That's really the problem, if you believe that these teachings were perfect and handed down by an omnipotent and omniscient deity, then they can't change. To change suggests that either the Church was wrong all these years, or that God changed his mind, both of which are very bad for the Church. The fact that he wants to change things presents some serious theological problems for Catholics.
He's not trying to change doctrine, he's trying to change the church's approach to certain doctrines. That's just as important, if not more important.
He preaches love, justice, compassion... You know, what Jesus taught... and he is saying that the approach that the Chruch takes on these issues should not be devoid of those three things (which is the biggest problem the Chruch has had on the issues).
He's not trying to say Abortion is good or that homosexuality is not a sin, he's saying that only God can judge the people who do these things, and that doing those things is not, in and of themselves, things which will exclude someone from heaven.
Newsflash: that is the Church's doctrine. Jesus taught that stuff. The Church has always said that God is a forgiving God who loves people. If anything, Pope Francis is just reaffirming those doctrines.
And they shouldn't have changed at all, ever. To change on doctrinal issues, they have to admit they were wrong. I wouldn't be trusting a religious organization that thinks their beliefs are handed down by God that's shown to be wrong repeatedly.
As a non Catholic, I applaud a Christian religious leader who preaches the same philosophy that Christ preached so many years ago. I think the new Pope is a force for good in the world.
Just my opinion, from the outside looking in.
Right. What's the purpose of religion if it changes according to which direction the wind blows?
He's essentially saying that his religion/belief system is a sham and that he willfully participated in said sham for decades.
If a particular religious belief is deemed to be the absolute truth, then it shouldn't change. Especially for current trends and popular opinion.
Christianity, those break-off Jewish sects, would have been dead in the water had it not changed. You wouldn't have had it established in the Roman empire, you wouldn't have had it spread to Anglo-Saxon territories, and so forth. It would just be dead. Dead. If you don't change it, you have a theological victory. Congratulations. However, it would be a hollow victory, because no one would give a damn.
What has Christianity changed, if you mind me asking? Changing the Mass from Greek to Latin? Please, do explain.
The Obama of popes. By failing to rise to the task of providing rock solid, unwavering confirmation and celebration of Catholic traditions, values and core beliefs, Francis will soon become the pop culture, MSM favorite Pope. The pope of appeasement rather than core beliefs. At a time when Catholics worldwide need strong, unwavering leadership and direction, Francis is thus far failing badly. One can only pray that the impossible happens and Francis becomes a pope of worldwide statue to lead the Church as the church.
For instance, within the incorporation of local traditions that did not mesh well with Church doctrine, Pope Gregory responded by saying:
"For in these days the Church corrects some things strictly, and allows others out of leniency; others again she deliberately glosses over and tolerates and by so doing often succeeds in checking an evil of which she disapproves. But all who comes to the Faith are to be warned against doing these things, and should any subsequently be guilty of them, they are to be forbidden to receive the Communion of the Blood of our Lord. For while these offenses may to some extent be condoned in those who acted in ignorance, they must be severely punished in those who presume to sin knowingly." Furthermore, he asked that they not destroy the Briton's heathenish temples, as was expected, but convert them instead.
So from what I see, Pope Gregory says that there are different degrees of evil. Nothing new there. Furthermore, he says that those exceedingly evil acts should be punished.
For a modern example, let's look at the Mass and reception of Communion. Compare those who dance at Mass (forbidden) and those who engage in homosexual acts (also forbidden). One is expressly forbidden from receiving Communion, while the other would be welcome to Communion. I don't see anything new or changing here.
Correct, but he asked that the normal actions of the Church be paused or changed in order to bring in a new flock. Sacrifice of cattle was to be permitted along with others.
As a non-Catholic, can you tell me what exactly the philosophy of Christ is? Because you seem to think he permits everything.
Can't say I'm surprised that the media lied. Thanks for the link.I'm not sure that this is so. I will admit that I haven't been keeping up and that I haven't read the interview published by the Jesuits that is exciting so many, so I don't know. But I did wake up to find a couple of e-mails from a Catholic friend, and here's one article he linked that explains how the media are getting it wrong: The media are getting Pope Francis wrong, again
Hebrews 13:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Well, you could start with "love thy neighbor as thyself." He didn't say, "but only if they are straight and have the same beliefs that you do."
Then there is "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." He didn't say, "unless, of course, they are different from you."
Then there is "Inasmuch as ye have done unto the least of these..." He didn't add, "but the damn freeloaders need some tough love from time to time."
I suppose we could start there.
Well, you could start with "love thy neighbor as thyself." He didn't say, "but only if they are straight and have the same beliefs that you do."
Then there is "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." He didn't say, "unless, of course, they are different from you."
Then there is "Inasmuch as ye have done unto the least of these..." He didn't add, "but the damn freeloaders need some tough love from time to time."
I suppose we could start there.
I think that would have been incredibly counter-productive to not change at all, doctrine or emphasis. I know I approach this from a different lens, but even if they have changed their views or emphasis on those views, as any prudent organization should consider doing from time to time, it still provides moral order to the world, your atheism notwithstanding.
Well, if you think covering for pedophile priests and promoting the transmission of AIDS in Africa is moral order, I guess...
Actually He said, 'the poor will be with us always.'
He also said, 'go thy way and sin no more.'
Reality is that people no longer want to hear what they need to hear. They want to hear what they want to hear. Too bad the church is no longer willing to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ who said that 'eunuchs from birth' should not marry.
Actually He said, 'the poor will be with us always.'
He also said, 'go thy way and sin no more.'
Reality is that people no longer want to hear what they need to hear. They want to hear what they want to hear. Too bad the church is no longer willing to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ who said that 'eunuchs from birth' should not marry.
Rites are adapted to local cultures. For example, there are plenty of things that are allowed at Mass in Africa that are expressly forbidden at Mass in Europe, but this is due to differences in the way that cultures perceive things.
But what we are talking about are disciplines. These are things that can change. For example, priests being celibate is a discipline. Eastern Churches do not require this. The doctrine of only allowing male priests, however, cannot change. That is doctrine.
Doctrines cannot change, disciplines can.
Well, if you think covering for pedophile priests and promoting the transmission of AIDS in Africa is moral order, I guess...
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