blzrul Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Tiny article in this morning's paper, and probably won't get much press. But, apparently, the Pope has a problem with the widening gap between the rich, and the poor. And he wants something done about it. "Charity in Truth" He's calling for rich countries to aid poor countries. And he wants industrialized countries to care for the environment and stop hogging all the energy resources. He wants workers to unionize. And there's other stuff in there that - horrors - sounds almost socialistic. So - what are all the Roman Catholic soldiers of Christ (of which I am one, technically speaking) going to do? Fall in with the Pope? Or turn Southern Baptist?
Magox Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Tiny article in this morning's paper, and probably won't get much press. But, apparently, the Pope has a problem with the widening gap between the rich, and the poor. And he wants something done about it. "Charity in Truth" He's calling for rich countries to aid poor countries. And he wants industrialized countries to care for the environment and stop hogging all the energy resources. He wants workers to unionize. And there's other stuff in there that - horrors - sounds almost socialistic. So - what are all the Roman Catholic soldiers of Christ (of which I am one, technically speaking) going to do? Fall in with the Pope? Or turn Southern Baptist?
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 As much as many here would like to deny it, Jesus was a Socialist.
Chef Jim Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 As much as many here would like to deny it, Jesus was a Socialist. That's one of the reasons that as a conservative I hate religion. And seeing the Vatican is VERY rich I also don't like their hypocrisy. I also love the fact the way people think conservative=religious.
Steely Dan Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 As much as many here would like to deny it, Jesus was a Socialist. Nuh-uh he wasn't a socialist!! He was a vindictive bastard who believed an eye for an eye and would support the Iraq war and waterboarding. He thought the rich were special and that they should amass as much wealth as they possibly could. He never said what Matthew said he said; Matthew 19:24 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Or what Mark said he said; Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Or what Luke said he said; Luke 18:25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." He was referring to a GIANT needle and a tiny camel. So stop with this Jesus socialist talk. You're spouting blasphemy!!
ExiledInIllinois Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 That's one of the reasons that as a conservative I hate religion. And seeing the Vatican is VERY rich I also don't like their hypocrisy. I also love the fact the way people think conservative=religious. Again... You may disagree, but there is nothing wrong with limo liberals (and that includes the Vatican)... There is nothing written that a limo lib has to take a vow of poverty and same with much of the Catholic Church. It is not all or nothing to support one's viewpoint. It is about making others on par with YOU or rising people above you. That is the key, not to distance yourself from others.
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 That's one of the reasons that as a conservative I hate religion. And seeing the Vatican is VERY rich I also don't like their hypocrisy. I also love the fact the way people think conservative=religious. The hypocrisy of the whole thing no longer upsets me. I now take the long view and am simply impressed by the success of the Conservative campaign to hijack most of the Americans who consider themselves Christian. Much of what it means to be Fiscally Conservative goes against the teachings of Jesus, but when you decide to pick and choose which parts of his teachings you want to incorporate into your life, you can ignore the parts that don't fit with your political affiliation. Thank you Karl Rove! Conservatives are against abortion - that's what really matters. As always, very convenient. All that said, hypocrisy runs rampant on both sides of the aisle.
Chef Jim Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 The hypocrisy of the whole thing no longer upsets me. I now take the long view and am simply impressed by the success of the Conservative campaign to hijack most of the Americans who consider themselves Christian. Much of what it means to be Fiscally Conservative goes against the teachings of Jesus, but when you decide to pick and choose which parts of his teachings you want to incorporate into your life, you can ignore the parts that don't fit with your political affiliation. Thank you Karl Rove! Conservatives are against abortion - that's what really matters. As always, very convenient. All that said, hypocrisy runs rampant on both sides of the aisle. I'm a conservative who just happens to be against abortion and religion has nothing to do with it.
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Joel Osteen tells me its just fine to work hard and enjoy the favor of God. Im running with that. Good to see the Holy See is still stuck in the stone age, though. That's the spirit - believe whatever makes you feel good! It's all BS anyway.
