Thoughts On The Pontiff

Rainlover

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Jan 4, 2001
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There is an article in today's paper about John Paul II.
You know, the Pope.
The article reveals that the Pope is suffering from Parkinson's disease. Now, I'm no doctor, but even I can tell just from looking at him that the guy's not in the best of shape.
Yet there, he is, day after day, performing his Popely duties, all the while knowing that the stress of the job is killing him.
Why doesn't he just step down. You know. Retire. Saving souls is a young man's game. He's done his part. Why doesn't he don a pair of speedos and sit on a beach for a couple of years until his Boss arranges for a 'transfer'?


And while were at it, you know they're scouting for a replacement, and you just know they're going to pick another bloodless old man who's two weeks from death's door. Why don't they pick a younger, more energetic man? Somebody who would look good on the recruitment posters.

And when are they going to do away with celibacy in the holy orders? God created dicks and pussies. He created them for a reason. Celibacy as a lifestyle choice is perfectly acceptable. But celibacy as a rigid rule is unnatural, and only leads to pain and corruption.

One more question.
Vatican City: vacation paradise or tourist trap?
 
I can't recall an Ex-Pope.
But is it really good for the Church to have such a frail leader? I'm not a religious man, but if I were a Catholic right now, I would have some serious concerns.
 
Actually, the Pope has asked to be retired, but they aren't sure how to go about doing that. In the past the way to retirement was getting killed. They have also asked for permission for him to be able to do without some of those heavy robes, but again, they don't know what to do. Gives you an idea doesn't it? The average weight of his robes and all the addtional stuff he wears is about 20-25 pounds they say. Crap, that makes me tired, much less him.
Why do they pick older men? Must be a Cardinal of good standing, and have political power. That mens old.
But yes, I agree. Let the man retire. He has been a good Pope. Nope, not Catholic and don't agree with much of their doctrinations, but feel for the man.
Don't even get me started with the ceibacy thing. The priests chose that lifestyle when they joined up.
 
Originally posted by Rainlover
And when are they going to do away with celibacy in the holy orders? God created dicks and pussies. He created them for a reason. Celibacy as a lifestyle choice is perfectly acceptable. But celibacy as a rigid rule is unnatural, and only leads to pain and corruption.
They did, they're called deacons.
 
Rainlover said:
I can't recall an Ex-Pope.
But is it really good for the Church to have such a frail leader? I'm not a religious man, but if I were a Catholic right now, I would have some serious concerns.

No it probably is not a good thing, but really what does he do other than give a couple of masses.
 
He's supposed to travel the world and convert the unbelievers. He's supposed to stand firm and strong in his bulletproof-glass Popemobile and wave to throngs of adoring followers.


He's also supposed to stand as a force against all the evil in the world, but we know that's not the case.
 
I was born Catholic and I really don't worry about it that much. I have read many times that the catholic religion is soon going to disappear and a new religion will take it place. And I don't believe this either.
 
Ahem. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, Christ's representative on earth. His pastoral duties include the charge of the souls of the faithful, not to mention being the CEO of a major religious and charitable bureaucracy. He also has a small country to run. As Christ's representative, he cannot make a mistake in dogma. Of course, cantankerous creatures that we are, we can pick holes in anyone's decisions, if they don't match our own.

It isn't just a few masses; I'm sure he'd be up to those.

Seriously, it would be very nice if he could retire, because he has certainly earned the rest. The position is for life, however, and since it takes a great deal of experience, diplomacy, and downright ruthlessness to get to the level of cardinal, the Pope -- Papa -- Father -- is going to be older.
 
Ah, there's the rub

Yes, the problem with a Pope Emeritus is how do you deal with that pesky infallibility issue on pronouncements of the official magisterium. It's cheap and easy, so have two guys running around with perfection? Have JP II give it back like an ugly sweater? There just ain't a plan short of assassination and we would like to think we have gotten beyond that.
 
Just confirmed my coach seat to Hades

Hey, don't get me wrong I love Michael j Fox.... but if he does one of those commercials/PSA's with John Paul i'm swearing off TV.
 
Re: Just confirmed my coach seat to Hades

Expertise said:
Hey, don't get me wrong I love Michael j Fox.... but if he does one of those commercials/PSA's with John Paul i'm swearing off TV.

Oh, c'mon. They could both be playing hockey on Hades' rink. The Pope has a reputation as a penalty killer . . .
 
I'm not Catholic...nowhere close...but as Pope's go, I think this guy has been a good egg. Not good enough, mind you, but thousands of years of strictly enforced mass ignorance is hardly his burden alone to bear.

I, for one, would like to see the Pope with his hair down(this is obviously a symbolic phrase), walking barefoot in a simple white robe and lending comfort to his followers with affection and joy.

But...then there is the problems of the 20 lb. robes and the politics...

Funny. Christ didn't seem to have a problem with those...

hmmmmmmmm

MP
 
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