Before Obama spoke last Tuesday at Georgetown University, the White House asked that the symbol "IHS" be covered. The symbol "IHS" is a symbol standing for the name of Jesus in the Christian world.
The University covered the background with flags in order to appease White House demands. Yet even after placing the flags as a backdrop for Obama, the symbol could still be seen. Not to worry, they were able to hide any visibility of Christian symbolism. Afterall, it is important we keep appeasing the secular sensitivities around the world. Normally, when someone speaks at Georgetown, no one goes out of their way to hide symbols. Gaston Hall Stage at Georgetown is filled with Christan signs and symbols; it is a Catholic university for heaven's sake!
Pictured below, you can see where CNS took a picture of the pediment showing the symbol as it was still covered. It reveals the lengths the University went to in order to conceal any hint at Christianity. How inane!
What you see pictured above is a black painted board hiding the symbol "IHS".
Georgetown is one of the most prestigious Catholic universities, which is run by the Jesuits. The "IHS" symbol is a Roman Catholic symbol, and was used heavily on the priest's vestments prior to Vatican II.
New Advent gives a thorough explanation of the symbol, but some of the explanation is as follows: A monogram of the name of Jesus Christ.
From the beginning, however, in Christian inscriptions, the nomina sacra were shortened. Nomina Sacra is Latin for any name referring to Jesus Christ by using symbols.
Though Laura Bush spoke at the University in 2006, she did not request that the symbol be hidden, and it is well known the First Lady is not Catholic.
What will Obama do when Notre Dame request he wear the traditional robes with a prayer to the Virgin Mary planted across his chest? Talk about symbols!
George Bush had no issue with the Christian symbol.
