Becky, thanks; that gives a good bit of background that's easy to miss at the links if one isn't a clicker or scroller.

Yes there has been discussion but people have offered rather little clarity about exactly what in the image is offensive. I guess that, in itself, could be saying something, but what? That most people don't want to think too deeply or don't want to put the time and effort into articulating how they feel? That they don't want to expose themselves to the venom I have oh-so-occasionally seen used to slay heart felt attempts to understand? That they have to bake and wrap and sing and do all that other seasonal stuff? I'd rather ask than guess but that doesn't always net me the information.

Knowing of the negative reaction posted to the St. Matthews-in-the-City and the discomfort of a few people here, I was surprised by the reaction of friends of mine who are reasonably devout and active Christians of various stripes. Despite my being more humanist than anything and while I don't believe in any deity, I end up around quite a lot active Christians because of handbells--most bell sets in Ontario are owned by churches. So far, they've laughed right out loud. These are people whom I would consider very religious: They believe in God, attend church service at least once per week; some attend or lead bible studies of one kind or another, others sing in or direct church choirs or work as church musicians; all serve the larger community by volunteering with their church. That said, the ones I know well enough to have talked about it have done and still do some regular questioning of their faith, although nearly everyone I know who adheres to a faith spends as much time reconsidering various aspects of it as they do living it.

All that is to say: I'd hoped to get some good insights from the religious people I know, insights into what exactly about the subject image offends, but instead we shared a good belly laugh. I'm *almost* ready to give up on ever finding the information I seek.