Question for conservatives on this forum

[SNR]

Do you like the new pope?

And/or

What do you think of the new pope?

I would go into Pitt Gorilla's thread and look, but this is an easier way to satisfy my curiosity in answer to the question.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I disagree. he is entirely different from other Popes. The last 2 popes were old school popes that were losing mass audiences because their views were so traditional. The Vatican too. Pope Benedict was just a complete disaster. He was the Scott Pioli of religion. Seriously.

The world is changing. Younger people have a much more morally liberal view of religion. It's not that young people condone things like abortion and homosexuality, but we find it embarrassing that a religion would treat these groups with such disgust and hatred. And then use religion as an excuse to persecute these people. Francis' views on how to treat these groups of people is extremely radical, and the last 2 Popes very clearly towed a traditional church line. I also think Francis has been more embracing of other religions. Finally, it takes some balls to stand up to the Vatican the way he did, whereas Benedict was so inept that he let the whole internal politics of the place spiral out of control.

The media does eat him up, but that's because they've kind of been longing for this kind of Pope for a long time. So yeah, I like the new Pope. I think he is finally a guy who can bring Catholicism into the 21st century. The media eats him up because he gets it.

...here's your answer, "Hamas"....with the caveat of current culture putting religion as an equal to God, as referenced in this post.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

So, in essence, he's leading people to destruction because he isn't vociferously judgmental of other religions and he doesn't use religion as a bludgeon of hate, and that's why he's going to lead people to destruction?

Man, when can I go to your church service? Sounds about as welcoming as an auto-da-fe.

[HonestChieffan]

Interesting how discussions like this seem to always start with a innocent question the the parties involved rush madly to the extreme corners like a boxing match. The uninformed or those who fear the teachings of Christ rush here and there. The most conservative of believers huddle in their corner. Non believers hang around on the edges in the low light afraid to defend themselves or explain.

I think if you visit with Catholics who have given some thought to the new Pope and his approach you find its refreshing. He is a more simple man, a common man than the last pope. He is outgoing, friendly and willing to mix with people. And he does not hide from public behind the security of the Vatican.

The one thing all Catholics that I have spoken to is that the Pope may change some things in approach but the teachings of the church will not change and there is no reason to believe they will.

Its called a foundation. Churches are successful because they off people a foundation of scripture, teaching, belief, faith, hope and history. That is the foundation that our faith resides on. Be it Catholic, Methodist, or any denomination.


The doors are always open to anyone who wants to learn then decide.

[nstygma]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

So, in essence, he's leading people to destruction because he isn't vociferously judgmental of other religions and he doesn't use religion as a bludgeon of hate, and that's why he's going to lead people to destruction?

Man, when can I go to your church service? Sounds about as welcoming as an auto-da-fe.

its great that he speaks of unity but what seems to be lost in his message is redemption and salvation through christ. isn't that a pope's purpose too?

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

So, in essence, he's leading people to destruction because he isn't vociferously judgmental of other religions and he doesn't use religion as a bludgeon of hate, and that's why he's going to lead people to destruction?

Man, when can I go to your church service? Sounds about as welcoming as an auto-da-fe.

You seem to be ignoring the purpose of the Church. It isn't to make friends with Atheists and Muslims. While the church should be respectful of others it can't really give up its beliefs to satisfy those who don't share those beliefs.


A parallel would be geopolitics. The USA shouldn't go out of its way to bother or disrupt other nations. Clearly. But when it's interests are at stake they must follow their interests. There are some regimes we cannot recognize, and cannot work with right?

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

You seem to be ignoring the purpose of the Church. It isn't to make friends with Atheists and Muslims. While the church should be respectful of others it can't really give up its beliefs to satisfy those who don't share those beliefs.


A parallel would be geopolitics. The USA shouldn't go out of its way to bother or disrupt other nations. Clearly. But when it's interests are at stake they must follow their interests. There are some regimes we cannot recognize, and cannot work with right?

By the same token there are some goals that he can help people work towards. Peace. Compassion. Loving kindness. Respect. The acknowledgement of divinity in whatever way you perceive it and the struggle to incorporate that into your everyday life. These are universal.

[GloucesterChief]

Originally Posted by HonestChieffan

I Non believers hang around on the edges in the low light afraid to defend themselves or explain.

