Penelope
Frank, we can't know what the Pope really believes. He is supposed to be infallible but I don't suppose he really believes that either.
That is my whole point... Why follow the dogma of a religion when the leaders of the religion apparently do not believe their own teachings?
Penelope
I am not a Roman Catholic but I was actually quite fond of the last Pope, I remembered him becoming Pope - a Polish Actor - with a lot of charisma and I was interested enough to read his biography at the time. It was awful to see him grow so old and infirm.....and it still being demanded of him that he fulfill his duties. So even if you disagree with a person quite strongly, you can still be fond of them.
That is true enough; I can dislike someone and still respect them, and I do respect the Pope for his courage and the willingness to accept such a huge burden... however misplaced I think his efforts are.
But that was not my criticism, and my criticism is not directed solely at the Pope. Everyone who claims that they are protected in the loving embrace of their god and still has health or life insurance, still gets annual checkups from their doctor, aren't they all showing some doubts as to the level trust they place in their god?
I suppose that most people can explain away any uncertainties by using the "god works in mysterious ways" excuse, or something similar. They may even believe it themselves, but from an outsiders perspective their claims do not match their behavior.
Penelope
The trouble is Frank, with faith, especially when it has been taught to us throughout generations.....it is deeply held. It won't just go away overnight....or even change overnight. The change has to be gradual.
I agree, but without someone pointing out the absurdities change will not occur at all.
Penelope
In the past the Pope didn't travel around so much....stayed safe in the Vatican. Now the Pope travels around.....so they have to address the issues involved.
Like I said before, I agree with the security measures, they seem practical to me... but I do not claim to believe that I am protected by the loving, all powerful, creator of our vast universe, nor do I claim to trust in that being's divine will; and lastly I do not serve as an example to countless people as the infallible speaker of the faith.
One thing I make sure that I always do as a leader is to follow one simple rule, I will never have the people who serve under me do anything I wouldn't do myself.
But the Pope does not seem to share in this philosophy, on one hand he preaches to accept and trust in god's divine will; on the other he hides behind an army of paid security.
I think this begs the question, how much faith does the Pope (or anyone) really have in the security that their god is claimed to offer?
Penelope
Don't be belligerent Frank, it doesn't suit you. He is just a vulnerable old man and needs protection. If you thought of him this way, I know you would be the first to rush to his protection.
I was not attempting to be belligerent and of course I agree that the man needs security, but I also do not think god will intervene on his behalf if things get ugly.
I am simply curious as to where the line is drawn, why do people believe that god will help them when it is clear that even the Pope doesn't count on that assistance? And if god is not someone who can be counted on, what good is he?
Later