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It is perhaps all the more incumbent upon us to consider how the wage a righteous war because attention to Christian godliness in these circumstances may recall the West to righteousness more generally.

Does almost every business in your area have "God bless America" on their marquee like they do in mine? I wonder whether the unwilling entry of America into a war of religion (which this is whether we think of it as such or not) will lead to a revival of faith and an end to the corrosive secularization of our society.

On your other point: In the East we tend to take a dim view of Western Marian visions which do not specifically recall Christians to faith in Christ, but call for more Marian devotion. (You know, of course, we love Our Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, too.)

Does almost every business in your area have "God bless America" on their marquee like they do in mine?

Everywhere.

I wonder whether the unwilling entry of America into a war of religion (which this is whether we think of it as such or not) will lead to a revival of faith and an end to the corrosive secularization of our society.

I would like to think so, but I doubt it. Grace does not proceed from blood-lust and unthinking anger. We cannot and will not achieve justification simply by giving rein to base passion.

Consider this, from the English Catholic novelist Evelyn Waugh:

Is there any place that is free from evil? It is too simple to say that only the Nazis wanted war. These communists wanted it too. It was the only way in which they could come to power. Many of my people wanted it, to be revenged on the Germans, to hasten the creation of the national state. It seems there was a will to war a death wish, everywhere. Even good men thought that their private honour would be satisfied by war. They could assert their manhood by killing and being killed. They would accept hardship in recompense for having been selfish and lazy. Danger justified privilege.

It's this death wish that I most fear.

Does almost every business in your area have "God bless America" on their marquee like they do in mine?

Thought provoking as always, David. Not only are businesses here wrapping themselves in the flag, my ride this morning on the PA Turnpike found the large electronic signs (used to warn of traffic congestion or construction) displaying "God Bless America."

The ACLU has so far remained silent.

I understand the need at times to "speak the common language" even if it pains you. You can call me "Latin" anytime. :-)

Catholic writer E. Michael Jones points out that marian apparitions typically happen in peasant cultures on the verge of hellish atrocities. Think how "peaceful" Yugoslavia has been. Jones goes into excruciating details on the weird little cultic cells organized around marian apparitions. Christianity is sane, wholesome, sound, healthy. Marian piety is sickly, effeminate, and perverted. A good way to throw a monkey wrench into the two primary human relationships -- with God, and with spouse.