"Taboo." It's a strange, mysterious, ancient-sounding word that we don't use much any more in our modern, scientifically enlightened world. A taboo is something that is forbidden. A taboo is a prohibition. It is usually associated with something sacred and mysterious. Something that is taboo is set aside, never to be touched and desecrated by human hands. We are usually afraid of the taboo. We are in awe of its power. Taboos control us. In the ancient world certain places or things may have been considered taboo. You stayed away. Hands off! In our modern world we are less likely to speak of the taboo. Nothing seems to be sacred. Nothing is forbidden. Everything is up for grabs.

But the taboos still remain. Just try to place a Christmas creche on public property. Just try to carry a confed…