Dante Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 No conundrum for me. I'm conservative and believe in the separation of church and state. Could care a less what the pope says. This is really something coming from him. Who has more ill gotten gains than the church? Lots of revenue with with no tangible product to sell, except for a fairy tale. Maybe the catholic, and all churches for that matter, should consider paying taxes to help society? Fuggin hypocrite
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 I'm a conservative who just happens to be against abortion and religion has nothing to do with it. The latest attempt to stereotype myself finds me as a socially liberal, fiscally moderate skeptical agnostic who happens to think that abortion is wrong, but realizes how easy it is for any male to say that 'abortion is wrong'.
Alaska Darin Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Much of what it means to be Fiscally Conservative goes against the teachings of Jesus Explain...
ExiledInIllinois Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 No conundrum for me. I'm conservative and believe in the separation of church and state. Could care a less what the pope says. This is really something coming from him. Who has more ill gotten gains than the church? Lots of revenue with with no tangible product to sell, except for a fairy tale. Maybe the catholic, and all churches for that matter, should consider paying taxes to help society? Fuggin hypocrite I disagree. I don't see it in X's and O's like you do. Our world and the church's world are two differnt things. The advice the church gives is very tangible IMO. You just don't want to listen to it. Apples and oranges, you are trying to superimpose your selfish world into their being. I suspect it is really an authority/control thing with many. It shouldn't be.
Typical TBD Guy Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 As much as many here would like to deny it, Jesus was a Socialist. Jesus spoke about the value of helping the poor and downtrodden in society, but I don't believe he ever specified whether that help should be compulsory (via the state, i.e. socialism) or voluntary.
VABills Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 I see no problem with what the Pope says. he is looking for more personal responsibility from individuals and the companies they run. No where did he demand the US government get involved and tax the living crap out of their people to pay for it. he also called on the UN to stop being a corrupt entity and actually do what they were put together to do. this has been the Catholic message for years.
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Explain... Some general statements: Jesus had no personal possesions. Jesus loved all people regardless of ethnicity, class, gender or sexual orientation. He made no qualifiers here. Jesus gave us (or at least reinforced) the Golden Rule. Do unto others... Various quotes: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. -Jesus Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth. -Jesus Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor. -Jesus I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me...As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. -Jesus Forgive our debtors. -Jesus Give to every one who begs from you. -Jesus Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind. -Mikhail Gorbachev
Dante Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 I disagree. I don't see it in X's and O's like you do. Our world and the church's world are two differnt things. The advice the church gives is very tangible IMO. You just don't want to listen to it. Apples and oranges, you are trying to superimpose your selfish world into their being. I suspect it is really an authority/control thing with many. It shouldn't be. You've read me wrong. I really am a live and let live person. I have no problem with churches of any kind as long as they don't effect me. That is, cost me money. Try to influence my family. Try to influence elected representatives. People can believe what they want to. If you get something out of it thats great for you. I'm not sure how that makes me selfish. I think its selfish of the church to come into my life and try to change the way I think. I would never think less or more of you for believing in religion.
Gene Frenkle Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Jesus spoke about the value of helping the poor and downtrodden in society, but I don't believe he ever specified whether that help should be compulsory (via the state, i.e. socialism) or voluntary. Cut and paste is fun! Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth. -Jesus Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor. -Jesus Forgive our debtors. -Jesus Give to every one who begs from you. -Jesus The part where he said 'if you feel like it' may have been lost in translation somewhere.
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 Some general statements: Jesus had no personal possesions. Jesus loved all people regardless of ethnicity, class, gender or sexual orientation. He made no qualifiers here. Jesus gave us (or at least reinforced) the Golden Rule. Do unto others... Various quotes: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. -Jesus Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth. -Jesus Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor. -Jesus I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me...As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. -Jesus Forgive our debtors. -Jesus Give to every one who begs from you. -Jesus Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind. -Mikhail Gorbachev I hope that you realize quoting Jesus has about as much merit as quoting Paul Bunyan. Even if the man did exist, Jesus is about as big of a tall tale as you can get.
Chef Jim Posted July 8, 2009 Posted July 8, 2009 I hope that you realize quoting Jesus has about as much merit as quoting Paul Bunyan. Even if the man did exist, Jesus is about as big of a tall tale as you can get. I'd have to disagree with you. I may not believe in God, but I do believe in Jesus and I've done a lot of reading on his life. Many of the things he supposidly did are tall tales but much of what he said can be attributed to him or if not to him from his direct followers.
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