RE: "The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us..." should we be grateful?
July 19, 2015 at 10:11 pm
(This post was last modified: July 19, 2015 at 10:14 pm by Whateverist.)
(July 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote:(July 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm)Whateverist the White Wrote: Sorry Cath-y but I've been reading this in your signature line. I'm conflicted because, on the one hand, I like the current pope for his inclusiveness and reasonableness. On the other hand being "redeemed" is right up there with being "prayed for". Neither does me any discernable good. I just hear them as people wishing me well. Not really sure what else to do with it.
Still if I was a believer an inclusive god would be less of an embarrassment than a nit picky one. That is all.
No problem!
When the Pope said this, it wasn't meant to be insulting.
I don't think he meant it to be insulting at all. I'm sure he meant it as kindness. (Some would say strategically, but I'm not much into conspiracy theories.)
(July 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: It just meant that we all have a shot. Some Christians think that being non Christian (much less atheist) will automatically disqualify you from Heaven.
While it is nice that the pope is willing to consider the possibility that we heathen will be sent to the nice imaginary place instead of the bad imaginary place, it isn't really of much consequence if one sees them both as imaginary.
(July 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: The pope, while not explicitly saying either or,** was still sending out a message of hope and calling everyone to come together and do good. Live by the virtues of honesty, generosity, chastity, kindness, forgiveness, etc.
That is one thing about atheists which seems to be fairly pronounced, our indifference to being herded, at least in my experience here. The shepherd and flock analogy breaks down pretty quick without religion to keep it going.
(July 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote: I'm sorry if it offended you, though. I hope you know I think very highly of you and others on this forum!
**(because quite frankly none of us knows, though I think he made it clear he believes atheists can go to heaven, and I agree with him)
You've never offended me but there have been more than one point where I feared I might offend you. So far, so good. I hope you will take it as a sign of respect that I won't refrain from saying that which might challenge or unsettle you. In relationships generally it is best to put it all out there early and often, let the other person decide if the fit is right. The many kudos you get for your exemplary interaction with atheists will mean more (to us) if it is the light of seeing us clearly for what we are.
