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RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited?

 
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Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited?


Yes
  20% (13)
No
  71% (46)
Who?
  7% (5)


Total Votes : 64


(last vote on : 4/24/2008 5:00:34 PM)
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RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 4:16:39 AM   
caoimhin


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I've been a fan of this pope since his message after the passing of JPII, critiquing postmodern relativism. He has the courage to say controversial things, although (unlike some) he doesn't deliberately court controversy. Although not Catholic myself, I see the man as a theologian and philosopher with much to say in relating Christianity to our day. Where American evangelicalism is often reactionary and therefore behind the curve, Benedict is clearly ahead of it.
Post #: 26
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 7:57:54 AM   
SonInMe1

 

Posts: 3665
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I think the pope would be someone interesting to listen to. I would not say I am excitied about it. He is another theologian. My God is Jesus Christ and I save my worship for Him, not ANY man. My pastor, my wife and all the people I know and love...I do not worship them.

( My wife doesn't read these posts so I feel fairly safe )



_____________________________

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

James 4:4
Post #: 27
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 8:48:06 AM   
WesP


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From: Where God needs me to be
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quote:

He has the courage to say controversial things, although (unlike some) he doesn't deliberately court controversy.


While he doesn't court controversy, he ends up distorting the truth and misguiding people. Christians cannot sway in their dedication to God regardless of the cost. We don't run in the face of persecution, and we don't tell lies about what is necessary for salvation. We don't disregard dialogue about salvic doctrines just so that we can avoid controversy. But...


After review by Pope Benedict's congregation, U.S. Father Charles Curran, who questioned church teaching against artificial birth control, was removed from his teaching position at The Catholic University of America in Washington in 1987. Earlier this year, Pope Benedict made a similar judgment about Jesuit Father Roger Haight, who was banned from teaching Catholic theology over his book touching on the divinity and salvific mediation of Jesus.

The pope also has focused on ordinary Catholics, saying there can be no compromise on dissent by the lay faithful. He helped prepare a papal instruction on the subject in 1998 and accompanied it with his own commentary warning Catholics they would put themselves outside the communion of the church if they reject its teachings on eight specific issues.

The same year, he issued a document on papal primacy -- a topic of intense ecumenical discussion -- saying that, as a matter of faith, only the pope has the authority to make changes in his universal ministry.


The pontiff warned that the world risked exposure to "the darkness of a new barbarism," and stressed that Muslim leaders must "guide Muslim believers and train them in the Islamic faith."

"Teaching is the vehicle through which ideas and convictions are transmitted. Words are highly influential in the education of the mind. You, therefore, have a great responsibility for the formation of the younger generation," the pontiff said.

< Message edited by WesSavedByGrace -- 4/3/2008 8:56:59 AM >


_____________________________

Peace,

Wes
___________________________________

<--- BTW, this is the true function of corn! It is to help the oil industry and its functionaries, not detract from them!
Post #: 28
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 9:39:44 AM   
stellaluna


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I didn't know the pope was coming until I saw this thread and I have to say I don't care in the least.
Post #: 29
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 10:24:14 AM   
caoimhin


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quote:

ORIGINAL: WesSavedByGrace

The pontiff warned that the world risked exposure to "the darkness of a new barbarism," and stressed that Muslim leaders must "guide Muslim believers and train them in the Islamic faith."


I don't think he was teaching universalism, because that would be contrary to so many other things he has said and done. Since Benedict made this statement he has been under pressure from Muslim leaders worldwide to enter into dialogue. He is a subtle man. What I can imagine happening is something like this: he tells the Muslim leaders, "Since Islam does not in fact promote violence --right?-- then it is incumbent upon you to teach this correct understanding to your young people." Thus he avoids what to him is a more tangential issue --how Muslims want to be seen by non-Muslims-- so as to not be diverted from his main point: that Islamic terrorism needs to be stopped.
Post #: 30
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 10:39:30 AM   
WesP


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How can you or anyone else substantiate telling someone to pursue eternal damnation? Teach the Islamic faith? What does that mean to you? Islam does not have the same god, so it is simply a veiled pursuit of satan.

_____________________________

Peace,

Wes
___________________________________

<--- BTW, this is the true function of corn! It is to help the oil industry and its functionaries, not detract from them!
Post #: 31
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 11:01:58 AM   
rcjames


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lurker
I think you may have misunderstood him. All Catholics believe that Protestants are fellow brothers in Christ.


