Showing posts with label The Pope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Pope. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Interesting News: President Putin to meet with Pope Today
Most interesting piece of news today. Putin has landed in Italy and will visit with Pope Benedict later today. Putin last visited with the Pope in 2013. Interestingly enough, this visit falls on the heels of the G-7 summit, from which President Putin was barred --for the second year in a row-- from attending. This because of Putin's annexation of Crimea and allegations of ongoing involvement in fighting in Ukraine. Perhaps, the Pope hopes to gain a powerful ally to help protect Christians under attack in many Middle Eastern countries?
Later p.m.... Putin was over an hour late to his scheduled meeting with the Pope? Timing is everything ....
[Of note, the Russian Orthodox Church is a member of the Eastern Orthodox group of churches which remain separate from the Vatican (in Rome) to this day.]
Monday, July 16, 2007
Pope Benedict Issues a New Statement: What is The Meaning?
I just heard -- via CBN -- that Pope Benedict has issued a new statement to the effect that the Catholic Church is the "one true church" and that other religions (i.e., protestants) are "not guaranteed salvation" -- according to CBN reporter.
If this is , in fact, true: I have to say, I am greatly disappointed! At a time when religions around the world should be working together to find common ground and peace, in a chaotic and often violent world, to have the leader of the Catholic Church issue such a statement seems prime to cause further division and serves no useful purpose.
I know for a fact that there are many, many Catholics who do not feel, or believe, this way. And in fact, Benedict was an author of the current "Catholic Catechism", in which it states that there are many religions and many paths to God and salvation. So why is Benedict changing his view now that he is Pope? Were the statements in question misinterpreted?
Any insights? Am I missing something?
Okay, here is the link to the official Vatican website. You will have to cut and paste it into your browser window -- as the Vatican website does not allow links from blog pages:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html
I am going to read this for myself and see if this alleged statement by the Pope is, in fact, true and being interpreted properly. See what you think.
7/17/07 I have now read the statement which was authored by another individual and "authorized for publication" by the Pope.
It seems as if the document, set up as a series of questions and answers, is stating that the Catholic Church is the "one" true, or original, church as created by Jesus before his death -- when He made Peter "the rock" upon which His church would be built and His apostles the first priest of the church.
The document allows that other religions -- particularly those that celebrate the mystery of the Holy Eucharist -- are "sister" churches that can share in the salvation promised by Jesus. But it seems as if there is a hope that all disperse religions, will at some point in the future, reunite as "one" and in doing so work more fully toward salvation for all.
I personally don't think that Jesus would want various religions fighting over which religion is the "one" true religion. What a distraction and waste of our time and energy, when together we could unite and pray and work for peace and an end to violence. But there are many written works that speak of the "end times", and in these there are numerous prophecies of "all world religions uniting as one". What a force to be reckoned with: if total unity of Christian -- and other religions of the one true God -- could actually become a reality.
The Pope is said to be inspired by God himself, and so perhaps Pope Benedict is acting on the will of God. Perhaps this statement is supposed to begin to get people thinking about: 1) the unification of religions and 2) the enormous power that we would represent to make God's will done "here on earth as is in heaven" as "one" unified church. The logistics to that end may be a bit more complicated. But perhaps, we can pray and reflect on this statement and its true intent before taking offense. Then in prayer, perhaps God will open our hearts to His will and plan for us here on earth.
I will also pray that Pope Benedict may improve his skills of empathy, compassion, and diplomacy. Perhaps he can revisit some of the works of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, for guidance and insight.
If this is , in fact, true: I have to say, I am greatly disappointed! At a time when religions around the world should be working together to find common ground and peace, in a chaotic and often violent world, to have the leader of the Catholic Church issue such a statement seems prime to cause further division and serves no useful purpose.
I know for a fact that there are many, many Catholics who do not feel, or believe, this way. And in fact, Benedict was an author of the current "Catholic Catechism", in which it states that there are many religions and many paths to God and salvation. So why is Benedict changing his view now that he is Pope? Were the statements in question misinterpreted?
Any insights? Am I missing something?
Okay, here is the link to the official Vatican website. You will have to cut and paste it into your browser window -- as the Vatican website does not allow links from blog pages:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html
I am going to read this for myself and see if this alleged statement by the Pope is, in fact, true and being interpreted properly. See what you think.
7/17/07 I have now read the statement which was authored by another individual and "authorized for publication" by the Pope.
It seems as if the document, set up as a series of questions and answers, is stating that the Catholic Church is the "one" true, or original, church as created by Jesus before his death -- when He made Peter "the rock" upon which His church would be built and His apostles the first priest of the church.
The document allows that other religions -- particularly those that celebrate the mystery of the Holy Eucharist -- are "sister" churches that can share in the salvation promised by Jesus. But it seems as if there is a hope that all disperse religions, will at some point in the future, reunite as "one" and in doing so work more fully toward salvation for all.
