Colbert on Scalia on the Cross
October 14, 2009, 10:07 pm
Posted by Cathleen Kaveny
No telepropmpter necessary for the Creed.
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This was hilarious…and powerful.
Yet, I wonder if Justice Scalia’s argument was as silly as Colbert made it seem. In arguing that the cross has now become a symbol which honors the multi-or-non-religious dead in a way that transcends its original Christian meaning, he isn’t therefore implying that a cross is now JUST that secular symbol. Take the Christmas holiday. If I were to argue that Christmas now symbolizes hope and generosity in a secular way that transcends Christianity, no one would call me out for emptying the holiday of its Christian meaning, right? It can function as a symbol in both secular and theological ways. Scalia may be right or wrong about whether a cross can and does similarly transcend its Christian meaning, but in making the argument he need not choose between that conclusion and having the cross keep its original meaning as well. Its a classic both/and.
Anyway, Cathy, if you are reading this I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Like everyone clearly understands, Scalia’s argument was absurd.
I mean, it’s like trying to say that the Red Cross has become a secular symbol for medical care and is not a blatently sectarian Christian organization.
Oh wait, the cross of the Red Cross has become secularized.
Never mind.
Bender:
It’s the “International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies” – because Muslims do not consider the cross a secular symbol.
Charlie, you’re right. I think the distinction Scalia could make is between a) honoring all the dead; and 2) representing all the dead. I don’t think the monument was not intended to honor non-Christians at the time it was put up. But I don’t think it was sensitive that its symbolism didn’t represent all the dead–and that matters a lot, because it’s one deepest values and beliefs that can motivate and make sense out of a decision to sacrifice one’s own life for the common good.
See you tonight.