A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
___
I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mary, Joseph, Caesar, and the 2010 Census

My pick for the goofiest Christmas stunt of 2009 comes from the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, who are using the Christmas story from Luke 2 to encourage people to participate in the 2010 census.

They have published a poster (below) that states, "This is how Jesus was born... Joseph and Mary participated in the census... Don't be afraid." (More commentary below the picture.)

Some have referred to this ad campaign as blasphemous. I don't think it is at all. The word "blasphemy" is thrown around too casually today. I simply think the idea is ludicrous. Does the "brain trust" behind this really want to draw the parallels between Luke's account of the birth of Jesus and the current 2010 census? I say, let's be bold and draw all the logical implications out of the story!

First, even though a defender of the ad campaign said that Mary and Joseph were God-fearing and, therefore, chose to participate, what in reality happened is that they participated because they were scared to death of Caesar. Joseph and Mary were forced by decree to participate in the census. All Americans are obligated as well. So far so good.

Second, the holy couple had to travel many miles to participate. We don't have to do that; we get something in the mail. I suppose that's one for us in the 21st century.

Third, the poster implies that Jesus was born in the way he was because his parents traveled to Bethlehem. So, if women fill out the census form will they get pregnant? Will only the virgins conceive?

Fourth, if the virgins conceive will they give birth to little Messiahs? Isn't one sufficient?

Fifth, while the poster does not explicitly state it, there are magi in the 2010 Christmas census story-- the American people, who are being counted so they can lay their treasure chests of gold at the government's feet.

Sixth, there's the whole "no room in the inn" thing. I can't figure that one out. If you have a current parallel, leave a comment.

Seventh (it is the perfect number biblically), if the 2010 census is a parallel to the Christmas story, that must mean that the U.S. Government is the Roman Empire, taking what it wants and spending it where it chooses.

That last one sounds like a clear parallel to me. Hmm... maybe the connection makes some sense after all.

-Source: USA Today

+ + + + + + +

Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian

1 comment:

Bruce said...

My bias about no room at the inn has to do with how many people must be counted and taxed, yet cannot participate in the wealth of our nation due to laws, regulations, and greed. If you are a have not, good luck starting that new business in the oil or manufacturing industries.