Since the death of Christopher Hitchens, a lot of people, many of whom identify themselves as Christians, have commented that “Now, he knows the Truth,” or “Hitch’s burning in Hell right now.” I guess because he wrote the book “God Is Not Great,” they’ve taken it as a direct attack on their beliefs. This fits in nicely with the current fiction that religion is so beleaguered in this country, children can’t pray in school (they can and do) or that wishing a “Merry Christmas” to someone is somehow striking a righteous blow for God. I have yet to have lightning strike me when I say “Merry Christmas” to anyone, and have observed a paucity of reports in the media of same. I’m sure with the sensationalist bent of coverage these days, crispy Christmas-wishers would have aroused some reporters’ suspicion. I also yet to have someone raise their eyebrows, roll their eyes, and reply superciliously, “Happy Holidays!”

If God is, by definition, all-powerful, I really doubt He (or She) needs our help for defense.  This brings me to what people’s ideas about God really reveal about themselves. Would anyone really want to worship a God who feeds on our fear, who downright needs cowering believers to grovel before Him? An image that comes to mind is Galadriel, in Lord of the Rings – Fellowship of the Ring, when tempted by Frodo’s offer to give her the One Ring that Would Rule Them All.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX3px_Ivs44

Is this the God you would love, or one you would run as far away from as possible? A God who demands this kind of worship would seem to me to be closer to the popular concept of Satan, rather than a God of love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txo06c1k9sk

 So in this season where the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, I would rather contemplate the ultimate source of love and life, light and creation at the center of the universe. If you really wish to see unconditional love in action, look in the eyes of your dog – it’s as close to God as you can get in this life. Merry Christmas!