs, Hizb’allah, Hamas and CAIR?
Why?
Funny post’s….Zooey you forgot I told you I fried up the easter bunny back in 79…Remember.?….LOL….
Comment by Sharon
I remember now. Didn’t you upset a step-child with that one?
I always say I’m going to stew up the easter bunny, but I’ve never had the heart to do it. :)
March 7th, 2007 at 11:00 pmPeter in St. Paul ,
March 7th, 2007 at 11:01 pmIn a war between Progressives and Evagelical/Catholics/Religious Jews you guys would get militarily crushed! Don’t even go there.
Penguin,
See my third point in #90.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pmthink you’re truly blessed if you can say you’re happy most of the time. I know what you mean by hate and war dragging one down. We’re all here for each other. :)
Comment by Zooey
I am perhaps blessed, I do not know. Thank you for the kind words.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pmAww, let the moron erect strawmen. They need something to do between puppy vivisections.
Comment by JPark
I can never resist when they lead off with name calling, and then ask so meekly for no name calling. :-D
March 7th, 2007 at 11:03 pmWhy doesn’t the Left show solidarity with Muslims humanist organizations trying bring Women’s rights to Islamic countries?
OK it’s your assertion, let’s see you defend it. Find me a secular progressive politician who is not supportive of women’s rights, anywhere? I give you Pat Robertson, who is a regressive, religious politician, and a mysogynist to boot. Your turn…
Instead the Left supports the Iranian Ayatollahs, Hizb’allah, Hamas and CAIR?
Why?
Comment by The Penguin — March 7, 2007 @ 10:58 pm
Interesting strawman - why don’t you try and back it up?
March 7th, 2007 at 11:04 pmIn a war between Progressives and Evagelical/Catholics/Religious Jews you guys would get militarily crushed! Don’t even go there.
Comment by The Penguin
So why aren’t you living in a cave beating on a drum?
March 7th, 2007 at 11:05 pmI am perhaps blessed, I do not know. Thank you for the kind words.
Comment by AckSyn JAckSyn
I think you are blessed, my friend.
You’re welcome.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:06 pmWhy do you evangelical penguin heat your house with progress, wash your clothes with progress and drive your progressive vehicle? Why do you use a progress computer and type upon a progress keyboard or watch a flat screen progress TV?
March 7th, 2007 at 11:07 pm“Find me a secular progressive politician who is not supportive of women’s rights, anywhere? ”
No prominent Progressive politician has condemned the Iranian regime’s treatment of women.
When Islamic radicals are criticized, the Left accuses people of racism.
Also at Berkley the College Republicans were disciplines when they stomped on Hamas and Hizb’Allah flags.
“Interesting strawman - why don’t you try and back it up?”
March 7th, 2007 at 11:15 pmNo
Also there’s no support for Hirsi Ali who helped make Submission with Theo Van Gogh who was killed by a Jihadi?
The tedious piss-soaked trolls have arrived.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:17 pmAckSyn JAckSyn,
March 7th, 2007 at 11:18 pmI’m Catholic. The evangelicals are my allies against the anti-Christian Left.
In a civil war we would win.
Zooey, ..Yep!. I fixed fried rabbet and the dumb ass told the kid’s I cooked the easter bunny and from then on she would not eat anything but boxed cereal, canned soup and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when she came to viset…
Did you all know there has never been a war started in the name of wicca, ? Read that some where, don’t know if it is true….Wish there were no more war’s…….Blessings
March 7th, 2007 at 11:21 pmI’m Catholic. The evangelicals are my allies against the anti-Christian Left.
In a civil war we would win.
Comment by The Penguin
Evangelicals don’t even think you’re christian. So much for allies.
Who says we’re anti-christian? Besides you and all your trollie friends?
March 7th, 2007 at 11:23 pmI’m Catholic. The evangelicals are my allies against the anti-Christian Left.
In a civil war we would win.
Comment by The Penguin — March 7, 2007 @ 11:18 pm
Dude, is everything a war with you people? what’s with the violent death everywhere - wasn;t the main dude, one Jesus H Christ also called the Prince of Peace? Or was that Peace as in the Soviet Union’s version of the word?
Hmm Catholicism, cult which promotes Mother Earth figure, denies the rights of women to preach the ‘word of God’, legislates against women having the right to regulate their own reproductive cycle…. seems to have more in common with radical Islam to me… how are you doing with secular progressive mysogynist politicians? Find any yet?
March 7th, 2007 at 11:24 pmDid you all know there has never been a war started in the name of wicca, ?
