News

Quotation Marks

Recent remarks on proselytizing, Rick Warren, and whether to say ‘Merry Christmas.’

“How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”Penn Jillette, atheist comedian, magician, and filmmaker, recounting someone giving him a Bible. (Source: YouTube)

* * *

“[I]n honoring Mr. Warren, the President-elect confers legitimacy on attitudes that are deeply contrary to the all-inclusive love of God. He is courting the powerful at the expense of the marginalized, and in doing so, he stands the gospel on its head.”John Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, protesting Barack Obama’s invitation of Rick Warren to deliver Obama’s inaugural invocation. (Source: Diocese of Washington)

* * *

“I do. I do believe there is an Almighty that is broad and big enough and loving enough that can encompass a lot of people.”President Bush, on whether he believes he prays to the same God as Muslims and those of other beliefs. In the Nightline interview, he also said the Bible is “probably not [literally true], but I think you can learn a lot from it. … [T]he important lesson is ‘God sent a son.’ ” (Source: ABCNews.com)

* * *

“I say ‘Hello.’ “Michael Horton, Reformed theologian and broadcaster, asked by USA Today how he greets strangers he meets in December amid the annual debates on whether stores should say “Merry Christmas.” (Source: USA Today)

* * *

“I’ve been contemplating taking a college course in religion. I love religion. I remember whenever the book The Da Vinci Code came out, the Discovery Channel did this three-night piece on it that I Tivoed and then watched eight times.”Singer and actress Jessica Simpson, former Christian music singer and daughter of a former Baptist minister. (Source: Marie Claire)

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Earlier Quotation Marks columns are available from January 2009, December 2008, October 2008, September 2008, August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, February 2008, January 2008, and earlier issues of Christianity Today.

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