This post is to provide a place for responses to the Pope's visit. Feel free to comment as news of his visit continues to come to light.
While his visit so far has been more ceremony than substance, the following comments can already be made:
[Note: Some may want to comment on the "good" that will come from the Pope's visit, my concern in this intitial post is simply to address statements from the Pope that contradict Biblical teaching or practical wisdom. While I'm grateful for my Protestant heritage that has historically come through the Catholic church, differences between the Pope's statements and position (or those made to the Pope) and that of Scripture are worth pointing out.]
Response: While the intent of his statement referencing "respect" for this "vast pluralistic" society was probably to gain greater acceptance by a broader audience, statements such as this will in the end do more damage than good. While some can differentiate between having respect for a people even though they hold pluralistic views, on the surface it can come across (and many will take it to mean or suggest) that pluralism is good. (While President Bush commented "We need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism ...; the Pope's statement could do the opposite).
I'd love to know what he meant by this. While global solidarity is important (along issues in keeping with justice, mercy, etc.), it's important to note that God's blessings come to us as gifts "secured" by Christ, not by man. Yes, only those "qualified" will receive the blessings, but man does nothing to merit or "secure" bounty from God.
While the victims are looking for actions rather than words, I'd also be interested to see his defense of the requirement of celibacy for the priesthood.
Depends on what message of hope he's referring to. If he's referring to the hope that comes as God's people exercise faith and serve as salt and light, etc., then yes, I'm open on one level. However, if he's referring to the "gospel" the Pope brings, ...My heart has received God's message of hope, which is based on grace alone through faith in Jesus.
While his visit so far has been more ceremony than substance, the following comments can already be made:
[Note: Some may want to comment on the "good" that will come from the Pope's visit, my concern in this intitial post is simply to address statements from the Pope that contradict Biblical teaching or practical wisdom. While I'm grateful for my Protestant heritage that has historically come through the Catholic church, differences between the Pope's statements and position (or those made to the Pope) and that of Scripture are worth pointing out.]
"I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society," Benedict said in a speech after Bush welcomed him to the White House at a ceremony that included 21-gun salute.
Response: While the intent of his statement referencing "respect" for this "vast pluralistic" society was probably to gain greater acceptance by a broader audience, statements such as this will in the end do more damage than good. While some can differentiate between having respect for a people even though they hold pluralistic views, on the surface it can come across (and many will take it to mean or suggest) that pluralism is good. (While President Bush commented "We need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism ...; the Pope's statement could do the opposite).
Looking forward to his speech to the United Nations, the pope said the need for global solidarity is "as urgent as ever if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity" and secure a place at "that table which God's bounty has set for all his children."
I'd love to know what he meant by this. While global solidarity is important (along issues in keeping with justice, mercy, etc.), it's important to note that God's blessings come to us as gifts "secured" by Christ, not by man. Yes, only those "qualified" will receive the blessings, but man does nothing to merit or "secure" bounty from God.
Later on Wednesday, the pope was addressing U.S. bishops at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where he was to discuss the scandal of sexual abuse of children by priests, which he said had left him "deeply ashamed."
While the victims are looking for actions rather than words, I'd also be interested to see his defense of the requirement of celibacy for the priesthood.
"Most of all, Holy Father, you will find in America people whose hearts are open to your message of hope," made by President Bush.
Depends on what message of hope he's referring to. If he's referring to the hope that comes as God's people exercise faith and serve as salt and light, etc., then yes, I'm open on one level. However, if he's referring to the "gospel" the Pope brings, ...My heart has received God's message of hope, which is based on grace alone through faith in Jesus.
I am so with you! As was said in the days of the reformation and still Biblical today, the Catholic system is Antichrist. Nothing against anyone that doesn't know this, but the truth remains the same. It's not much longer until our High Priest comes and we will say Lo, here is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us!
ReplyDelete1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
ReplyDeleteApparently God is not too keen on pluralism and the thinking that many roads lead to the mountain top as long as you are sincere....
To quote: "He paraphrased the pope's message: "The whole character of our civilization right now is under attack," Morris told FNC. "We have to accept the sins of the church. We have to recognize as well that this comes forth from a society that is very sick."
ReplyDeleteResponse: I do not believe calls for forgiveness by the Pope or statements that "We have to accept the sins of the church" will be considered or accepted as sufficient. While people recognize that no one including the church is perfect in this world, at the same time sins of the magnitude being referred to will not be silenced when it is generally recognized that even in any other spheres of life, leadership would be looked upon to take significant measures given the crimes that have been committed. I have a feeling statements like this will come back without the results their makers hoped for.
The attempt of those calling themselves the "church" trying to cast off blame or justify their sins/actions by blaming thinking/faults in society is unsatisfactory. The church is to be different, set an example, and do right regardless of society.
ReplyDeleteSeems it's an argument of the tail wagging the dog.
To Quote: "Among them: a call for bedrock ethical and moral principles as a guiding force even in pluralistic societies, a human rights agenda that encompasses religious freedom and the sacredness of human life, and the responsibility of first-world nations to aid developing ones."
ReplyDeleteResponse: Not bad, but the issue ultimately becomes what are those "bedrock" ethical and moral principles? This is where pluralistic societies are divided. All the more reason for those who rest on Scripture to speak out, cast their voice and their vote, and be prepared to argue our case against pagan views and relativism.