I was going to ask Staff Sergeant 1st Class Saint Penguin if he did any doobies - nobody ever started a war over a dooby.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:25 pmSharon,
At least the whiney child didn’t cost you much food money. :-D
That’s a really big wish, fine lady, I join you in that wish.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:26 pm….nobody ever started a war over a dooby.
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
It’s hard to fight a war from the couch in mom’s basement.
Heh.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:29 pmDid you all know there has never been a war started in the name of wicca, ?
— Sharon
Because of the golden rule in Wicca, “Do what ye will, but harm none.”
Every action they must weigh the concequenses of their actions to be sure they never break that rule.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:31 pmWhen you think about it, it is a very hard rule to follow, without dedication.
It’s hard to fight a war from the couch in mom’s basement.
Heh.
Comment by Zooey
LMAO!
March 7th, 2007 at 11:32 pmTerrytheTurtle,
March 7th, 2007 at 11:33 pmYes I smoke herb. I’m blunted right now, even though I disagree with your political outlook, I would let you take a toke. I belive in generousity!
Did I tell you all I love you today.? Nope I was not here all day, well here goes..I love you all. For your information, wit, and kindness all of which you have shown me……I send Blessings as usual and will keep good thought’s of you all while I sleep….The Bear, Hilda, Bob and I wish you all a good evening.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:33 pm“Did you all know there has never been a war started in the name of wicca, ?”
The anglo-Saxon genocide on Roman Britain.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:35 pm#109 Penguin
I’m Catholic. The evangelicals are my allies against the anti-Christian Left.
Penguin, if the evangelicals didn’t have the Muslims to focus their hatred upon right now, they’d go after the Jews. If they didn’t have the Jews, next in line would be the Catholics. They may not say it to your face, but they despise the pope and they think that Catholics practice idol-worship by placing statues of saints and the Virgin Mary up on the walls of churches. Watch your back.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:35 pmOk, I’m going out on a “high” note.
Good night Sharon, Wayne, AckSyn JAckSyn & TerrytheTurtle.
–Zoo
PS - Terry, sorry I was so hard on you the other night.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:37 pm–God :-D
Much love to you, Sharon.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:38 pmThe anglo-Saxon genocide on Roman Britain.
Comment by The Penguin
Prove they were Wiccan. Historical references only will do.
I already know you cannot.
Also it was a war to kick Rome out of Britain. You always try to twist everything
Historical references and links please.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:44 pmObama:
Hirsi Ali : stripped of her citizenship because she falsified her Dutch asylum claim? - that’s weak, she was not ’supported’ for her stand on Islamic radicalism, but instead for her criminal behavior trying to immigrate - surely you must not be defending an illegal immigrant?
No prominent Progressive politician has condemned the Iranian regime’s treatment of women.
When Islamic radicals are criticized, the Left accuses people of racism.
Also at Berkley the College Republicans were disciplines when they stomped on Hamas and Hizb’Allah flags
Answer the question, Obama - find me the progressive politician who does not support women’s rights - you are showing me strawmen.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:45 pmYes I smoke herb. I’m blunted right now, Comment by The Penguin
That explains everything………
March 7th, 2007 at 11:46 pmHate to tell these but the easter bunny is NOT a religious icon.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:48 pmchimpeach,
March 7th, 2007 at 11:49 pmI have Evangelical friends. They are way more tolerant about my religious belifes than plent of Leftists. So your argument is bunk. Catholics and Evangelicals both belive in the blood of Christ.
Once again the Leftist tactic of dividing Christians.
Bye the way Catholics hate Muslims as much as Evangelicals. We have more reason too.
They launched a genocidal Jihad in the 7th Century against us and our Orthodox Brothers. They destroyed Catholic Carthrage, Raped Spain and subjegated Sicily.
Honestly I don’t care about them, they can worship their Meteor in Mecca for all I care.
If they leave me alone then it’s all good.
I’m out for the evening this blunt is getting me tired.
Why do you Leftists hate Evangelicals and Catholics but support Muslims?
Why is it ok to bash the Christian religion but not Islam?
\Why does the Left protect Islam?
I don’t understand the Muslim-Islamic alliance.
Without name calling and attacks can someone logically explain it to me?
Comment by The Penguin — March 7, 2007 @ 10:39 pm
Uh, Penguin,
Shouldn’t you be out somewhere in Gotham City getting a can of whoop-ass on top of you by Batman and Robin?
