We must return to proclaiming powerfully and joyfully the event of Christ's death and Resurrection, heart of Christianity, principal fulcrum of our faith, powerful lever of our certainty, impetuous wind that sweeps away every fear and indecision, every doubt and human calculation. — B16

writes:

Once-a-Year Churchgoers

Douthat briefly reviewed the same book I’ve been talking about in his latest column, but a remark about Christmas churchgoers left a bad taste in my mouth:

…this is also the season when American Christians can feel most embattled… the once-a-year churchgoers crowding the pews beside them are a reminder of how many Americans regard religion as just another form of midwinter entertainment, wedged in between “The Nutcracker” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

What do you all think of the once-a-year pew-fillers? I think a lot of them are looking for more than pageantry and an excuse to get out of the house. When I was an atheist, I never felt more drawn to mass and reading Scripture than at Christmas time.

I certainly don’t feel “embattled” by people coming to the Church, even if they do come only once a year. Is more room in the pews really a good thing?

@ 10:07 am December 21, 2010 | Permalink