Have you ever seen anyone cross their arms in church like Bush is doing?

[Crankie Avalon]

I was raised a Catholic, went to Catholic schools, was an altar boy, and never saw anyone cross their arms like this. A little weird. This a "born again/fundamentalist" thing?

[Lerkfish]

1. Nothing like I've ever seen.

and I've attended a wide variety of churches.

[screembloodymurder]

26. It's common in the Church of Satan.

It is a symbol of evil.

[SpiralHawk]

43. crossed arms = Skull & Boner occult elitists?

sure looks like it.

Why do republicon so-called "CHRISTIANS" adore a connecticut yankee preppy AWOL deserter who persists in belonging to an OCCULT group enamored of satanic imagery, and perverted sexual initiatory activities?

[chat_noir]

53. Skull and Bones 322

emblem of Bush's Skull and Bones

[Lerkfish]

51. are you being serious?

because I don't know much about satanism.
If you are correct, that's chilling.

[Connie_Corleone]

2. He's bracing himself for the burning from the minister's (priest?) touch.

[Ravy]

64. That is what I am thinking too. Good post. (n/t)

[Iwasthere]

3. me neither

I have been in many different types of churches. Nothing I have ever seen. Must be reserved only for Gods right hand man

[seriousstan]

4. Yes, it is not uncommon in Catholic Church.

[LisaM]

5. No --- and is he taking Communion?

That priest must know that * is not Catholic.

What kind of screwed up logic makes the Pope say that Kerry cannot take Communion, but then allows * to do so?

[mcscajun]

9. Looks more like a photo from an Ash Wednesday service.

His thumb is poised at Bush's forehead.

Nevermind...I see more informed and accurate posters than I, explaining this downthread. :)

[RB TexLa]

13. He is giving a blessing

it is done in lieu of communion for those not wishing to receive or those who are not confirmed.

Both the Catholic and Episcopal church do this.

[The Jacobin]

84. No he's not

At my Catholic parish, we ask everyone to come forward, but if you are unable to receive the eucharist then put your hand over your heart to indicate that and you will receive a blessing.

That is what is happening to Bush, who is not Catholic, here.

[LostinVA]

88. Bush isn't allowed to take the Eucharist

[Gormy Cuss]

6. Yes I have, although I'm not sure where.

Probably in an ecumenical service at an Episcopal church.

[wellstone dem]

7. this is what they ask non-catholics to do in church at communion

Since non-Catholics can't receive communion, they are invited to walk forward, they cross their hands in this fashion to indicate they are not receiving communion and receive a blessing. In our church, it is mostly young kids who haven't reached the age of first communion who do this.

In the pictures the Priest at first seems to be reaching forward with communion, but I presume then simply gives the blessing.

[Harry Monroe]

16. Didn't know this...

...I grew up Catholic and only Catholics could take Holy Communion at mass (and you couldn't take it with a mortal sin on your soul, of which Bush has many). When I go to a mass nowdays (which is rare, I only go when I visit my father), anyone not taking Communion simply stays in the pew. I've never seen this crossing of the hands. Maybe it's a "Skull and Bones" secret signal or something. It looks weird.

[Crankie Avalon]

18. I guess my childhood church never had any non-Catholics come around...

...and I stopped going to church around puberty.

[AspenRose]

35. Correct

Once upon a time I was Catholic, and before I could receive communion in the Catholic church I was instructed in Catechism class that I was to approach the altar this way (arms crossed) to receive a blessing.

[RB TexLa]

8. Then you never saw a non-Catholic receive a blessing instead of

communion.

You cross your arms to let the server know you are not going to receive, either because you are not confirmed or you are just not receiving.

[Ian David]

This is how Bush rises from his coffin. n/t

[Harry Monroe]

41. Too bad there's not a spike...

...through his black little heart.

[Ian David]

77. That's not where he needs a spike.... (that's a satirical riff). n/t

[DoYouEverWonder]

57. That's what I remember

but I don't know if I've ever seen someone do it, because most people just don't even go up, if they're not going to receive communion. Your supposed to just sit in your seat and try not to disturb anyone else.

Of course, since it's Bush, he's got to put on a show. But instead of looking holy, he looks even more like an anti-christ by having to refuse receiving the host.

