Good to see the Chinese are making such wonderful progress in the area of freedoms. A list of prohibited items in the Olympic Village has been unveiled and on it is a surprising object: Bibles. The Catholic News Agency reports:

 Organizers of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing have published a list of “prohibited objects” in the Olympic village where athletes will stay.  To the surprise of many, Bibles are among the objects that will not be allowed. According to the Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, organizers have cited “security reasons” and have prohibited athletes from bearing any kind of religious symbol at Olympic facilities.

“Security reasons”? Like what, a threat to their control on information and beliefs? Is the Koran soon to follow? Moonbattery’s “Van Helsing” writes:

To think just a few weeks ago ChiCom bureauweenies were purring that they would offer religious services for foreigners at the Olympics. Services may have to be conducted without benefit of Bibles. Not that you need a Bible to worship the only god recognized by the Chinese regime or our media: Government Power.

But the thing that gets me is this: The athletes are visiting from other nations, most not being Chinese. Those who would be bringing Bibles, would be doing so because they worship God, not being Chinese communist. What’s the benefit of banning the Bible?