So we're even, then? I'm pi$$ed at the poop for defacing humanity.

You really expect me to believe the poop isn't a cartoon that bears a striking resemblance to Cartman?

Defacing something sacred will never get your point across, just reinforce the stereotype and hate you're trying to abolish. I'm a huge supporter of gay rights but this whole 'art' exhibit sickens me.

It wasn't the artist who did those things, it was the visitors. So...bad execution, but the idea had merit.

And the bible is a book. It is not sacred...The story told within may be sacred, and some copies maybe, but the average copy found on a bookstore shelf? How is it any more sacred than any other book? How would it be considered sacred to a non-believer?

If we're going to go that route, we all better stop eating beef.

The text contained therein is sacred and thereby defacing the book, you are defacing the text. But, when it comes to an object of special significance, including those of religious significance, defacing them sends a clear message of disrespect and disregard to both that which it represents and the sensibilities of those who revere it. It is a symbolic act just like burning a flag is. I dare you to go up to Capitol Hill with a copy of the US Constitution and very publically vandalize and destroy it and see how many people just pass it off as "defaced a book". I guarantee the news will say "defaced the Constituion" even though it was only a copy and the Constitution is only words.

The Pope's comments weren't condemning, as I read them. They were disappointed and of offense. The artist aside (one could say a decent sentiment improperly placed), but the people who wrote in the lewd remarks were clearly acting out of hatred and with intention of insulting and slamming Christianity. By extension, it does slam Christians themselves, because to a Christian, the Bible is the center of one's life; it is the most important thing that you could own. I wouldn't blame anyone for being offended (similarly if something similar was done to the Koran, to the Torah, or even if people slaughtered cows in protest against Hinduism, especially very publicly in front of those who adhere to it, as it is a confrontation, one of hatred, and one meant to incite. That kind of action does little but propagate divisiveness and hatred, as well as the stereotype of "evil godless heathens".

I am shocked that anyone would think that this isn't assholeish.

The Pope isn't coming down and condemning them or picking fights. He isn't asking you to think of the Bible like a Christian would. He's just offended by the lack of respect for others' beliefs and deeply held symbols and objects.

At least the pope didn't call for a jihad on anyone.

Whether you think the Bible is sacred or not, why invite people to deface something that someone else views sacred?

A.)Insulting people and/or upsetting them doesn't really get your point across.

B.)Getting super upset over it doesn't help either.

In other news (from the second link):

"Professor Richard Dawkins and 25 other British scientists have written to Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary, to protest that evolution has been omitted from plans for a new primary school curriculum.

The scientists, including three Nobel laureates, asked Mr Balls to ensure that the curriculum includes teaching on natural selection."

Heh. Heh.