As brotherhood goes, make mine Christian.

Am I alone in finding the radical element now dispensing dictatorial rants over Egypt a bit odd in calling itself the “Muslim Brotherhood”?  I mean, it’s a catchy name but these semantics are becoming challenging. The spectacle of rioting throngs in the streets and the newly “elected” President being the poster child for “brotherhood” around the globe is giving rise to speculation if “Muslim Brotherhood” is an oxymoron.  But rather than just throwing stones at the obvious issue within Islam, perhaps a better use of reflective time might be spent in this period of Advent, in reflecting on true Christian Brotherhood.

While few non-Catholic, yet Christian faith traditions celebrate Advent, the season allows us to more thoughtfully consider how we might reach out.  Pope Benedict XVI has reiterated the need for the New Evangelization in this year of Faith.  Perhaps, this season of reflection could more profitably be spent considering how one might reach out to all men of good will in a more authentic sense of brotherhood, and invite them to consider He who in reality makes us all brothers.

Dan is the Executive Director of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men and a co-founder of the Catholic Business Network. He has appeared on numerous Catholic media including EWTN television as well as Vatican, Relevant and EWTN radio programs. Dan serves on both the Kansas City Kansas Archdiocesan Advisory Board on Evangelism and Anti-Pornography initiatives. He is a frequent speaker and consultant on Sexual Integrity diocesan programs. Dan spent over 20 years as a senior advertising and marketing executive in national media firms followed more recently by 10 years as a “new media” entrepreneur, investor and consultant. His clients ranged from the NFL to the California Chamber of Commerce to the Rolling Stones. Currently he and his wife own a business in Kansas City while he speaks both nationally and internationally. He and his wife of 37 years, Linda, have four grown children and three grandchildren-all living in the Kansas City area.