A friend of mine (a former atheist) sent this to me:
The Pope said an interesting thing in an interview:
“I remember, when I used go to Germany in the 1980s and ’90s, that I was asked to give interviews and I always knew the questions in advance. They concerned the ordination of women, contraception, abortion and other such constantly recurring problems. If we let ourselves be drawn into these discussions, the Church is then identified with certain commandments or prohibitions; we give the impression that we are moralists with a few somewhat antiquated convictions, and not even a hint of the true greatness of the faith appears. I therefore consider it essential always to highlight the greatness of our faith – a commitment from which we must not allow such situations to divert us. ”
Except it was Pope Benedict, in 2006.
When Pope Francis said something very much like this a week ago in the America Mag interview, the media went into a frenzy, speculating that Pope Francis would change Church doctrine on these teachings. Catholic and non-religious media both praised Pope Francis for his new emphasis, for his openness, for his compassion, etc., all the while slamming (directly or by implication) that ol' meanie Pope Benedict. As we all know (don't we?), Pope Benedict concentrated on these heartless teachings all the time! And he was so strict and inflexible and etc. etc. etc.
Both Holy Fathers said virtually the same thing, about the same topics, in the same way. What a remarkable continuity between Popes. Gosh, if two Popes are saying exactly the same thing...it might even be right! The Gospel message of salvation first; moral teachings after.
The Pope said an interesting thing in an interview:
“I remember, when I used go to Germany in the 1980s and ’90s, that I was asked to give interviews and I always knew the questions in advance. They concerned the ordination of women, contraception, abortion and other such constantly recurring problems. If we let ourselves be drawn into these discussions, the Church is then identified with certain commandments or prohibitions; we give the impression that we are moralists with a few somewhat antiquated convictions, and not even a hint of the true greatness of the faith appears. I therefore consider it essential always to highlight the greatness of our faith – a commitment from which we must not allow such situations to divert us. ”
Except it was Pope Benedict, in 2006.
When Pope Francis said something very much like this a week ago in the America Mag interview, the media went into a frenzy, speculating that Pope Francis would change Church doctrine on these teachings. Catholic and non-religious media both praised Pope Francis for his new emphasis, for his openness, for his compassion, etc., all the while slamming (directly or by implication) that ol' meanie Pope Benedict. As we all know (don't we?), Pope Benedict concentrated on these heartless teachings all the time! And he was so strict and inflexible and etc. etc. etc.
Both Holy Fathers said virtually the same thing, about the same topics, in the same way. What a remarkable continuity between Popes. Gosh, if two Popes are saying exactly the same thing...it might even be right! The Gospel message of salvation first; moral teachings after.