We are discussing why John Gibson tries, unsuccessfully to distract Americans from real issues and focus on bogus bullshit like Anna Nicole and the fictional war on Easter.
Personally, I think Gibby should spend Easter dressed as the easter bunny and fly over to the Bahamas, dig up Anna Nicole’s grave and
March 7th, 2007 at 11:49 pmfeeling her up. Hey, necrophelia is a common habit among Fox Noise reporters.
TerrytheTurtle,
Yes I smoke herb. I’m blunted right now, even though I disagree with your political outlook, I would let you take a toke. I belive in generousity!
Comment by The Penguin — March 7, 2007 @ 11:33 pm
Very sporting of you Penguin… one does wonder how you will square your use of illegal substances with your Evangelical friends - you know being born-again only gives you ONE mulligan (unless you are the head of your own multi-million dollar church and called Ted)
March 7th, 2007 at 11:50 pmPS - Terry, sorry I was so hard on you the other night.
–God :-D
Comment by Zooey — March 7, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
Like I said, not enough ‘George Burns’ to be authentic…..
March 7th, 2007 at 11:51 pmTerrytheTurtle,
March 7th, 2007 at 11:57 pmI smoke with them! Only God can judge man! It says so in the Bible so I can smoke all I want! I have right Florida Crypto herb. Crystaly good stuff. If I was next to you I would let you get a few hits!
Bye the way Catholics hate Muslims as much as Evangelicals. We have more reason too.
They launched a genocidal Jihad in the 7th Century against us and our Orthodox Brothers. They destroyed Catholic Carthrage, Raped Spain and subjegated Sicily.
Your spliff isn’t strong enough to overcome your determination to remember ancient grudges and live your life by them. Please up your dose. Funny how your post sounds like a radical Islamist and his “crusader’s did this and that to us in 1190″ rant. Eye for and eye and the whole world goes blind - Mohatma Ghandi - no not a Catholic. Stretch your perception, dude, there’s more to life than the concept of warped Evalgelical or other religious revenge.
March 7th, 2007 at 11:58 pmOnly God can judge man!
Alright, I get to run red lights all day tomorrow - I thought it was Smokey the Bear who judges man and turtles - I am so relieved.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:00 am“Hate to tell these but the easter bunny is NOT a religious icon.”
No one has ever said it is. The point of the Gibson story was that it was called the Spring Bunny, not the Easter Bunny. Call it what it is the Eastern Bunny. It’s a Pagan tradition, but who cares! Kids like it!
March 8th, 2007 at 12:01 amHeck Christamas is a Pagan holiday, it comes from Mithaism.
TerrytheTurtle,
March 8th, 2007 at 12:04 amIf you read the rest of my post, I said I don’t care about them. If they leave me alone than it’s all good!
My point was that Catholics have grudges with Muslims too, not just Evangelicals. That’s all!
I would offer a decent non-Jihadi Muslim a few tokes too!
If everyone smoke weed there would be no wars!
It would just be one big smoke fest.
It’s a Pagan tradition,
Comment by The Penguin — March 8, 2007 @ 12:01 am
One more reason in favor of calling it the “Spring Bunny” to dissaociate it from Easter. My very religious in-laws are absolutely against this Easter Bunny business (and Halloween) for that very reason.
but who cares! Kids like it!
Kids will like it just fine as the “Spring Bunny”. They won’t know the difference.
Not that I care one way or the other.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:06 amIf they leave me alone than it’s all good!
I’m certain that the muslims would like the christians to leave them alone too.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:10 am[…] to get back to reality. If only Fox News and their viewers could do the same. Think Progress has the report on John Gibson’s claim of a War on Easter. Written by Ron ChusidLast 5 posts […]
March 8th, 2007 at 12:10 amTerrytheTurtle,
March 8th, 2007 at 12:11 amWhen I said only God can judge man I was refering to when people criticize others. We have to follows laws to avoid anarchy.
Hey Turtle have a good night!
Okay then, does anyone here know where I can get some Crucifix moulds?
You see, here is the plan, I start making Chocolate Crucified Jesus’ (Dark chocolate, with a very red cherry filling) and sending them over to America, where Americans can start giving them to their kids to remind them of the meaning of Easter - a Christian festival celebrating human sacrifice.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:12 amWe have to follows laws to avoid anarchy.
Hey Turtle have a good night!
