The Pope Resigns

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by mini me

It likely won't, as it may be recalled that the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives was set up in 2001 by Dubya.

Oh, that's right. He is a Republican; Not really a politician or part of the Federal Government................

Dave

[bobabode]

Mini, If we can't laugh and be not just a little pissed off at the dichotomies and incongruencies offered up my the Holy Roman Church? What is left then?
It's obvious that the good has outweighed the bad but criticizing the church for sweeping pedophlic behaviour under the rug is a valid critique. It is a gross abuse of trust.

BTW, the next time you wish to perform a litmus test on this forum? Be upfront about it. What you admit to is duplicitous behaviour and a sin. You aren't a Jesuit? Are you?

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by JJIII

Damn Dave, you're starting to sound like John.

Okay, sistah. Put down that scalping knife and play nice...

[barbara]

Originally Posted by mini me

It likely won't, as it may be recalled that the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives was set up in 2001 by Dubya.

The Catholic Church, and other faith based organizations, received federal funding long before bush came up with his faith based initiatives.

[mini me]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Mini, If we can't laugh and be not just a little pissed off at the dichotomies and incongruencies offered up my the Holy Roman Church? What is left then?
It's obvious that the good has outweighed the bad but criticizing the church for sweeping pedophlic behaviour under the rug is a valid critique. It is a gross abuse of trust.

The Catholic Church get more than its fair share of criticism, and such criticism is not limited to priests and pedophilia. Now, I believe I stated in an earlier post that criticism of the Church for how it handled that scandal is certainly justified, and has caused many Catholics to turn away from the Church. My point was that the Church is often skewered in the media for its position on issues of theology (i.e. when life begins, abstinence, homosexuality, etc.) constantly. The core of this criticism is that the church is somehow out of step with the times. However, I've observed those who level such criticism usually don't care to have their core beliefs examined too closely.

Originally Posted by bobabode

BTW, the next time you wish to perform a litmus test on this forum? Be upfront about it. What you admit to is duplicitous behaviour and a sin. You aren't a Jesuit? Are you?

Not sure what you're getting at here.

[BlueStreak]

I am really tired of people telling me how to live, how to behave, what to think, how to talk and what I can and can't say, trying to make me feel guilty for not doing as they tell me and threatening me with terrible things (like eternal damnation or instance) if I don't comply with their rules.

So, I think I'll escape all of that and..............go to church?

You have GOT to be jokin' me.

I think the Deists are onto something. The Atheists see it, although, I could never make the leap into believing there is no afterlife. Just too many dead loved ones I'd like to see again.

Regards,
Dave

[barbara]

About the afterlife... It would be easier for me to believe in an afterlife if there were some evidence.. On the other hand, it's hard for me to completely deny there is an afterlife.... Just in case there is one.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by barbara

About the afterlife... It would be easier for me to believe in an afterlife if there were some evidence.. On the other hand, it's hard for me to completely deny there is an afterlife.... Just in case there is one.

I've always thought of it more as après vie.

John

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by mini me

(1)The Catholic Church get more than its fair share of criticism, and such criticism is not limited to priests and pedophilia. Now, I believe I stated in an earlier post that criticism of the Church for how it handled that scandal is certainly justified, and has caused many Catholics to turn away from the Church. (2)My point was that the Church is often skewered in the media for its position on issues of theology (i.e. when life begins, abstinence, homosexuality, etc.) constantly. The core of this criticism is that the church is somehow out of step with the times.(3) However, I've observed those who level such criticism usually don't care to have their core beliefs examined too closely.

(1)I disagree. I happen to believe that the church doesn't begin to get it's fair share.
(2)The reason I see it getting skewered is it's activist nature. Not every citizen or employee of the church is obliged to follow the precepts of the Catholic church. It isn't just to make these priests, cardinals and Pope the butt of jokes, deserving though they be. It is their arrogance that galls me.
(3) Sounds like you are generalizing.

The reason I asked if you were a Jesuit is that they are an argumentative bunch and somewhat accomplished at it. I actually enjoy that aspect of 'em.

[mini me]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

I am really tired of people telling me how to live, how to behave, what to think, how to talk and what I can and can't say, trying to make me feel guilty for not doing as they tell me and threatening me with terrible things (like eternal damnation or instance) if I don't comply with their rules.

So, I think I'll escape all of that and..............go to church?

You have GOT to be jokin' me.

Regards,
Dave

I guess you could always go to a meeting of some political activist group where you'll hear people telling you how to live, how to behave, how to talk and what you should or shouldn't say, trying to make you feel guilty for not doing as they tell you, and threatening you with terrible consequences (like the earth burning up, unbreathable air or water, being taxed into servitude, people dying in the streets without healthcare, our children having to work the rest of their lives to pay off government debt, etc).