Has the pope gone mad?

[strawdawg]

To me he's almost saying, "Yes I know it's all horseshit, and that science has long since rendered us obselete. But let's not worry about that, God made science so it's all alright."

He's a turd like all the rest.

I think you are right. I was raised a Catholic. To them it's a power/control thing. When I was young I wondered if these people can make it to heaven why should anyone else worry. I still feel that way. I don't think he is like all the rest an it's refreshing to see.

[Thumpalumpacus]

He hasn't changed a damn thing in catholic doctrine or policy, and his "progressive" statements are all taken out of context for the best PR bump possible. The day he demonstrates the basic human decency to expose and turn in the pedophiles that his organization is currently protecting, then maybe we can call him a good guy.

Even with his "endorsement" of evolution, he has to crowbar in a god for no reason to distort the real science into fitting his theology.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/10/god-i...-big-bang/

He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment, Pope Francis said,

And as for his 'goals' for science?
Scientists, especially Christian scientists, should be motivated to:

"to achieve the development that is in the plan of the creator.”

"Pro-science"? Not really.

He's moving in the right direction. Of course he's gonna shoehorn his god into the conversation -- that's kind of like his job, I gather. But if he can turn the gaze of the laity from the fringe, why should anyone object?

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

[robvalue]

I find it hilarious in a very sad way that the pope is meant to be some sort of conduit to God, but then there's a council of douche bags who can come out and negate what he says if it was a PR mistake.

That's my understanding anyway.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

The nicest I can be about this fella is that he is isn't the worst pope ever. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it's the best I can do.

Boru

[robvalue]

I wonder how much power does the pope have?

Just imagine that he did come out and say categorically that homosexuality is now absolutely fine and the Catholic church has no problem with it, or gay marriage. Imagine whatever cherry picking and twisting he may say to produce that conclusion from the text, but he doesn't qualify it with disclaimers.

Do you think the average Catholic would accept this? Or would there be some sort of revolt? I really don't know so I'd be interested if anyone has a good idea what would happen.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

I wonder how much power does the pope have?

Just imagine that he did come out and say categorically that homosexuality is now absolutely fine and the Catholic church has no problem with it, or gay marriage. Imagine whatever cherry picking and twisting he may say to produce that conclusion from the text, but he doesn't qualify it with disclaimers.

Do you think the average Catholic would accept this? Or would there be some sort of revolt? I really don't know so I'd be interested if anyone has a good idea what would happen.

The pope's chief influence is (obviously) among the more faithful Catholics - southern Europe, Latin American, Africa, etc. USian and most European Catholics aren't quite as dedicated to papal authority as they once were.

I think that if this - or any - pope stated flat out that the Church had no issue at all with homosexuality and gay marriage, you'd see a schism that would make the 1050s look like a tiff over whether to use that shrimp fork or the salad fork.

Boru

[abaris]

Do you think the average Catholic would accept this? Or would there be some sort of revolt? I really don't know so I'd be interested if anyone has a good idea what would happen.

Depends on how you define the average catholic. In Europe I would say, mostly yes. In Africa and Latin America on the other hand, I wouldn't be so sure because of the general culture. And going by the Catholic league in the USA, I wouldn't assume acceptance either.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I wonder how much power does the pope have?

Just imagine that he did come out and say categorically that homosexuality is now absolutely fine and the Catholic church has no problem with it, or gay marriage. Imagine whatever cherry picking and twisting he may say to produce that conclusion from the text, but he doesn't qualify it with disclaimers.

Do you think the average Catholic would accept this? Or would there be some sort of revolt? I really don't know so I'd be interested if anyone has a good idea what would happen.

Popes have been assassinated by insiders before ... I don't doubt it could happen again over something like that.

[robvalue]

OK thanks guys, interesting. Sounds like he doesn't have a whole lot of power then anyway, he's more like a mascot.

[abaris]

OK thanks guys, interesting. Sounds like he doesn't have a whole lot of power then anyway, he's more like a mascot.

The pope should be the utmost authority for Catholics. However, the Vatican is a multi billion enterprise and many people make a very good living of it. People that have been there a whole lot longer than this pope. It's hard to remove them and accidents, as Parker said, can always happen.