edocsil wrote:
This current pope hardly deserves the name, he has totally undone so many advances that Pope John Paul II worked hard for. Not to mention he would rather throw up rhetoric rather then actually deal with the issues pressing the catholic church.
My $.02
I agree with the sentiment, but then, innate fallibility of any human leader is a big reason I am Protestant and not Roman Catholic.
ViperOverLord wrote:With the exception of Blink's last post I only see personal attacks against the Pope and no discussion about whether the Pope's POV was correct or whether or not the news site was being fair. I think ya'll should be more respectful of OP's and not go on your individual witch hunts. I'm not saying we don't all stray from time to time but f*ck man. Create a dialogue instead of being political hacks.
Well, this particular originator has created several threads on this and related themes. So, there is more context here.
Anyway, while I have little respect for this current leader of the Roman Catholic church, this is a topic that John Paul and many other leaders have and do address. The secularization of society, elimination of Christianity, and faith in general, is a threat to religions. those of us who value the input of religion into society often do see it as a potential "threat". The distinction is in the wording and implied actions.
Most sane people see this as a matter of discussion and for positive action on the part of churches.. as in, if the churches were doing what they should, then atheism would not have a huge sway. This along with basic assurances of general religious freedom.
That said, the interesting part is that unlike US education, religion is very much a part of regular education in the UK. Students have prayers and partake in religion classes.