Good Christian Boys

I have a dear friend who made a remark yesterday that has rumbled around in my head ever since I heard it. I don’t know how to make peace with it. Let me tell you about it.

My friend was speaking about her husband’s sons and praising them for all the help they were giving their elderly and very ill father. They called often to see how he was feeling; they came to help at any time that he needed nursing care. They even offered financial help should it become necessary. My friend ended her repartee of these boys (men, really) by stating, “Yes, they have been wonderful. They are good Christian boys.” 

Why does that remark bother me so much? I know what she is saying is how much she appreciates them and their love for their father. But why does that make them good “Christian” boys? Does that mean any other kind of boy is not praiseworthy. Am I only sensitive to that remark because I am Jewish? Does that remark imply that Jewish boys are not praiseworthy? How about Buddhist, Hindu, Moslem, or even atheist boys? Are they also excluded from the height of this praiseworthy fraternity?

I don’t think she would argue my point. I know her too well to put the label of bigot on her; I know she does not deserve that. I think only think that word Christian slipped out because there are still enough people in this world who actually think that it is both the only and best way to be a human being. I hope that will change in time.

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