I personally don't think that Jesus would want various religions fighting over which religion is the "one" true religion. What a distraction and waste of our time and energy, when together we could unite and pray and work for peace and an end to violence. But there are many written works that speak of the "end times", and in these there are numerous prophecies of "all world religions uniting as one". What a force to be reckoned with: if total unity of Christian -- and other religions of the one true God -- could actually become a reality.
The Pope is said to be inspired by God himself, and so perhaps Pope Benedict is acting on the will of God. Perhaps this statement is supposed to begin to get people thinking about: 1) the unification of religions and 2) the enormous power that we would represent to make God's will done "here on earth as is in heaven" as "one" unified church. The logistics to that end may be a bit more complicated. But perhaps, we can pray and reflect on this statement and its true intent before taking offense. Then in prayer, perhaps God will open our hearts to His will and plan for us here on earth.
I will also pray that Pope Benedict may improve his skills of empathy, compassion, and diplomacy. Perhaps he can revisit some of the works of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, for guidance and insight.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Christ's TRUE PEACE!
Something about my entry on the Pope's September 12th speech has been bothering me, and I've finally figured it out. In that entry I said "I sincerely don't think He [God] prefers [one way of worshiping Him] one way to another."
What bothers me about that is how sad for those who don't know Jesus! I call upon Jesus daily in many conversations throughout the day. I give him my fears and worries. I ask His advice. I ask for His help and strength where I am weak. I thank Him for all that He does for me and my family in our daily lives. And I feel joy and comfort in His presence. I couldn't imagine a world without Jesus to turn to!
It says in the Bible that the only way into Heaven is through Jesus. And that may be true, but that is for God to decide and not me or any of us. So by my quote above: I do not judge others in their choice of way to worship God. There are many different Christian ways of worship as well.
I think that we need to stop judging and criticizing our different ways of worship. Let us just show others who Jesus is by the way we live our lives and by witnessing to the power He has in our lives to make us whole and to feel TRUE PEACE in a world that -- at times -- seem to have gone mad.
All we can do is share our knowledge of Jesus with others -- by our words and actions -- planting the seeds of faith, and then let Jesus touch their hearts. I think that's what we are here on Earth to do. And in these times of war, conflict, and terrorism: I don't think that just "being a good person" is enough anymore! We need to act daily with our whole being to witness to the power of God in our lives, to share Jesus with others, and to make the world a better place in little ways each and every day. There is a bigger war going on here: a spiritual war for our very souls and every little thing that we do DOES make a huge difference!
So think about that as you get angry at the person who just cut you off on the highway. Smile at the person who frowns at you as you walk down the street. Pray for the safety of our children and truly love and help one another!
Those that have been shown Christ and choose not to accept Him may have to answer to God, but that is for Him and not any of us to decide.
May Christ's TRUE PEACE be with each of you who reads this. May He inspire you to live more fully in His name and to share Him with those who you come into contact with on a daily basis. Amen.
What bothers me about that is how sad for those who don't know Jesus! I call upon Jesus daily in many conversations throughout the day. I give him my fears and worries. I ask His advice. I ask for His help and strength where I am weak. I thank Him for all that He does for me and my family in our daily lives. And I feel joy and comfort in His presence. I couldn't imagine a world without Jesus to turn to!
It says in the Bible that the only way into Heaven is through Jesus. And that may be true, but that is for God to decide and not me or any of us. So by my quote above: I do not judge others in their choice of way to worship God. There are many different Christian ways of worship as well.
I think that we need to stop judging and criticizing our different ways of worship. Let us just show others who Jesus is by the way we live our lives and by witnessing to the power He has in our lives to make us whole and to feel TRUE PEACE in a world that -- at times -- seem to have gone mad.
All we can do is share our knowledge of Jesus with others -- by our words and actions -- planting the seeds of faith, and then let Jesus touch their hearts. I think that's what we are here on Earth to do. And in these times of war, conflict, and terrorism: I don't think that just "being a good person" is enough anymore! We need to act daily with our whole being to witness to the power of God in our lives, to share Jesus with others, and to make the world a better place in little ways each and every day. There is a bigger war going on here: a spiritual war for our very souls and every little thing that we do DOES make a huge difference!
So think about that as you get angry at the person who just cut you off on the highway. Smile at the person who frowns at you as you walk down the street. Pray for the safety of our children and truly love and help one another!
Those that have been shown Christ and choose not to accept Him may have to answer to God, but that is for Him and not any of us to decide.
May Christ's TRUE PEACE be with each of you who reads this. May He inspire you to live more fully in His name and to share Him with those who you come into contact with on a daily basis. Amen.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Pope Speech, September 12th to the University of Regensburg
Copyrighted By "What Planet Are You Living On", September 2006
I have read the Pope's speech in its entirety ... just so that I could see -- without media bias - for myself the context in which his controversial quote was made. More on what I think about what the Pope said next login, but for now let me just say this:
Isn't a soul coming to God of his own free-will -- a gift God chose to give to us, when HE above all has the absolute power to command and force our obedience ... yet He chose to give us free-will -- more meaningful to Him? As opposed to a soul that pledges allegiance to God and a particular set of man-made religious ideals out of fear and as a result of violence?
