From the NYTimes:

On the conservative Web site WorldNetDaily.com, an opponent of abortion wrote that the movie "verified the beauty of life and the rightness of protecting it."

At a conference for young Republicans, the editor of National Review urged participants to see the movie because it promoted monogamy. A widely circulated Christian magazine said it made "a strong case for intelligent design."

What movie is this? The Passion of the Christ? A new religious film from conservative Hollywood? No, it's a documentary about penguins. March of the Penguins is the second highest grossing documentary of all time, just behind Farenheit 9/11, and social conservatives are using it to back up every issue in their arsenal.

That's right. Penguins, which are one of only six monogamous animals on the planet (all of them birds).

A few quotes about the movie:

"That any one of these eggs survives is a remarkable feat - and, some might suppose, a strong case for intelligent design. It's sad that acknowledgment of a creator is absent in the examination of such strange and wonderful animals. But it's also a gap easily filled by family discussion after the film." - Andrew Coffin writing in Christian publication, World Magazine

"You have to check out 'March of the Penguins.' It is an amazing movie. And I have to say, penguins are the really ideal example of monogamy. These things - the dedication of these birds is just amazing." - Rich Lowry, editor of National Review speaking to Young Republicans.

"Some of the circumstances they experienced seemed to parallel those of Christians. The penguin is falling behind, is like some Christians falling behind. The path changes every year, yet they find their way, is like the Holy Spirit." Minister Ben Hunt

Didn't these people hear about Central Park Zoo's gay penguins (second article down)? Roy and Silo are male penguins that "entwine their necks, they vocalize to each other, they have sex." When offered female companionship, they have refused it, and females haven't shown interest in them, either.

So what does all this mean? Are penguins the ideal animal? Is this why nuns wear black and white? Does the popularity of this movie attest to the strength of the conservative movement?

These are many questions the will remain unanswered, and given the scientific evidence and the article about gay penguins, only one thing is certain: Even penguins can go to hell.