OPINION (FW) – Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” has become something of a cultural phenomenon in the Trump era. Based on the 1985 book by Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood, the series imagines a dystopian world in which religious fundamentalists have seized control of society, much like radical Islamists have already done in the Middle East. The popular show often takes jabs at Christianity, serving not only as entertainment but also a commentary on conservative culture. A recent episode, “God Bless the Child,” takes shots at both baptism and the Catholic Church.
In the episode, June, played by actor Elisabeth Moss, thought back to a time when she had her firstborn daughter dedicated by infant baptism. June’s mother, though, was not supportive of the decision. Portrayed by actor Cherry Jones, June’s mom described the priests who would carry out the sacrament as “holier-than-thou child molesters.” “Do you think that your father would care?” she continued. “He spent a hell of a lot more time at Fenway than he ever did at Mass. You cannot let religion control your choices. That’s what they all want.” READ MORE