[Phredicles]

10. It's actually standard for a non-Catholic in the Communion line

I teach at a Catholic school. Mostly it's a great place to work, but one of their hinky traits is that they want EVERYONE, Catholic or not, to go through the Communion line. The non-Catholics are supposed to cross their arms as the Dear Leader is doing to show that they're not eligible for Communion but would like a blessing from the priest. It does seem like it's a relatively new thing, though.

Still, I hope they fumigated the church afterwards.:P

[nosillies]

11. Thanks, you learn something new every day!

I used to cross my arms when I was sitting in the pew during service. That was so I could pinch myself on my boobs or armpits to keep myself awake when I was falling asleep.

[Lisa]

36. ditto! now I know what to do when I'm at a friend's wedding ...

I know a lot of Catholics, and I've always tried to sit at the back of the church because I'm not even a practicing Christian, and didn't know what I ought to do during the communion part.

[Lisa]

39. ... and I actually learned something from looking at Bush!

That's got to be a first.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

12. Mormons cross their arms while praying

Although it's done slightly different from the way dumbass is doing it.

[TheCowsCameHome]

14. He's preparing to be fitted for a strait jacket and shackles.

[Fridays Child]

15. If I recall, it's a signal to the pastor that you're refusing communion.

It's usually done, if you're sick and don't want to spread germs via the goblet. In Bush's case, it kills two birds with one stone. First, the Secret Service won't let him drink from a communal cup. And, second, that sacramental wine would hit his satanic soul and spatter away like water on a hot frying pan, causing smoke to shoot from his nose and ears. Very embarrassing.

[annabanana]

17. I think it's a "thanks, but no thanks" stance at the Communion

rail. I've seen Catholics to it at Episcopal churches... It's a way to get a blessing, without partaking of the host. Non-Baptised visitors will sometimes do this too.

If B*sh isn't taking Communion, or isn't in his home church, or maybe took communion earlier that day.... that might explain it.

[Harry Monroe]

21. Not being Catholic,

...Bush can't take Communion at a Catholic Church. I've never seen the crossing of the arms; most people who don't or can't take Communion simply stay in their pews.

[bdamomma]

22. that's if he is taking Communion at all.

[WePurrsevere]

30. This is my experince as well. There are reasons one would not take

communion and would still want a blessing.

My father, a Protestant, attended Catholic Church for years with my step-mother and would go up with her, do this basic stance and get a blessing. He's since converted so he can take communion with her... funny thing is they both would have been turned down by the Pope.. they're pro-choice.

Another reason other then you mentioned is if you don't feel "worthy" or in the right frame of mind.

(edited for clarity)

[madrchsod]

19. i thought he was a fundamentalist

or was it a methodist. just what religion is he? oh i got it! he`s his own church, yes, the "church of our blessed george"

[Bill McBlueState]

27. He's a member of the United Methodist Church

But being a member of that church doesn't keep you from having whatever religious beliefs you want. There's a pretty strong split in the UMC between conservative and more progressive believers.

[Harry Monroe]

38. Being a member of ANY church doesn't keep you from...

...having whatever religious beliefs you want!! In my book, Bush is not even a Christian, despite his labelling of himself as such. He's also labelled himself a "compassionate conservative". A label doesn't make it so.

[Bill McBlueState]

42. You say he's not a Christian

Then what religion is he?

[Harry Monroe]

45. He's not a "Christian" by any definition...

...of what I learned what a Christian was. His actions belie the "Christian" label. (Sigh).

Hopefully, you don't need any examples, do you?? WWJD and all that??

If Jesus came back to this earth in this day and age, Bush and the Religious Right wouldn't even recognize him. Faux News would deride him as a "liberal". Think about it.

[Bill McBlueState]

55. there's one definition under which he qualifies

Merriam-Webster lists as its very first definition, "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ"

Bush does profess belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As a non-Christian, I can't be expected to choose sides in a theological debate over the interpretation of those teachings. All I can say is that the words attributed to Jesus are vague enough to justify a variety of philosophies.

on edit: Bush's "philosophy" is bullshit, of course, but conservative Christians probably find a justification for it in the gospels.