No it is not hard to understand what his decrees were saying. He dissed Protestants, EOC, and anything not Catholic as not real.

Just Google "Pose Benedict Protestant" and read away.

You ask had we read anything by Benedict, Yes I have. and he just brings more division in the universal Church.

Thanks
RC

_____________________________

Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Post #: 32
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 11:10:48 AM   
redeemedsaint


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The pope is not a man of God and I'm not excited. Read about the history of the RCC.

_____________________________

Woody

Get off the track cause the freight train is coming - Coach Bobby Lee Duke from Facing the Giants
Post #: 33
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 11:14:07 AM   
WesP


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JFTR, in the interest of satisfying the challenge to read some of his writings, now I have done so. I am not very impressed.

_____________________________

Peace,

Wes
___________________________________

<--- BTW, this is the true function of corn! It is to help the oil industry and its functionaries, not detract from them!
Post #: 34
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 11:56:28 AM   
Lurker


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From: Silver Spring, MD
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quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lurker
I think you may have misunderstood him. All Catholics believe that Protestants are fellow brothers in Christ.


No it is not hard to understand what his decrees were saying. He dissed Protestants, EOC, and anything not Catholic as not real.

Just Google "Pose Benedict Protestant" and read away.

You ask had we read anything by Benedict, Yes I have. and he just brings more division in the universal Church.

Thanks
RC

Oh I have. I really do feel that he's quite simply being misquoted, or misunderstood. I've read quite a bit by him, various speeches, several books, his encyclicals, quite a few homilies, and I am constantly amazed at how much Benedict is in love with Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Consequently I too feel drawn closer to the Lord. :) It's wonderful and I'm really excited to see him. I'm sorry that you seem to think otherwise.

_____________________________

Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ—and you will find true life.
-Pope Benedict XVI
Post #: 35
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 11:57:38 AM   
Lurker


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From: Silver Spring, MD
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quote:

ORIGINAL: redeemedsaint

The pope is not a man of God and I'm not excited. Read about the history of the RCC.



Oh I did. That's how I went from being a Protestant to being Catholic. :)

_____________________________

Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ—and you will find true life.
-Pope Benedict XVI
Post #: 36
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 1:54:45 PM   
caoimhin


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quote:

ORIGINAL: WesSavedByGrace

How can you or anyone else substantiate telling someone to pursue eternal damnation? Teach the Islamic faith? What does that mean to you? Islam does not have the same god, so it is simply a veiled pursuit of satan.


I don't think that was his intent. Really, we're both just speculating because we don't have the full statement or the context. But if I'm right it wouldn't be that different from these statements from Jesus to the Pharisees:

Mark 2:16-17 (ESV) And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Since these men were unbelievers, Jesus was obviously being facetious in referring to "the righteous.")

John 9:39-41 (ESV) Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
Post #: 37
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 2:05:22 PM   
WesP


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quote:

ORIGINAL: caoimhin

quote:

ORIGINAL: WesSavedByGrace

How can you or anyone else substantiate telling someone to pursue eternal damnation? Teach the Islamic faith? What does that mean to you? Islam does not have the same god, so it is simply a veiled pursuit of satan.


I don't think that was his intent. Really, we're both just speculating because we don't have the full statement or the context. But if I'm right it wouldn't be that different from these statements from Jesus to the Pharisees:

Mark 2:16-17 (ESV) And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Since these men were unbelievers, Jesus was obviously being facetious in referring to "the righteous.")

John 9:39-41 (ESV) Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.


What is it about Catholic statements that they cannot be understood like any other English sentence? The pope said that the Islamic leaders should "guide Muslim believers and train them in the Islamic faith." There is no excuse for a Christian to tell someone to follow another faith. None! I am not speculating. I can read and comprehend what I have read.

Next, you compare the pope to Jesus Christ and in a totally different context. What validity is in that? Jesus ate with sinners and brought them the gospel. He did not tell murderers, thieves, etc. to follow another religion.

_____________________________

Peace,

Wes
___________________________________

<--- BTW, this is the true function of corn! It is to help the oil industry and its functionaries, not detract from them!
Post #: 38
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 2:55:08 PM   
Zhi


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quote:

What is it about Catholic statements that they cannot be understood like any other English sentence?


