July 31, 2005

Extraordinary popular delusions and the madness of crowds, 2005

Here we go again. Mary-shaped salt stains and statues weeping oil are one thing, but now statuary is coming to life. Great googly moogly, these stone juggernauts will kill us all!

Dozens of believers in New Jersey are holding a vigil this morning near a statue that they say - came to life.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus statue is the centerpiece of a nativity scene outside the Jackson Street public housing complex in Hoboken.

Some witnesses say they saw the statue open its right eye, and turn its head toward the crowd.

Many call the event a miracle that could help rescue the neighborhood from problems like drugs and violence.

[Full Story]

Mark my words, it won't be long before the "healings" begin or "Jesus" starts mumbling vaguely pious religious platitudes about "returning to his Sacred Heart," or telling people not to take the Eucharist in the hand, or whatever. "Catholic" superstition never fails to amaze. (I wish I could say that many evangelicals were not often so deluded, but alas, it isn't true: Gold fillings, anyone?)

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