[Harry Monroe]

61. Sorry...

...he may PROFESS BELIEF in the teachings of Jesus Christ, but he sure doesn't take these teachings seriously, nor ACT in a Christian manner. As I said before you can put lipstick on a pig, but in the end, you've still got a pig (and again let me apologize to the pig for comparing it to Bush).

Yes, one can call themselves anything he or she wants. By your strict definition from a dictionary, yes, then Bush is a "Christian".

[savemefromdumbya]

62. The pigs won't mind being compared (just this time)

[rhiannon55]

92. Jesus came back, but they shot him

in St Mary's Church in Colorado Springs. He looked like a homeless guy and they accused him of stealing from the collection plate. It happened in the 90s, but I can't find a link.

You're right, they wouldn't (didn't) recognize him. Oops! :shrug:

[Harry Monroe]

93. You wonder if Revalations isn't supposed to be a cautionary tale

The religious right would probably be the ones who would falsely follow the Antichrist; isn't he supposed to be devious and deceptive?? The rest of us would quickly recognize the "wolf" in sheep's clothing and expose the fake. Oh wait, isn't that what is happening now??

[Harry Monroe]

48. Put lipstick on a pig...

...and you've still got a pig!! I'm sorry I've compared a pig to Bush. The pig really didn't deserve it!!!!

[The Jacobin]

85. That's true, but

some churches have a more specific set of required beliefs than others. In the Catholic church, the required beliefs are called dogma. Anyone can call themselves catholic if they want, but to be a Catholic requires belief in those dogmas.

[LiberalEsto]

52. Nixon was a Quaker

but he certainly didn't work for peace like they do

[QuestionAll...]

20. thats Laura, right? isn't it wierd she has her back to

the others.
strange picture overall.

[RB TexLa]

25. She's walking back to her seat, not strange at all

[Crankie Avalon]

It's part of a line. She had her turn and is walking away...

[QuestionAll...]

33. thanks, this shot explains the setting better. nt

[Harry Monroe]

23. It looks like the priest...

...is examining "Damien's" head for the "666" symbol.

[Bill McBlueState]

24. closed communion

Like other posters have said, in the church Bush attended, you have to be a member to take communion, and crossing your arms is the way to indicate that you're not a member.

I'm not a Christian, but I do like the message implicit in open communion. In churches with open communion, all are welcome to come to the table without having to be a member of that church or of any particular church. It's more inclusive and is more in line with the message about love that the mainline churches try to preach.

[Debi]

28. It's what non-Catholics do during Communion

They have the choice of staying in your seat or going up to receive a blessing from the priest. They let the Priest know that they are not receiving Communion by crossing their arms in front of themselves.

[hunter]

29. Um, that's what you do if you are not taking Communion.

He's not Catholic, and he didn't want to sit in the pews looking uncomfortable and getting in the way of things.

[clydefrand]

31. Perhaps he thought crossing his

fingers would be too obvious!

[leftchick]

32. He is a Non-Catholic and they do this instead of take communion

I wonder if the Priest's thumb burned on the chimp's head? :puke:

[Harry Monroe]

34. Wonder if the priest also sprinkled holy water...

...on the spawn of Satan. I can almost hear the screams of "Damien" echoing even now through the St. Louis Cathedral. "It burns, it burns!!"

BTW, having grown up in New Orleans, the St. Louis Cathedral holds many memories for me, having been confirmed (in the Catholic faith) there (although I'm now a "lapsed" Catholic) and having attended masses and weddings in the Cathedral. I hope the Archdiocese will purify the place or perform an exorcism there now that Bush has sullied its hallowed altar with his presence.

[nealhughes]

37. Episcopalians also do it if they are not receiving wine.

Some don't for health reasons (though to be honest, it's cut with water and you only get a sip unless you empty the chalice with dignity at the end of the service). The same for Catholics. Some young children come forward and get a blessing, they do the same.
Bush was raised an Episcopalian and is now a Methodist, so the priest knew under the rules of the RC Church he was disallowed communion. The opposite is true in the Methodist and Episcopal Churches -- anyone baptized in the name of the Trinity with water is welcome.
This was at St. Louis Cathederal, so it was a RC service. Had it been an Episcopal or Methodist one, he probably would have taken communion.

