Foxy,
We obviously disagree on the meaning of the words sarcastic (marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt) and vitriolic (bitter criticism). And I certainly did not take the author seriously. As stated, I just felt sorry for her need to ridicule (or whatever word you find appropriate) other people’s world views that she does not understand.

[This need of hers is quite safe (for the society we live in) in case of Christianity, since Christians have become used to it. However, we all know that e.g. some Muslims have not yet developed such a thick skin, and cannot relate demands for dialogue and/or integration to the freedom to mock or convey contempt justified only be saying that one did not mean what one was writing (your tongue in cheek).]

Hi everyone, thanks for commenting. Reality Check, I think you may need to lighten up a little, this was just a light hearted dig at a major public event. I'm not trying to incite hatred against Catholics. But I do believe that nothing should be beyond the scope of criticism and tongue in cheek mockery.

Thanks for the support Foxy and HarryG.

Viking13, it was not my intention to launch into a debate about man-made climate change but simply to highlight the irony of a man whose entire life is based on faith suddenly claiming to value evidence.

And George, what better way to ignore my sarcastic vitriol than to write two comments telling everyone how sorry you feel for me?

RubySoho,
>> what better way to ignore my sarcastic vitriol than to write two comments telling everyone how sorry you feel for me?<<
Touché! ... I have to admit you are right, I should not have honoured this kind of writing with two comments (plus this one).

BEWARE THE PRIESTS

Save your praise and adoration for the God you believe in. The Pope is but a man. A man who lives off the riches of the church. Wealth that provides him with ruby rings and a very comfortable pampered life. He has a vested interest in the church to provide him with the very clothes he wears and the food he eats. He therefore cannot be trusted to think impartialy when someone like Galileo comes along and challenges the churches preaching that the earth and mankind are at the centre of the Universe and states that the sun doesnt revovle around the earth but the earth revovles around the Sun.

Those kind of challenges to his preachings even today could mean that he might have to give up the pampered life he has become accustomed too.

Love your God with an open mind not those who set themselves up as God's spokesmen because they can never speak for God.

OK Ruby,

so it was graduate undergraduate humour.

Fine. I look forward to similar hilarity about the Hajj !

You may not be "trying to incite hatred against Catholics" but all the same, such commentary can have that effect, even if not designed to do so, when it is compared to the whole media effort.

I again look forward to your expose of the issues raised in relation to other sectors and professions within society.

George>"why would people unhappy about what it stood for find it necessary to write such sarcastic and vitriolic attacks on everything related to it? "

... You should ask why the Germans (and most other Western societies) are so hung up about Nazis and their symbols (and violence in general) and the 'need' to imprison those who exercise their freedom of speech on the subject, before you start talking down to any races or groups of people such as muslims.