There is a certain humor, and wisdom, in the Vatican announcing yesterday that His Holiness the Pope will be tweeting under the handle @Pontifex. More than 2000 years ago the Roman Empire perfected the art of absorbing local deities and cults as they conquered new countries. Let the people keep their Gods and rituals and they are easier to control. As the Christian Church emerged from the shadows into power in the 4th century it did the same thing. Keep the local festivals and rename them -- just think on [...]