Comment by The Penguin — March 8, 2007 @ 12:11 am
But pot is against the law….good night Penguin - watch out for the Orcas - they are a bitch this time of year.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:16 amDon’t say pagan, don’t say pagan. It gets the Penguin all upset and he starts thinking Muslims are trying to steal his chocolate bunny. Now we’ll have to spike his jello eggs.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:34 amI’m Catholic. The evangelicals are my allies against the anti-Christian Left.
In a civil war we would win.
Comment by The Penguin
But in a battle of wits you are unarmed.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:41 ama Christian festival celebrating human sacrifice.
That is not true, it means spring.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:58 amChristmas is not christian anymore anyway. Its just an orgy of consumerism. So as an atheist, I don’t give a damn. No other atheists give a damn. No non-christians give a damn.
Only Fox News thinks we do.
If there is someone starting a war on christmas or easter, its some moron in california and he’s very very alone and is deserve need of attention.
March 8th, 2007 at 1:35 amFirst, I would like to say it’s good to finally find a thread on this site with more than 3 comments that isn’t filled with foul language. Yes, there are several vile comments here, but at least you all managed to keep the filth to a minimum for once. As far as this discussion, I noticed numerous times you questioned the intelligence of conservative. However, none of you seem to have sense enough to notice that the issue wasn’t an attack on the bunny. Did you not notice it’s not the bunny they are against. It’s the word Easter that is under attack. It’s the removal of Easter that is the problem. It’s suggested that EASTER is offensive. Go ahead and take away the bunny. Christians won’t care. It’s when you CENSOR the word EASTER that we get upset. And before you start tossing around comments about Republicans and sex scandals, check your history. I believe you will find at least as many involving Lefties as conservatives. Finally, it doesn’t seem to matter in what context we ask why you only bash Christians and not Muslims. Is “strawman” the official S-P response to this question or have you all just picked it up to avoid the real answer? The real answer is that you are afraid to attack the Muslims because they won’t just respond on a forum (anyone know the total number of people they killed over the little cartoons depicting Muhammad as…what was it? Oh yeah, a torrorist!)
March 8th, 2007 at 1:49 am[…] Think Progress » John Gibson Hypes A ‘War on Easter’, Announces Easter Bunny Under Attack […]
March 8th, 2007 at 9:12 amI’m Catholic. Easter is the greatest of the religious holidays. However it does not have anything to do with rabbits, eggs, chocolate, Easter cakes, Hot Cross buns and Easter morning breakfast. It would still be the most important celebration in the religious year no matter what Gibson, O’Reilly or various Californians do. So whats the fuss about? All this commotion is as relevant to Easter as the beat of a butterfly’s wings is to Mt Everest.
It is also irreverent of John Gibson to use a holy celebration as a prop to persue his personal ambition.
March 8th, 2007 at 9:19 amFirst, I would like to say it’s good to finally find a thread on this site with more than 3 comments that isn’t filled with foul language.
You haven’t been around much, then. But, go ahead, you’ve already made your mind up about the people here.
Yes, there are several vile comments here, but at least you all managed to keep the filth to a minimum for once.
That’s just patronizing.
As far as this discussion, I noticed numerous times you questioned the intelligence of conservative.
And conservatives never make sweeping generalizations about liberals, right. Careful when getting off your horse; it’s big drop.
However, none of you seem to have sense enough to notice that the issue wasn’t an attack on the bunny. Did you not notice it’s not the bunny they are against. It’s the word Easter that is under attack.
No, the issue is dragging up something that happened 5 years ago just in order to get a rise out of people. This change in Walnut Creek happened FIVE years ago. But why is Fox News covering it now? Isn’t the basic definition of ‘news’ is that it is new?
It’s the removal of Easter that is the problem. It’s suggested that EASTER is offensive. Go ahead and take away the bunny. Christians won’t care.
No, they took the word ‘Easter’ away from being used as an adjective to describe ‘bunny.’ That’s what happened. No one outlawed the word ‘Easter’ on it’s own.
It’s when you CENSOR the word EASTER that we get upset.
Why? Why do you get upset? Isn’t religion between you and God? Isn’t your faith based on your relationship with your savior? Why do you need a big fluffy bunny giving out eggs to be noted as having an affiliation with a religous holiday?
And before you start tossing around comments about Republicans and sex scandals, check your history. I believe you will find at least as many involving Lefties as conservatives.
Yup, won’t deny it. People are human and all make mistakes. Most of us just have problem with conservatives acting as though they are morally superior, when (like you just said) “I believe you will find at least as many involving Lefties as conservatives.”
Finally, it doesn’t seem to matter in what context we ask why you only bash Christians and not Muslims.