Non-believer here and I would gladly explain to you why I think religion is just fantasy. I find that those who believe don't apply reason to their faith as they might in other aspects of their life.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by Phobia

He seems to be doing a very good job posing for photographs. That's a lot more important than most will acknowledge but I offer up credit where credit is due.

That's very true. John Paul II looked like everyone's kindly old grandpa and everyone seemed to think he was the greatest guy ever. Then came Benedict looking like a corpse and he wasn't so popular.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

So, in essence, he's leading people to destruction because he isn't vociferously judgmental of other religions and he doesn't use religion as a bludgeon of hate, and that's why he's going to lead people to destruction?

Man, when can I go to your church service? Sounds about as welcoming as an auto-da-fe.

Auto-da-fé? What’s an auto-da-fé?

It’s what you auto not do, but you do any-way...

[Pitt Gorilla]

I think this Pope will bring new people to the Church and that is a great thing.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

You seem to be ignoring the purpose of the Church. It isn't to make friends with Atheists and Muslims. While the church should be respectful of others it can't really give up its beliefs to satisfy those who don't share those beliefs.

All these religions should just be upfront and honest--if you don't believe what we think you should believe and do what we think you should do, you are going to hell/not going to heaven/(fill in terrible consequence). Despite (for example) Catholic references to 'our Jewish friends' the bottom line is that they believe they will fry for an eternity.

[HonestChieffan]

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

All these religions should just be upfront and honest--if you don't believe what we think you should believe and do what we think you should do, you are going to hell/not going to heaven/(fill in terrible consequence). Despite (for example) Catholic references to 'our Jewish friends' the bottom line is that they believe they will fry for an eternity.

It must be a good feeling to be able to speak for so many. Religion is a study of the ages yet you are blessed with such wisdom. Many go to church regularly, read, attend bible study and Sunday school their entire life yet you have found answers so easily. I envy you.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

You seem to be ignoring the purpose of the Church. It isn't to make friends with Atheists and Muslims. While the church should be respectful of others it can't really give up its beliefs to satisfy those who don't share those beliefs.


A parallel would be geopolitics. The USA shouldn't go out of its way to bother or disrupt other nations. Clearly. But when it's interests are at stake they must follow their interests. There are some regimes we cannot recognize, and cannot work with right?

The central theme of the Catholic religion is to "love your neighbor as your love yourself." The Pope hasn't changed the church's stance on homosexuality or abortion. But he has thankfully changed the message of hate and disdain for these people. And it speaks volumes that some people are actually furious about it.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I disagree. he is entirely different from other Popes. The last 2 popes were old school popes that were losing mass audiences because their views were so traditional. The Vatican too. Pope Benedict was just a complete disaster. He was the Scott Pioli of religion. Seriously.

The world is changing. Younger people have a much more morally liberal view of religion. It's not that young people condone things like abortion and homosexuality, but we find it embarrassing that a religion would treat these groups with such disgust and hatred. And then use religion as an excuse to persecute these people. Francis' views on how to treat these groups of people is extremely radical, and the last 2 Popes very clearly towed a traditional church line. I also think Francis has been more embracing of other religions. Finally, it takes some balls to stand up to the Vatican the way he did, whereas Benedict was so inept that he let the whole internal politics of the place spiral out of control.

The media does eat him up, but that's because they've kind of been longing for this kind of Pope for a long time. So yeah, I like the new Pope. I think he is finally a guy who can bring Catholicism into the 21st century. The media eats him up because he gets it. Benedict's stern values reminds me of the stodgy religious right that are even gaining irrelevance in conservative circles. There just seems to be so much disdain, anger, and hate toward people, which to me, just doesn't make sense in a religious context.

Why are you answering, when you're not a conservative? Just curious.

FYI, the RCC is not going to change any of it's dogmas or doctrines just to be popular in the 21st century. IMO the media eats him up because he's selling a Progressive or at least Progressive-sounding message.

[BucEyedPea]

Pope Francis said Tuesday in his first apostolic exhortation that no matter how progressive-minded the world turns, the Catholic Church can never compromise on its “no abortion” rule — it’s a matter of human dignity.

“I want to be completely honest in this regard,” he said, Catholic News Service reported. “This is not something subject to alleged reforms or ‘modernizations.’ It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life.”...

He wrote: “This defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defense of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be.”

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...essive-democr/