Today we, The Netherlands, received the (first) remains of those who died in the crash of MH17. Our country mourns, not just for our loses, but for all that were on that flight. As it was happening, a huge outpouring of empathy flowed through our collective souls, brought live on TV. Not just in my country, but around the world. It was neutral, respectful, without a distinct religious flavor. As a Dutchman I know that one of the fundamentals of our society is: 'Not to get high-jacked by religion'. We learned the hard way and the U.S.A. is one of the results of it.
And then I watched CNN...
... and liked it. It was respectful, entertaining, with emotion and awe for our landscape. Until they got a feed from a church in Amersfoort. The choir had a really beautiful rendition of 'Kyrie Eleison' and CNN was hooked, line and sinker.
After that, preachers were translated real-time, a really good harpist-singer sang in church and CNN was drenched in Christ. The feeling I got at that time was: "OK, this combination of Christ, preachers, solemn music and motorcades' is really what gets them in Fox-demographics".
It turned in to a full-blown Jesus-fest and, of all people, Anderson Cooper just listened, overwhelmed by emotion. Quest e.a. just went along and Christs' words went around the world on CNN's airwaves.
And, to be honest, I was disgusted. My country is one of the most secular in the world. We respect every faith (since before your country was founded), but this felt like being highjacked by Jesus (having an AR-15 on his shoulder).
Our mourning is for many people, with al kinds of gods or even without one.