Well, many conservatives have the whole ‘bashing Muslims’ thing cornered, so we didn’t think you needed help with that.
Seriously, I don’t care what your religion is. Just stop ramming it down my throat. Religion is a PERSONAL matter, not PUBLIC.
Is “strawman†the official S-P response to this question or have you all just picked it up to avoid the real answer?
Someone listens to too much Rush.
Honestly, I read this sentence three times, and I’m still not sure what you mean.
The real answer is that you are afraid to attack the Muslims because they won’t just respond on a forum (anyone know the total number of people they killed over the little cartoons depicting Muhammad as…what was it? Oh yeah, a torrorist!)
Huh?
What is it with conservatives and needing someone to attack? Muslims, liberals, secular progressives, puppies… all you want to do is attack, attack, attack. War on Terror. War on Drugs. War on Christmas. War on Easter. War on Christians.
Regarding the “little cartoons depicting Muhammad,” perhaps you didn’t realize that in their faith (which is a different, but no less legitimate faith than yours), any image depicting their prophet is forbidden. Imagine if someone desecrated some particualr core belief of your faith, how would you feel? Do I condone their actions that resulted in the deaths of others? Hell no. But I do condone your belittling attitude towards an entire faith.
PS - Is a torrorist a bull intent on stiking fear into people by using violent measures?
March 8th, 2007 at 9:22 amDang it, thought I proof-read that post thouroughly.
In #148, the sentence should read “But I don’t condone your belittling attitude towards an entire faith.”
March 8th, 2007 at 9:44 am*sigh* not again…
March 8th, 2007 at 9:47 amAs a Christian (Reformed, even), I don’t have a problem with censoring the word “Easter” as the celebration is about the RESURRECTION. “Easter” is a pagan word that’s been incorporated into the Christian celebration.
As a “Lefty” I do take umbrage with being lumped in with the terrorists, though.
This whole “war on Easter” is stupid and childish and just proves that Fox really does know it’s base.
March 8th, 2007 at 9:48 amSo FOX is defending a Pagan Icon??
March 8th, 2007 at 9:54 amOdd…
Why do they never run stories on Rublicants War on Intelligence?
March 8th, 2007 at 10:01 amLike I said, not enough ‘George Burns’ to be authentic…..
Comment by TerrytheTurtle
It’s hard to channel hilarious dead men. :-)
March 8th, 2007 at 10:13 amWe killed that goddamned faggot Jew carpenter once, and we’ll kill him again, just as often as it takes.
Joke! Joke!
March 8th, 2007 at 10:45 am“PS - Is a torrorist a bull intent on stiking fear into people by using violent measures?
Comment by bobcat_grad — March 8, 2007 @ 9:22 am
Dang it, thought I proof-read that post thouroughly.
In #148, the sentence should read “But I don’t condone your belittling attitude towards an entire faith.â€
Comment by bobcat_grad — March 8, 2007 @ 9:44 am”
Glad to see it only took you a few lines to learn what a typographical error is, or maybe you were just trying to deflect attention from the subject again.
March 8th, 2007 at 11:07 amI’m sorry you have missed all the affronts to the Christian religion religion. I could do a search and come up with plenty, but then again you could do that yourself and you would just focus on my typos again. The two that come immediately to mind are the “art” exhibit with the Virgin Mary covered in dung and another with a cross upside down in a jar of urine. I’d like to see where you protested these. I’m sure you did since you feel this way. Remember this quote? “Imagine if someone desecrated some particualr core belief of your faith, how would you feel? ” The Muslim instance was one time with a few cartoons and they killed people in various places around the world. I’ve named two and I don’t think any Christians killed anyone over it. And don’t even try to say that this didn’t violate a “core belief of my faith.” It was much worse. Print some photos of Muhammad covered in dung and see if you don’t get the same reaction.
I assume you must have missed all the previous posts on this topic that contained unkind, if not vile, references to Christians and our beliefs. Anyone who believes this, “their faith (which is a different, but no less legitimate faith than yours)”, must feel the need to defend all faiths equally.
In the minds of Americans, Easter means the season of the resurrection of Jesus. There is no need to argue the origin of the word Easter. It means what it means now. And that is why this is seen as an attack on Christians. Removing a word that is associated with the resurrection of Jesus, a core belief in our faith. And this “attack” wasn’t started by Christians, it is perpetrated against Christians. Please feel free to ignore any typos this time and address the issue. No strawmen, please.
