A recent journalistic annoyance of mine is the preponderance of the use of the term "holy city of Najaf." The preceding link to google's news searcher lists over 9,000 references to the term.
I understand that there is historical reference to the term being used, and that the city is holy to Muslims. However, in none of the few of the 9,000 links that I checked was the context of why Najaf has this phrase attributed to it provided.
Just on a whim, I did a comparable search of "Holy city of Jerusalem," a city holy to the world's three largest religions. Well, that's interesting.
I submit that no such thing as a holy city exists. To use use such a phrase flippantly, either sparingly or wantonly only reflects the folly of our egocentrism. Man is depraved. Cities are the homes of men. Current history trumps ancient history. Every city in this world is condemned, and man's only hope is for salvation by God's intercessory grace and mercy.
Have a nice day.
August 16, 2004 9:36 AM | TrackBack