*sings the old Steve Taylor song "I am the English interpreter of English"*

I am curious about what specifically in Catholic history you read, Lurker, that caused your conversion. I have to admit a little hostility on my part toward Catholicism due to my upbringing (I'm working on that). Mostly because my grandmother was quite literally stoned (had rocks thrown at her causing injuries) by her classmates as an 8 year old child because her family had been excommunicated by the local drunkard-priest for suggesting that some of the money in the coffers could be used to help the people starving in their community during the Great Depression rather than being sent to the Vatican and lining the priest's own pockets. When I read the history of the Catholic church, many of the Popes got into office via bribery and political machinations. One was the illegitimate son of another Pope. Many of them appointed their teenage grandsons as Cardinals. One was a teenager himself (18) and turned the Vatican into a brothel. Many of the Popes were very, very immoral people and frankly I think Peter would have been horrified to hear them claim to be his successor. If you want a list there's an interesting one at http://us.geocities.com/paulntobin/papacy.html, though I disagree with some of the views presented there. There's also interesting info at http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1691450,00.html

Frankly, I think I prefer to stick with Jesus as my only Priest, read the Bible myself, reject traditions that are not Biblically based, and skip Purgatory entirely.

_____________________________

The optimist says the glass is half full. The pessimist says the glass is half empty. The engineer says the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.
Post #: 39
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 3:37:22 PM   
Kat_D


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quote:

I for one am highly excited that Pope Benedict is coming to America this month. In fact, I might be getting tickets to go see his Papal mass in DC. That said, I'm curious how others feel.


Well then, I'd have to say I'm excited that you're excited and I hope you have a wonderful time!

_____________________________

~Kat

"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
I weep for those who won't experience this because they have been deceived.
Post #: 40
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/3/2008 6:11:58 PM   
rnershigh

 

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When I heard he was visiting DC the first thing in my mind was, "Well, better not go into DC that day as metro and traffic will be a mess" .

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O Death! where is thy Sting?
Post #: 41
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/5/2008 8:38:50 PM   
LoyalGypsy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: CatholicCritter

This man is one of the greatest Christian theologians of our generation and I believe Protestants are worse for not having read his stuff.

It's never been about 'idolization' and it never will be. Read 'Jesus of Nazareth' and you'll learn a lot. Whether you believe he is the universal shepherd of Christ's Church on Earth or not, do yourselves a favor and explore this man's writings on God.




Greetings,

quote:

Read 'Jesus of Nazareth' and you'll learn a lot.


I'll read it and worship this man….only on one condition…That any representation of the image of Jesus as a dead corpse still hanging on the cross…. is removed,

Otherwise this man's writings on God… as you said,
The spirit of this man's writings on God is nothing I personally would want to read ….



But I am excited…. because it follows the same pattern here…


So I suppose the pope will be going to world trade towers…. much like his counter part from Iran wanted to…
…..So as to lay a reef over a dead economy.


http://www.samizdata.net/blog/archives/2006/07/why_islam_canno.html

It looks like Islam visited Emperor Constantine first, then the RCC made Constantine a Saint, because of what it written here below in bold

Christianity is evangelical, but its founders were building a religion of peaceful and voluntary association, and Emperor Constantine's fateful decision watered that mission down considerably . (But not completely.)
Then the RCC made Him a Saint, because Christianity "is evangelical",

Catholicism and Islam have co existed for centuries, and their worship is one in the same….so they made Constantine a Saint because he watered down the missions of the Christian evangelicals.

Much as we see going on today!



And in like manner they will most likely give sainthood to that which is called the AC, to the one who overcomes Christian evangelicals,

Original Islam represented the mindset of all imperialists of that time: outsiders are to be conquered or killed, and all who have been conquered must subscribe to the state religion. I cannot see how Islam can embrace pluralistic society and remain Islam

There is nothing is new under the sun!!,
Merging of the Catholic Churches in America has already begun in certain areas….
Catholicism is set on watering down the missions of the Christian evangelicals, as it has overseas for many years…..and now in America, by the same merging influences Islam gave to Saint Constantine.....

The pope’s visit is just checking up on his investments


But I am excited..... because of the prophecy that is written in the Book, concerning just such a thing.



Loyal Gypsy

_____________________________

Ex 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice
...So the Persians ask that the 300 drop their arms. Leonidas responds; "Persians! Come and get them!"
300 The Movie
Post #: 42
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/5/2008 8:45:18 PM   
Yoelnatan780


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I have a high church background but am not catholic, and do not know much about this present Pope..but it is really something when a pope comes to the states..I do respect the position of pope and it's history history

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elôi elôi lama sabachthani o estin methermçneuomenon o theos mou o theos mou eis ti enkatelipes me
Post #: 43
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/5/2008 10:18:31 PM   
EverLearning


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quote:

ORIGINAL: redeemedsaint

The pope is not a man of God


Well i am honored that a you have graced us with your knowledge of what lies in the hearts of another. You must be a very special person to be granted that ability since it says in the Bible that we can not know the hearts of others.

