I do not think that Google needs to do my job. Or your job.
As Christians, it is our job to tell people about Jesus. That’s why I think it is silly to sneer at the Wal-Mart clerk who does not wish you Merry Christmas and say, “Jesus is the reason for the season” in a snarky voice.
It’s not their job– it is yours, if you are a Christian.
So, I am not protesting companies, planning boycotts, or anything like that. But, to be fair, I gotta’ say, the Cesar Chavez picture may not have been the best idea on Easter Sunday, Google.
For what it is worth, I think Chavez (a devout Catholic) would have preferred you picked another day, other than his birthday, rather than having him as the “doodled” symbol for Easter Sunday.
I think doing nothing on Easter (other than being an awesome search engine) would be just fine– Google is not a Christian company. It is just a company (and I don’t think companies can be Christians– but that is for another day).
And I know March 31 is actually a holiday in some states celebrating Cesar Chavez birth (and I so appreciate his passion for justice for farm workers). But, to be fair, Easter is probably not the best day to honor someone other than that guy related to Easter. I am guessing Cesar Chavez would agree.
Yes, I get that we live in an increasingly secular society, but since about 75% of Americans claim to be Christians, I think Easter might be a bigger deal to some, and people might notice the Ceasar / Jesus thing, but what do I know…
Again, that’s just me… it’s Google’s site and all. And, First Things (a Catholic magazine to which I subscribe) has an online commentary explaining why it was appropriate considering Chavez’ motivation for his work. In that vein, I think Chavez might be a better representative for Jesus than the Easter Bunny, since he shared Jesus’ love for the poor and marginalized.
But, based on the news coverage, it does not appear to be received well.
By the way, Cesar Chavez is an important figure and worth knowing. Wikipedia has a good article:
A Mexican American, Chavez became the best known Latino American civil rights activist, and was strongly promoted by the American labor movement, which was eager to enroll Hispanic members. His public-relations approach to unionism and aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm workers’ struggle a moral cause with nationwide support.
However, Jesus was a pretty big deal as well. His birth is the measure we use to split time– BC and AD. Two billion or so people celebrated His resurrection today. Two thousand years ago, he died on a cross on a Friday and was buried. He was dead on Saturday and then on Sunday, well, not so much.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has a great site telling how Jesus death and resurrection leads to peace with God to those who trust and follow him.
BTW, in other news, Bing highlights Easter eggs, but I am still a Google guy.
Just my two cents on an Easter afternoon. What do you think?