[LisaM]

40. Wow! I'm Catholic and I have NEVER seen this

People just stay put in their pews while the Catholics go up and get Communion. It's perfectly logical that you can go up and just get a blessing, but I swear I have never seen this.

[Harry Monroe]

50. Neither have I...

...I grew up in the Catholic faith (being born in 1962), and I've NEVER seen anyone go up to Communion to receive a blessing. Anyone not receiving Holy Communion either because they had a mortal sin on their soul or if they were not of the Catholic faith (and Bush qualifies on both counts) simply stayed in their pew. Maybe this is a new thing, because I rarely go to Church now; haven't been a regular churchgoer since I was 18.

[hunter]

58. Perhaps you are well trained not to notice?

You are not supposed to notice. In the case of Bush, everyone knows he's not Catholic, so I don't suppose it's a big deal. Otherwise noticing other people might be cause for gossip, and that would be a sin.

And what about kids?

[MaineDem]

73. I'm in my 50s and I have NEVER seen this

Catholic my whole life and this is the very first time I have ever heard of this. THis looks very weird. And everyone gets a blessing at the end of Mass.

Why didn't he just stay in his seat? I find this a bit wrong.

And those pictures freak me out.

[LisaM]

78. Maybe it's a Southern thing?

I have always lived in the North.

[Harry Monroe]

81. No it's not a "southern" thing...

...as far as I know,but I could be wrong. I did grow up in New Orleans and we were never really considered "Southern" in some ways especially as NOLA and SE Louisiana was considered an island of Roman Catholicism in a sea of the Protestant South. So maybe other Catholic churches in the south did this folding of the hands bit. All I know is that if you didn't wish or could not receive Communion (if you were not of the Catholic faith or if your sins were grevious), you stayed in your pew.

[LisaM]

82. Same up here - that's why I was curious

half the Catholics on this thread seem to know all about this, the rest have never heard of it! Of course, I don't consider New Orleans typically Southern, either - I didn't mean it as an insult. On the other hand, I never heard New Orleans referred to as NOLA until Katrina, either and I assume that that is nothing new.

[Harry Monroe]

83. Actually it's a compliment...

...in many ways. New Orleans (NOLA as shorthand has been around for quite awhile, but used mainly by those of us from the area), is atypical of the Southern stereotypes; it's also a Democrat island in a sea of Republican Red. Louisiana itself is a "red" state, but not as red as you'd think. The Democratic party is still a force in the state.

It helps, however, to get aid quickly if you are a solidly red state, have enough electoral votes to matter in a presidential election and that the governor happens to have a brother in the White House. A 60% African American, Democratic city doesn't matter to this Administration.

[LisaM]

86. I know it! That's why I always rooted for LSU

in its league games. I even had an LSU sweatshirt for a while.

[hunter]

94. In my community staying in your pew would seem odd.

Communion is brought to people who can't stand in line, generally very elderly people, and they usually sit in front.

I'm guessing this is a very regional thing determined mostly by the nature of the non-Catholics attending Mass.

[LostinVA]

89. I was a Catholic for 31 years and also NEVER saw this

At parishes in NJ and NC. Like you said, if you couldn't take the Eucharist, you stayed in your seat. I even taught CCD for quite a while, and never came across this. Huh.

[moc]

91. Watch children who go up with their parents.

This is when you'll see it most often. You are correct that most non-Catholics will remain in the pews. However, most children will go up with their parents, and if they're close to the age of First Holy Communion, they'll cross their arms to signal they aren't receiving.

At my wedding, the priest invited all to come forward even if just for a blessing as a show of unity with my husband and I in our wedding.

[Jawja]

44. No, this is a

"pose for the camera" kind of thing.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

46. Yes -- he's receiving a blessing; he can't take Communion as he's not

Catholic (plus the whole transubstantiation thing).

[VolcanoJen]

47. I'm Russian Orthodox, and we cross our arms when accepting Communion.

It's part of Eastern Orthodoxy. You don't see it much in Greek churches, but you'll almost always see it in Russian and Serbian ones.

In our church, you can't go up for Communion if you're not Orthodox. I assumed the same was true for Catholics. In that case, what is Bush doing???

