Apparently, Evangelicals use symbols, know as "witnessing tools", to start conversations with the people around them with the goal of conversion. The famous fish symbol, seen on so many bumpers, is one, as are a myriad others. I've noticed this stuff, but I only thought it was the expression of the individual; I didn't know these had a name and an organized function. However, there is another analysis of them which makes sense by
Fred Clark, wherein he sees them as instruments of contempt by their users:
"The Jesus-fish on a car is not an invitation, but a declaration of tribal allegiance. It’s a signal that the driver of this car is an “Us” rather than a “Them.” And that Us-Them symbolism has far more to do with conflict than with any attempt at conversion. This is true as well of many of the other things we tell ourselves are “witnessing tools.” One one level, they may be intended as conversation-starters, but on another level they’re also intended as conversation-
stoppers — as attempts to win some implied argument. They’re not really designed for evangelism. They’re just the graffiti and propaganda of the culture wars."
I have to say, I agree, considering the following as one example on a
site selling t-shirts Clark lists. Yuck!
I just read in the L.A. Times that Banned Books week started Sept. 24 and ends Oct. 1. Funny that this didn't get more publicity, but in the general scheme of things this ranks pretty low, I guess. Still, it's an extremely important topic, as freedom of thought and expression are the most important freedoms for a democratic society. It seems hard to believe that attempts to ban or censor books are still underway, but they are, especially in schools and libraries where groups with an ax to grind do so under the banner of "protecting" children - usually religious. The number one book in the sites of book-banners is "And Tango Makes Three," the true story about two male penguins who hatched and raised a baby penguin - a gay penguin family! Looking over the top ten books targeted the theme of sexuality is the connecting thread, particularly homosexuality, and the groups involved overwhelmingly religious. What is it about human sexuality that gets many religious peoples' panties in a twist? And they're not satisfied with suppressing it among themselves, but they also have to do so for the rest of us. And, when challenged on their propensity for authoritarian behavior, they inevitably whine about how their "freedom" of religion is being attacked, as if their religion involves forcing others to conform (actually, it does). The only good response is a relentless campaign of resistance, ridicule, and education. The forces that would enshroud humanity in superstitious ignorance are always there; the price of liberty is eternal vigilance!