Oh goody! Another professed “war” upon the professed oppressed religious majority.
March 8th, 2007 at 11:29 amCC….
March 8th, 2007 at 11:41 amIt is a singular group of (quote) Christians who have hijacked your belief system for totally wordly and selfish reasons.
Unfortunately, through their machinations, they have tarnished and created animosity towards a large body of human beings who honestly make an attempt at following the teachings of Jesus the Nazarene.
In my humble observation; it appears that, in the United States in particular, the Christian community is afraid to be the spiritual warriors Christ asked us to be.
Being from a religion based on fear (of their own God, for starters) they easily cave to the fear mongering of truly evil and anti- Christ politically motivated pastors and fire and brimstone politicians.
Fox is run by …….
The Pope!!!!!!!!
March 8th, 2007 at 12:17 pmread the sfgate article and discover that these pushy secularists attacking religion in walnut creek are… of the jewish religion. whoops!
March 8th, 2007 at 12:24 pm#162 Fox is run by …….
The Pope!!!!!!!!
Comment by tom baker — March 8, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Hard to believe. Easter Bunny is a myth of mainly protestant countries…
March 8th, 2007 at 12:36 pmI’m happy to step in and address CC’s (Carbon Copy’s?) concerns and misapprehensions. I’m used to fielding these kinds of complaints about art and artists.
Let me point out first that we don’t have any photos of Muhammed (PBUH) to cover with dung or anything else. Muhammed (PBUH) died in 632 AD, well before the light sensitive properties of silver nitrate were known, even in the scientifically advanced Arab world.
The painting The Virgin Mary that CC invokes is by Chris Ofili, much of whose work is about the experience of being a black person in Britain. He has won the Turner Prize for another work, The Upper Room, and is both highly prized by collectors and a sometime flashpoint of controversy for his comingling (common in art since cave painting) of the sacred and profane. On a visit to Zimbabwe, he became fascinated by the plastic (shapeable) properties of elephant dung, and began to use it in his paintings as an integral element and to invoke his African heritage via its appearance and scent. (He covers the dung in finished works with shellac, but reportedly viewers still experience its earthy, olfactory presence.)
Dung is, of course, vital to subsistence agrarian communities as fertilizer, as fuel, and even as building material. The relationship to dung in Africa is altogether different from the reflexive western horror of excrement. Dung makes life possible in much of that world, and the elephants who produce it are treasured and pampered. (Well, not Pampered!) It is not “waste.”
Ofili has, by the way, used proceeds from his sales to help support the elephants at the London zoo, who produce his art supplies, and to support organizations who protect elephants in the wild.
In short, Ofili’s use of dung in his paintings is in no way perjorative or negative. Naturally, ideocentric westerners are apt to make that mistake, but that is revealing of them, and not of the art they have made no effort to engage with.
Here is Ofili’s painting: http://www.guardian.co.uk/ gallery/ image/ 0,8543,-10704194503,00.html
Anyone can see it is iconic and transcendent, and not at all demeaning to anyone or anything. OK, almost anyone. And, by the way, a professed Catholic, Dennis Heiner, defaced the painting in New York in a criminal act for which he was duly convicted. Not murder, but certainly violence.
On to Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ. The work is not, in fact, a crucifix submerged in urine. This is a common misunderstanding among those who are not attentive to art. The work is a photograph of a small, plastic crucifix submerged in a yellow liquid. The artist has hinted that the liquid may have been beer or apple juice, and that he used what produced the visual effect he was after.
The leading art critic Sister Wendy Beckett, a consecrated virgin and Catholic nun, admired Piss Christ in a television interview at the time of the original controversey. She explained the work as a statement on “what we have done to Christ” - that is, the way contemporary society regards Christ and the values he represents.
Serrano is a lifelong Catholic whose work often explores the fragility of human life and the suffering of the least among us. For instance, he did a major project in the subway tunnels of New York City by taking a fashion photographers lighting equipment into the hollows and cubbies where homeless people refuge and photographing them like high art. These are wrenching, heartbreaking works. (Which I much prefer to his still lifes like Piss Christ, btw.)
Anyway, here’s that photo: http://www.usc.edu/ schools/ annenberg/ asc/ projects/ comm544/ library/ images/ 502.html Again, the work itself defies accusations of defamation of religion. Instead, it has a mysterious and other-worldly quality, wouldn’t you say?
Some - though a minority, I think - Christians are quick to claim their martyrdom by projecting their personal persecution fantasies onto people they don’t know, whose motives are anything but. These are tw