[hunter]

60. As Orthodox you could take Communion in a Catholic Church.

That's okay by the Catholics, but it might be a little rough on your conscience and I don't know what it would take to decontaminate you. If you find yourself in a Catholic Church best cross your arms and pray for the best.

[VolcanoJen]

74. Actually, we're only permitted to take Communion in a Catholic church...

... if there is no other Orthodox church readily available.

Of course, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, women still aren't supposed to take Communion when we're on our periods, which is why I left all that silly religion stuff behind years ago. :-)

[RB TexLa]

69. It probably came from Vatican II, with the idea of being more inclusive

to guests at mass. Although I would suspect similar was done pre-Vatican II just not as unified across the Church.

[SeattleVet]

49. Does * reach out and rub the priest's head in the next, unseen photos?

If not, it'd probably be the first bald head he hasn't fondled.

[Crankie Avalon]

54. THAT'S the real reason he's got his arms crossed against him like that...

...to keep from reaching out and squeezing that pasty cueball! ("must...keep...hands...on...own chest")

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

56. He's trying to resist the exorcism

:evilgrin:

[DoYouEverWonder]

59. Quick, call the Vatican

they have an exorcist on staff.

This was probably their one big chance to snatch the Anti-Christ and they blew it. Too busy denying evolution, I suppose?

[SteveG]

63. It's an Episcopalian Communion service

In this service, communicants recieve both bread and wine at the alter rail. Non-communicants cross their arms as Bush is doing to indicate to the priest that they do not wish to partake of the Communion ritual but instead receive a blessing. Daddy and Mommy Bush are Episcopalians, but I believe Jr. is a Methodist and the two demoninations are not in Communion with each other, therefore Jr. is respecting the traditions of the Episcopal Church.

[Harry Monroe]

65. This is NOT an Episcopalian service...

...I seriously doubt it, since it was in a Catholic Cathedral, unless the Archdiocese of New Orleans waived the rules on this.

[SteveG]

95. Thought this was from his Kennebunkport visit

The photos weren't labeled as being from NO. Last weekend he attended the Episcopal church with poppy, and the procedure is the same for a non-communicant in both RC and Anglican/Episcopal Church's. Also, the vestments of Episcopal and RC priests is pretty much the same.

[Harry Monroe]

96. No, it's definitely from the St. Louis Cathedral in NOLA

http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2006/08/an_exclusive_co.html#comments

[RB TexLa]

71. In St. Louis Cathedral? ugh, no it's not an Episcopalian service

The New Orleans diocese still hasn't gotten the memo that Vatican II is scheduled to happen. You may see a funaral for a Protestant Supreme Court justice in the DC area and other interfaith activities there and elsewhere but that's not happening in New Orleans.

[qanda]

66. Only when they are getting ready to be baptized

I was wondering what in the world he was doing.

[truebrit71]

67. He isn't catholic so he can't take communion...

..that's what the arm-crossing thing is all about..

[BlueEyedSon]

76. What about the "recovering alcoholic" part?

[phylny]

80. Yes, it's a sign to the priest that he shouldn't serve communion,

but give a blessing.

Bush needs all the blessing he can get, I think.

[BlueEyedSon]

68. "King Tut... buried in his jammies"

[Lydia Leftcoast]

70. If he's in an Episcopal church, crossing the arms means

"No bread or wine, thank you, just a blessing."

People who can't drink alcohol will receive the bread and THEN cross their arms to indicate that the person with the wine should pass them by.

[scarlet_owl]

72. At my church, non-catholics cross their arms to recieve

a blessing instead of communion.

[Generic Other]

75. It's a pharonic gesture - - - - - -> PIC

[TahitiNut]

87. (LOL!) King Tudrunkhamhead

:rofl:

[Critters2]

79. It's common in the Catholic Church

It lets the priest know that the person doesn't want to receive communion, but just a blessing. It's done by non-Catholics, or by Catholics who haven't been to confession or for some other reason don't feel like receiving communion.

[KnaveRupe]

90. MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!

MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!

:Bush vomits pea soup:

MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!

:Bush's head does a 360:

MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!
MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU!!!

etc....