During the Today show’s ongoing remembrance of Tim Russert this morning, Meredith Vieira provided this touching tidbit: “To quote the Lord’s Prayer, Tim’s cup overflowed.”

Tim Russert was indeed a vivacious, larger-than-life personality. So Russert would have likely been the first to mention to Ms. Vieira than she was actually quoting the 23rd Psalm.

I find these sorts of religious missteps more humorous than disheartening. But they do strengthen the best-selling thesis of religious writer/scholar Stephen Prothero, that our culture suffers from a stunning lack of Religious Literacy.

The guy on the street trying to convince you Jesus really once said, “God helps those who help themselves,” is one thing. A national media celebrity misquoting the two most well-known texts in the Bible is another. Nonetheless, my first response when Vieira said what she said was to blurt out in laughter.

In an unrelated note in stream-of-consciousness mode, I have found it interesting how the…

I have a question.

And sometimes when you are writing, rather than speaking face to face about provocative topics, communication can get a little sticky. The tone can get lost. So first let me say that I ask this question with the utmost respect and with a genuine desire for a greater understanding. So here goes:

How do American Catholics feel connected to the Pope?

My lack of understanding is twofold. First, as a Jewish person, I don’t have a comparable public figure in my religion. There is no “head Rabbi”. And second, with the Pope residing across the ocean in Italy, how is this relationship (so to speak) nurtured?

So, if you feel inclined, enlighten me. Tell me how and why you maintain affection for the Pope. Or tell me why you don’t. And if you’re curious like me, I’d like to hear about that too.