^ Was it salmon chanted evening? At least you didn't spend the whole night downloading prawn from the net.
Thank you for the correction. Indeed, I was thinking of Peter and typing Paul. Such a slip, however, does not invalidate the principles of the argument... or the definition of a martyr. Paul had much to write about the requirements of a bishop/pastor. One of the requirements is to be the husband of one wife. Priests do not meet the requirement, because the Catholic Church forbids them to marry. [1 Timothy 3:2] Jesus himself said, "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." [Matthew 23:9] Yet Catholic priests are titled Father so-and-so. I have never understood these incongruities which are clearly outlined in the New Testament. That and grown men wearing dresses and being denied the option to "be fruitful and multiply" were deal-breakers to a young me. [Of course, once I finally came to terms with being gay... all bets were off anyway!]
The Pope will retain his name, assume the title "Pope Emeritus" and be styled as "His Holiness, Benedict XVI". He'll also keep the white papal garb with the exception of the cape and red shoes.
^I like that they'll smash/deface all his stuff...or something like that Surprised no one has mentioned this
As a Catholic, I actually look sideways at people who hate on gays and people who are different. Why? JESUS HIMSELF SAID "Love one another as I love you." God is LOVE. God loves all of His creations, so it's so contradictory to see a person of God hating on gay people. I personally am not a fan of abortion, but I won't go picketing. I myself wouldn't abort a baby if I got pregnant, but I won't condemn women who do because they're probably in a bad place in life and they need LOVE and understanding, not hate and rejection. I hope the new pope is a little less tightassed about gay rights and condoms.
Absolutely not. Go tell all of your friends and family. You can start with your uncles and anchovy. (okay, now that one was reaching, just a bit )
But you contradict yourself. Rejecting (as in condemning) a person who does something someone might find immoral is wrong because they need "love and understanding", but rejecting (as in, denying all responsibility for and actively killing) the developing baby is somehow okay? Why are we allowed to reject the foetus? I thought we were to love all of God's creations? The developing baby isn't one of God's creations, then? If it is contradictory for a person of God to hate homosexuals, because, as you argue, this violates the concept of all God's creations deserving love, is it not contradictory for a person of God to condone the destruction of, and deny all empathy or care for, one of God's creations, as you do here? I'm genuinely curious; how do you reconcile this illogic?
Alas, I think this is unlikely, as much as I wish it were so. The Catholic Church's biggest following right now is in Africa, and several of the top candidates for the White Dress and Red Pumps are from African churches, which as a general rule hold to the "traditional" (read: dark ages) opinions on such matters even more fiercely than European Catholics. Meanwhile, if the church were to choose another European pope to lead the show (jazz hands!) in an attempt to appear less draconian, they offend where their largest remaining power base is. .
A new pope has an opportunity to correct Ratzingers biggest mistake. By which I mean, failing to take the name George-Ringo.
... Love 'em all, let God sort 'em out? _C_ doesn't sound likely to become an abortionist herself, so she indicates that other women's decisions aren't her business. Sounds good to moi...
^ Indeed. To be fair, I don't think cross-examining religious folks who have reasonable, nuanced beliefs that understand that others might not share their personal moral code and are respectful and tolerant of that fact is really the way to go. C's stance seems like it should be the ideal, not something we should criticize as illogical. Knowing you, I know you are just curious and don't intend to sound that way, but it does come across as needlessly adversarial.
Yes, you're right, Locutus. Reading over it, I do come across as rather rudely aggressive there, and somewhat single-minded. _C_, please accept my apology for the tone, and for any offence or hurt caused. I've been in a bit of a terse mood all day, and it seems I let that colour my interactions with people here. I sort of dug my teeth in without cause there, and I apologise.