Get your fill of all the feline fun you can handle at Carnival of the Cats #141.

Do you have what it takes to become a citizen?  This is a fun little test from MSNBC.  It’s based on the civics test for those applying for citizenship in our country.  I scored 95%: “85-100%: Welcome to the United States! (And, truth be told, you know more about this great land than most Americans.)”  No one can be surprised that few Americans understand their own civics and history.  The one I missed I would have looked up if I needed to know it (“What INS form is used to apply to become a naturalized citizen?”).  Since I’ve never had to apply for citizenship, I don’t suppose I ever really needed to know the answer—but now I do.

Grand Rounds 3:11 is now available, so head on over to read what the medical blogosphere has to say.  There’s some good stuff—and I especially liked the entries from those on the front lines.  It’s always nice to see what those in the profession have to say about their work and experiences.

This is very troubling.  If global warming continues on its present course, America’s ability to grow wheat will end around 2050 as the viable climate shifts north into Canada.  Look at the graphic for current and projected wheat-supporting regions in North America.  That could hurt.

When did the Bible become America’s “holiest book”?

So, a Muslim is coming to the United States House of Representatives and he wants to be sworn into office with his hand on a Koran and not on a Holy Bible. Some conservatives have decided this may well be the end of American civilization. One columnist writes, “He should not be allowed to do so — not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization.” Some people’s election loss grief counseling isn’t going well.

The writer, Dennis Prager, goes on to argue that this all comes down to “multicultural hubris.” After all, “What Ellison and his Muslim and leftist supporters are saying is that it is of no consequence what America holds as its holiest book; all that matters is what any individual holds to be his holiest book.”

So the Bible is America’s holiest book? Was there a vote? Did Oprah decide? Was it Jefferson? And if so was it his version of the Bible? Does that mean it is true of every American citizen? Even Kevin Federline? And if it is true then America, with its indifference to the poor and lust for money and power, would be seriously backsliding and in need of spiritual counseling.

No, the BIble isn’t Ameirca’ holiest book. America doesn’t have a holy book. It does have two holy documents, however. One is called the Constitution. The other is known as the Declaration of Independence. That’s it. Book study finished.

Ugh.  Whatever for the Bible-thumping idiots.  I say they should have to swear in on the Constitution, not some mythology pamphlet.

While we’re on the subject, have these Talebangelists ever read the Bible?  It states quite clearly that swearing is verboten.  Hell, Jesus supposedly said so in Matthew 5:34-37 (“But I say unto you, swear not at all… But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”), and James 5:12 calls swearing an oath the worst possible violation (“But above all things, my brethren, swear not… lest ye fall into condemnation.”).  Again, Christians are picking and choosing the parts they like and tossing the rest out the window.  [with some help from Dwindling in Unbelief]

And while we’re talking about the Bible, I wonder how many Christians realize it condemns Christmas trees.  Huh?  You didn’t know that?  Then let me explain with a little more help from Dwindling in Unbelief.  Jeremiah 10:2-4 says: “Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen…. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest … with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold.”  Isaiah 40:19-20 says: “The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He … chooseth a tree … to prepare a graven image.”  And Isaiah 44:14-16 says: “He heweth him down cedars … among the trees of the forest … yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread … he maketh it a graven image … he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire.”  But again, anyone want to bet there’s a good Christian reason these verses don’t count while anything against gays is undeniably applicable?