Everywhere I look at this time of year, I see comments on the best films, books, and photos of 2008. There are awards for the best athletes, and the best teams. We are reminded of the famous who passed away, the newsworthy events, the moments that horrified and delighted us.

What about the significant religious quotes? The Christian Century magazine collects a number of these each year. Here are a few that caught my attention:

“Try to find another way to help or find your goal. This bomb, this weapons, it’s not good to use it for anybody.”
-Omar bin Laden, son of Osama bin Laden, speaking against the violence inspired by his father

“I am deeply ashamed, and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future.”
- Pope Benedict XVI, addressing the clergy-sex abuse scandal that has cost the Catholic Church more than $2 billion and distressed the U.S. Catholic community

“I’d like to see the CEOs of these companies march down Wall Street in sackcloth and ashes.”
-ABC News analyst Cokie Roberts, about the Wall street executives who are asking Washington to bail out their companies

“She scares me. She’s Jerry Falwell with a pretty face.”
-Retired American Baptist pastor Howard Bess of Palmer, Alaska, who says his book, Pastor, I am Gay, was on a “hit list” of books that vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin wanted banned when she was mayor of neighbouring Wasilla

What are the religious events or quotes from 2008 that left an impression on you?

Peter

You can also send your comments to assistant.webmaster@emmanuelunited.caand I will make sure they are posted.