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Author | Topic: APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION of Pope Francis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
Pope Francis has quickly won my heart and my respect (event though I am not a Roman Catholic) due to his actions and his intelligence in regards to matters of the faith.
He recently published his official platform, Apostolic Exhortation which is a delightful read and a vigorous defense of what it means, at least in the Popes mind, to be a Christian. Some excerpts:
1.THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come. As an aside to jar and Ringo, the Pope stresses works as an action that rekindles the heart of joy found within us.
I can say that the most beautiful and natural expressions of joy which I have seen in my life were in poor people who had little to hold on to. I also think of the real joy shown by others who, even amid pressing professional obligations, were able to preserve, in detachment and simplicity, a heart full of faith. In their own way, all these instances of joy flow from the infinite love of God, who has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. I never tire of repeating those words of Benedict XVI which take us to the very heart of the Gospel: Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction I was onced asked what it meant to walk in the Spirit. The Pope explains it magnificently. Though it is true that this mission demands great generosity on our part, it would be wrong to see it as a heroic individual undertaking, for it is first and foremost the Lord’s work, surpassing anything which we can see and understand. Jesus is the first and greatest evangelizer.[9] In every activity of evangelization, the primacy always belongs to God, who has called us to cooperate with him and who leads us on by by the power of his Spirit. As I present this topic for promotion, I am still reading the 49 page Exhortation, and urge participants to do likewise. For the first time since John Paul II I can say that this man is truly saved---a born again Pope. I like his take on economics as well. It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare. Why not turn to God and ask him to inspire their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society. Faith & Belief, please.
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
I have nothing against being poor as long as I lived in a poor country. My problem is being poor while living in a wealthy country.
Hence my anger against the Republican party. Look what the Pope says.
quote: Edited by Phat, : No reason given.
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
ringo writes: I know that its folly to desire to be rich. I dont ask for much. We had a union rally yesterday in front of the Wal Mart, where the employees work for close to minimum wage and who have to go on medicaid to get health insurance. Our signs read that we want the average employee to make $25,000 a year at full-time...which is assuredly NOT wealthy. The Pope mentions the insanity of the competitive nature of capitalism...I too get outraged when I have, in my lifetime, become part of the marginalized people. ...the insane espousal of "individualism" in some humans is counterproductive not only for the species as a whole but for many of the individuals themselves. The challenge for me as to how the latter part of my life plays out is whether I can handle being poor. Im too tired to do the work required to earn the same wage that was once handed to me.
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
ringo is not a wealthy man, but he seems to think that 25k is wealthy. Here in America, our average wage citywide is closer to 30K and...*for emphasis* this is NOT even close to wealthy.
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
Faith seems to think Pope Francis is a potential antichrist and so do some of my conservative church friends.
Allow me to investigate: Ah Ha! Maybe this is why Faith does not trust him: Pope says evolution, Big Bang are real Plus he is liberal. Somehow, conservative vs liberal has turned into good vs evil.Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain " ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith "as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
AZPaul3 writes: I'm curious what would happen if a Pope did try and sell off Vatican assets! Would the church have him declared mentally ill? Now, if he really wanted to do something, like maybe, just for jollies, actually follow the teachings and requirements of his supposed lord and savior then maybe the world would be moved to listen. Announce that the church will sell off all of its treasures and distribute the proceeds to the poor and needy around the world. Donate the archives to a consortium of universities. Turn Vatican City into a museum to the benefit of all the children's hospitals in Europe. Travel the world as a pauper from town to town on the small charities of others giving his homilies in the parks and on the street corners. But he cannot do this. He cannot live by the words of his Jesus because he does not believe the words of his Jesus. Except for those that give him more money and power. The Protestant Pastors have assets too! One prominent megachurch Pastor actually did walk away from his church. The Crazy Mission of Francis Chan Of course, critics will call it a simple publicity stunt. It is hard for Christians to convince any of the secular world of their sincerity.Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain " ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith "as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0
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I wasn't going to cover the eastern belief systems in this thread, but I think I will get my World Book Encyclopedia out just to see if I can find something useful. I think I will just quote 1 article. Keep that Zoroastrian crap out of my thread! Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain " ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith "as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
I suppose anything to do with the RCC is ok...but I didn't really think that pre-christian era history was needed. Pope Francis should be our main focus, but since he represents the RCC I suppose it is all connected.
I have a different belief, personally, than what scholars usually dig for. An event may predate Christianity, but in my belief nothing predates Christ. Critics would say I was swayed by the author of John....which is true.Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain " ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith "as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler
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Phat Member Posts: 18348 From: Denver,Colorado USA Joined: Member Rating: 1.0 |
jar writes: Probably.
Yet don't you look at John selectively and only through a modern interpretation colored by modern teachings? jar writes: Start a topic on it...or...let me find an old one to continue this line of thought. Have you looked into how the author of John might have actually seen things which requires looking at those things that the author of John would have been familiar with?OK...found it. We had a lively discussion going! Lets continue this discussion over there. Gospel Of John Edited by Phat, : tidied things up a bit.Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. —RC Sproul "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain " ~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith "as long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."~Arthur Koestler
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