_____________________________

Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
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Post #: 44
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/6/2008 10:39:10 AM   
Yoelnatan780


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quote:

ORIGINAL: EverLearning

quote:

ORIGINAL: redeemedsaint

The pope is not a man of God


Well i am honored that a you have graced us with your knowledge of what lies in the hearts of another. You must be a very special person to be granted that ability since it says in the Bible that we can not know the hearts of others.


I feel ya...I am not even catholic but love and understand liturgical worship and am labeled a heretic because of it..I am so sick of itI cannot even mention church history saints, or the pope in any of my fellowships with out getting shunned

_____________________________

elôi elôi lama sabachthani o estin methermçneuomenon o theos mou o theos mou eis ti enkatelipes me
Post #: 45
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/6/2008 9:18:05 PM   
Lurker


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I'm going! I got a ticket to see the Papal Mass! :D

_____________________________

Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ—and you will find true life.
-Pope Benedict XVI
Post #: 46
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/6/2008 9:37:29 PM   
Lurker


Posts: 731
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Silver Spring, MD
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Zhi

quote:

What is it about Catholic statements that they cannot be understood like any other English sentence?


*sings the old Steve Taylor song "I am the English interpreter of English"*

I am curious about what specifically in Catholic history you read, Lurker, that caused your conversion. I have to admit a little hostility on my part toward Catholicism due to my upbringing (I'm working on that). Mostly because my grandmother was quite literally stoned (had rocks thrown at her causing injuries) by her classmates as an 8 year old child because her family had been excommunicated by the local drunkard-priest for suggesting that some of the money in the coffers could be used to help the people starving in their community during the Great Depression rather than being sent to the Vatican and lining the priest's own pockets. When I read the history of the Catholic church, many of the Popes got into office via bribery and political machinations. One was the illegitimate son of another Pope. Many of them appointed their teenage grandsons as Cardinals. One was a teenager himself (18) and turned the Vatican into a brothel. Many of the Popes were very, very immoral people and frankly I think Peter would have been horrified to hear them claim to be his successor. If you want a list there's an interesting one at http://us.geocities.com/paulntobin/papacy.html, though I disagree with some of the views presented there. There's also interesting info at http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1691450,00.html

Frankly, I think I prefer to stick with Jesus as my only Priest, read the Bible myself, reject traditions that are not Biblically based, and skip Purgatory entirely.



Well, for me it started when I tried to save a friend from "Romanism." Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) my friend pointed out that I was fighting a version of Catholicism that existed only in the fevered imagination of Jack Chick, Lorraine Boettner and others. But that the REAL Catholic faith was quite different from what I thought it was. They had quite a few strong arguments that blew my feeble attempts out of the water. I didn't decide then, but I realized that perhaps I could consider Catholics Christians. The final step to really deciding to become Catholic came about when I learned about a little man from Assisi named Francis. Suffice it to say, his example of staying faithful to the Church, and his shining devotion to living in the imitation of Christ moved me more than thousands of pages of academic and historical works. While those do help me reaffirm my choice to become Catholic, it was St. Francis of Assisi who by taking the words of Our Lord to heart, helped me realize that I had to become a member of the Church that had brought him forth into the world.

_____________________________

Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ—and you will find true life.
-Pope Benedict XVI
Post #: 47
RE: Pope Benedict XVI in America. Are you excited? - 4/6/2008 9:45:54 PM   
EverLearning


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lurker

Well, for me it started when I tried to save a friend from "Romanism." Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) my friend pointed out that I was fighting a version of Catholicism that existed only in the fevered imagination of Jack Chick, Lorraine Boettner and others. But that the REAL Catholic faith was quite different from what I thought it was. They had quite a few strong arguments that blew my feeble attempts out of the water. I didn't decide then, but I realized that perhaps I could consider Catholics Christians. The final step to really deciding to become Catholic came about when I learned about a little man from Assisi named Francis. Suffice it to say, his example of staying faithful to the Church, and his shining devotion to living in the imitation of Christ moved me more than thousands of pages of academic and historical works. While those do help me reaffirm my choice to become Catholic, it was St. Francis of Assisi who by taking the words of Our