St. George the Great Martyr, the new patron saint of Jihad Watch
Today is (on the Byzantine calendar, at least, and maybe others too) the feast day of St. George the Great Martyr (martyr, that is, in the Christian sense: St. George didn’t murder anyone to win his martyr’s crown). But the dhimmi Chris Doyle would like to see to it that it’s the last one he celebrates. “St George comes under fire,” from the BBC, with thanks to all who sent this in:
Over the centuries, George and his red cross have become associated with many causes – some admirable, others not.
In legend, he was the figurehead of King Arthur’s knights.
Edward III chose him as patron when he founded the Knights of the Garter in 1348.
Red Ensign
St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle was built as the order’s spiritual home.
The red cross has been used on the flags of The Royal Navy and the Church of England – and on the official seal of Lyme Regis.
Richard II ordered every man in his army to wear the cross when he invaded Scotland.
Now the Scots have to fly their invaders’ mark on the Union Flag.
Crucially, it was also the emblem of the Crusades against the Islam.
Richard the Lionheart wore it, and legend tells how St George appeared to his knights during the siege of Antioch, inspiring them to victory.
Centuries have passed since, but the Crusades are still a cause of resentment among some muslims.
Holy war
Chris Doyle, of the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding, says the red cross is an insensitive reminder of the Crusades.
He said: “It is offensive to Arabs and muslims, including many from non-Arab countries.
“They see the Crusades as Christendom launching a brutal holy war against Islam.
“Because of what has happened in the 20th Century, when most of the Arab world was colonised, the memory of the Crusades has resurfaced.”
On the other hand, the saint – if not his sign – is revered in Palestine for his courageous martyrdom.
By the way, for the truth about that “brutal holy war against Islam” that Christendom supposedly launched, see my book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades).
UPDATE: My apologies. I see this is a 2002 BBC piece. I always check the dates, except when I don’t. But I am going to keep this up, as the substance of the story is still illuminating.