Further, why would God want any of us to use force, fear, and violence to call others to Him? By using force, fear, and violence to call others to God don't we totally dismiss the gift of free-will that He gave to us in the first place?
It says in the Bible that our God is a loving God, slow to anger, and quick to show mercy and forgiveness to all who ask it. Isn't it time that we start showing LOVE, MERCY and FORGIVENESS and tolerance to those who differ in man-made religious ideals and dogma?
God made us a diverse peoples, with different skin colors, languages, gifts & talents, and cultures. It only stands to reason that these different peoples would find different ways to worship and know God. And I sincerely feel that He finds no one way preferable. But I also feel that God IS saddened by those that would overlook His gift of free-will and choose instead to use force, fear, and violence in order to bring followers to His name in-line according to their own narrow-minded --and often rigid-- idealogies.
I think that on some level this was the major point that the Pope was trying to make. Also that we need to keep a dialogue open between various religions, but that a dialogue is impossible with extremist religions that have no tolerance for other religions, and that further resort to violence as the means to spread their version of religion.
I regret that the Pope chose to quote a conversation from some medieval text. I don't think that particular quote was truly needed in order to set the stage for his speech. I think that the Pope could, and should, have found another way to begin his speech and set the stage for his conversation.
The Pope's intent may have been innocent: I think that in his mind, he was simply addressing his fellow theologians. He had just read the text that he quoted, so he felt that it would be appropriate to share the same with his colleagues. I don't think he considered the ramifications, or possible interpretations, of this quote when it would be heard by the general public. That for him, and for all of the millions of Catholics around the globe, is unfortunate: When you are the Pope you can't afford to make statements like this without fully considering the possible ramifications and interpretations.
The above being said, I hope that there can be forgiveness and that the violence against innocent Catholics can stop. Let Islam be the "bigger man" in this instance and lead by example not by violence. Prove this very controversial quote wrong and simply do not respond with violence!
Here is the quote to the actual speech text. Read and decide for yourself: (Not currently working ... the Vatican isn't allowing blogger servers to connect to its website.)
Copyrighted By "What Planet Are You Living On", September 2006
I have read the Pope's speech in its entirety ... just so that I could see -- without media bias - for myself the context in which his controversial quote was made. More on what I think about what the Pope said next login, but for now let me just say this:
Isn't a soul coming to God of his own free-will -- a gift God chose to give to us, when HE above all has the absolute power to command and force our obedience ... yet He chose to give us free-will -- more meaningful to Him? As opposed to a soul that pledges allegiance to God and a particular set of man-made religious ideals out of fear and as a result of violence?
Further, why would God want any of us to use force, fear, and violence to call others to Him? By using force, fear, and violence to call others to God don't we totally dismiss the gift of free-will that He gave to us in the first place?
It says in the Bible that our God is a loving God, slow to anger, and quick to show mercy and forgiveness to all who ask it. Isn't it time that we start showing LOVE, MERCY and FORGIVENESS and tolerance to those who differ in man-made religious ideals and dogma?
God made us a diverse peoples, with different skin colors, languages, gifts & talents, and cultures. It only stands to reason that these different peoples would find different ways to worship and know God. And I sincerely feel that He finds no one way preferable. But I also feel that God IS saddened by those that would overlook His gift of free-will and choose instead to use force, fear, and violence in order to bring followers to His name in-line according to their own narrow-minded --and often rigid-- idealogies.
I think that on some level this was the major point that the Pope was trying to make. Also that we need to keep a dialogue open between various religions, but that a dialogue is impossible with extremist religions that have no tolerance for other religions, and that further resort to violence as the means to spread their version of religion.
I regret that the Pope chose to quote a conversation from some medieval text. I don't think that particular quote was truly needed in order to set the stage for his speech. I think that the Pope could, and should, have found another way to begin his speech and set the stage for his conversation.
The Pope's intent may have been innocent: I think that in his mind, he was simply addressing his fellow theologians. He had just read the text that he quoted, so he felt that it would be appropriate to share the same with his colleagues. I don't think he considered the ramifications, or possible interpretations, of this quote when it would be heard by the general public. That for him, and for all of the millions of Catholics around the globe, is unfortunate: When you are the Pope you can't afford to make statements like this without fully considering the possible ramifications and interpretations.
The above being said, I hope that there can be forgiveness and that the violence against innocent Catholics can stop. Let Islam be the "bigger man" in this instance and lead by example not by violence. Prove this very controversial quote wrong and simply do not respond with violence!
Here is the quote to the actual speech text. Read and decide for yourself: (Not currently working ... the Vatican isn't allowing blogger servers to connect to its website.)
Copyrighted By "What Planet Are You Living On", September 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)