There is no such thing as evicting religion from the public square. The question is, what sort of religion will dominate?
In many Muslim societies, persecution of other faiths is legal, as is slavery, wife-beating, and marriage to female minors - explicitly because the religion allows it. In Hindu society, caste is a fact of life because the religion allows it.
In Darwinian atheist societies, a war on the weak is allowed because the religion allows it. That is beginning to happen in Canada with MAiD, as it happened in Germany in the 1930s - and Germany had formerly been a world leader in medicine.
If you don't want caste or legal wife-beating or legal sex with children, you should think twice about booting Christianity from the public square but glowing with Woke self-approval about platforming other faiths.
BTW, I am highly skeptical of political leaders' faith statements. When Carney tells us that Muslim values are Canadian values, he is telling us far more about what he really thinks than his attendance at Mass does. That's not because he espouses Muslim values, of course, but because he knows where he can get the votes. And that fact will matter a great deal in what is and isn't allowed in Canada in the future.
"By His wounds, we are healed. Wishing you a quiet, reflective, and blessed Good Friday"
Thank you for reminding us of the core faith that was a critical part of the spirit that created Canada a country that others came to from other continents to contribute and build a life. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the motive for many of those come to Canada today and our gate keepers have encouraged this departure of spirit.
"By His wounds, we are healed. Wishing you a quiet, reflective, and blessed Good Friday"
Once again, an amazing and timely piece. It really resonated with me today. This morning, I sent a Good Friday greeting to a WhatsApp group of friends (Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim group). In response, I promptly received generic 'Happy Holidays' or 'Happy Long Weekend' replies. Aside from one Catholic friend who specifically wished us a 'Blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter,' everyone else seemed to avoid the actual name of the holiday.
I find this reluctance strange. Just as I warmly welcome a 'Happy Diwali' greeting, we should feel equally comfortable acknowledging and celebrating Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Jewish occasions by name. In India, people of all backgrounds enthusiastically celebrate each other's specific religious festivals, from Eid to Easter to Christmas. I often wonder why, in my adopted (Christian) country, there is such a hesitation to simply wish someone well for their exact religious festival.
Thanks Brian for the reminder that our societal norms and laws here in Canada are based on Judeo-Christian values.
Recently Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen posted a video which in essence was a very harsh criticism of the Conservative MPs who brought their Bibles to the House of Commons as a protest against concerns over sections of Bill C-9, which could label some quotes from the Bible as "hate". Mark Gerretsen proudly described himself as a lifelong Catholic, but for him this was too much of what he described as identity politics which ultimately leads to division. Perhaps though the purpose of Mark Gerretsen's post is politically motivated to instill division by his underlying message that Conservatives are fanatics and not to be trusted. Could that be?
One "pretty" speech, once a year does not make one a Christian. I pray for the leaders of our country daily. I pray that they'll see the errors of their ways and repent.
There is no such thing as evicting religion from the public square. The question is, what sort of religion will dominate?
In many Muslim societies, persecution of other faiths is legal, as is slavery, wife-beating, and marriage to female minors - explicitly because the religion allows it. In Hindu society, caste is a fact of life because the religion allows it.
In Darwinian atheist societies, a war on the weak is allowed because the religion allows it. That is beginning to happen in Canada with MAiD, as it happened in Germany in the 1930s - and Germany had formerly been a world leader in medicine.
If you don't want caste or legal wife-beating or legal sex with children, you should think twice about booting Christianity from the public square but glowing with Woke self-approval about platforming other faiths.
BTW, I am highly skeptical of political leaders' faith statements. When Carney tells us that Muslim values are Canadian values, he is telling us far more about what he really thinks than his attendance at Mass does. That's not because he espouses Muslim values, of course, but because he knows where he can get the votes. And that fact will matter a great deal in what is and isn't allowed in Canada in the future.
Very good observation of Carney, Denyse. Yes, anything for a vote.
Very good observation of Carney, Denyse. Yes, anything for a vote.
Good Friday sentiments to you
"By His wounds, we are healed. Wishing you a quiet, reflective, and blessed Good Friday"
Thank you for reminding us of the core faith that was a critical part of the spirit that created Canada a country that others came to from other continents to contribute and build a life. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the motive for many of those come to Canada today and our gate keepers have encouraged this departure of spirit.
"By His wounds, we are healed. Wishing you a quiet, reflective, and blessed Good Friday"
Wow! Truly a wonderful and refreshing piece of journalism. Thank you!
Happy Easter, Brian. As Christians, let us reflect today on what Christ's suffering and death accomplished for us and be grateful for it.
Once again, an amazing and timely piece. It really resonated with me today. This morning, I sent a Good Friday greeting to a WhatsApp group of friends (Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim group). In response, I promptly received generic 'Happy Holidays' or 'Happy Long Weekend' replies. Aside from one Catholic friend who specifically wished us a 'Blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter,' everyone else seemed to avoid the actual name of the holiday.
I find this reluctance strange. Just as I warmly welcome a 'Happy Diwali' greeting, we should feel equally comfortable acknowledging and celebrating Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Jewish occasions by name. In India, people of all backgrounds enthusiastically celebrate each other's specific religious festivals, from Eid to Easter to Christmas. I often wonder why, in my adopted (Christian) country, there is such a hesitation to simply wish someone well for their exact religious festival.
As a Protestant who converted to Catholic, Easter had always held a special place in my heart. Thank you for your message. ♥️
Thank Brian. That was such a well written and much appreciated article. It just felt so right.
I like the way you posed your statement.
Very nicely done, Fern.
CBC Radio this morning.....a documentary on building a Mosque....
Ugh!
Pathetic journalism.
They don't even pretend any longer.
Really, do CBC have no shame?
Thanks Brian for the reminder that our societal norms and laws here in Canada are based on Judeo-Christian values.
Recently Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen posted a video which in essence was a very harsh criticism of the Conservative MPs who brought their Bibles to the House of Commons as a protest against concerns over sections of Bill C-9, which could label some quotes from the Bible as "hate". Mark Gerretsen proudly described himself as a lifelong Catholic, but for him this was too much of what he described as identity politics which ultimately leads to division. Perhaps though the purpose of Mark Gerretsen's post is politically motivated to instill division by his underlying message that Conservatives are fanatics and not to be trusted. Could that be?
Thank you Brian..its as i was brought up and taught..Canada was built on Christianity..
Back to the basics, look on your coins. Its how canada was created.. its why people wanted to come here.
I am Baptist.. this hits home for me, as i feel like it doesnt matter anymore, our christian faith.. it was the simple quiet way of life.
I too enjoy discussing politics and religion with others, but get push back when i bring it up.
What are they afraid of? No matter the fiscussion, it can vd traced back to faith or politics. Just a different box.
Great article.. love your POVs.
Happy Easter to you and your family!!
"He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”
Happy Easter Brian. I very much enjoyed your post today. Made me reflect on many things.
Thank you for your reflection post, Brian. It meets the moment.
I was also moved reading our prime minister’s remarks, (though less so listening to and watching the video).
One "pretty" speech, once a year does not make one a Christian. I pray for the leaders of our country daily. I pray that they'll see the errors of their ways and repent.
But by the grace of God....