GOD Bless John Paul II

While I disagree with many tenets of the Roman Catholic Church I also believe that John Paul II was a great Pope in a troubled time. He made some significant changes, in particular acknowledging that the Church has erred in the past.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Yes he did. In addition he has worked since long before he was elected Pope, to improve the relationship between Jews and Catholicism.He worked hard to embrace both Judaism and Islam as well as the other branches of Cristianity. He visited Englend and met with Queen Elizabeth, prayed in Anglican Cathedrals, visted many Synagogues and Mosques.One thing that really impresses me is that throughout his tenure he has never used the regal We, but always the more egalitarian I.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Crap!

Take it elsewhere. This has no relevance to this thread.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

I do believe there is Evil but I also condemn any attempt to use that to distance such people from ourselves. I do think it is often misused though, calling things evil that are simply venal.IMHO the Roman Catholic dogma relating to homosexuality, priestly marriage, stem cell research, birth control and a few others are wrong, but they are not evil.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

How so? Nonsense. Sorry but that is simply silly. The Roman Catholic Church's position on contraception is the same for all people everywhere. To say it targets one group is countered by the fact that the message is exactly the same in the US or UK as in Africa. While the position of most Christian Churches relating to homosexuality and the status of women is wrong IMHO, his behavior has actually been far more moderate than many Christian Fundamentalists. And when you speak of covering up crimes, he was instrumental in taking a stand in Boston that priests should be reported, punished and NOT simply hidden away. You'll have to go further to support that than mere assertion. Again, IMHO, total nonsense. I see no way that he can be held responsible for ANY HIV deaths. He reflects the position of the Roman Catholic Faith, a position that places greater value on the soul than on the life. While you may disagree with his postion or the chruch's position, to move from that to culpability is a mighty leap.He has spoken out against many really heinous political organizations on the planet operating for example in central america in particular, the United States. In addition, in so many conflicts, there areNO good guys. This is particularly true in the Americas, Africa and Asia. He did speak out constantly about injustice and in the support of a Rule of Law which simply does not yet exist.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Well carry on but so far your case is somewhere between non-existent and vacuous. Your first accusationis simply silly and shows that you have no understanding of the position of the Roman Catholic Church.You are absolutely correct in saying that the Roman Catholic Church forbids the use of contraceptives including condoms.Now you may find that sad, I know I do, but it certainly not evil. The Church's position is that contraception ( other than a brief nod to timing and abstenence) is a mortal sin. Use a rubber and your soul goes to hell. In their viewpoint your soul is more important than your life.Disagree with them, argue with them, encourage change and I'll support you. Say that it is evil and I'll disagree with you.Your second accusation is equally empty. You make statements like "You have no doubt" and assume that John Paul II would behave in a given way when there is no evidence that is the case.You say that the Church was forced to take whatever action they did only by the courts. Actually, there are cases, believe it or not, outside Boston. And the position of the Roman Catholic Church, even in those areas not under the jurisdiction of the Mass Attorney General, has been to place the individual under the secular law.This is a change brought about under John Paul II.And on your accusation 3, again, IMHO you got nothing. Yes he speaks with the full authority as the Servant. What you posted pertains only to a small subset of statements and even then only in the area of Faith and Morals.mick, I really think the problem is that you don't have a good working knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church. If you'd like to discuss this further, let's start a seperate thread since it really will be OT for this one.Also, please understand that I very strongly disagree with many of the RC practices and hope that the next Pope, or a later Pope, changes them. I'll be happy to join in on Papist Knocking in another thread but no more here.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Sorry mick. Glad to continue this elsewhere but as I said, not here.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

I will answer that (and will be happy to discuss the rest in another thread) since why I posted the original is, IMHO, on topic.John Paul II was the head of one of the worlds largest religions. He died. I asked GOD's blessing be upon him and said that we would miss him.Simple as that. It is a requiem, no more.(PS: stop by PNT and suggest where you think the animal thread might go)

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion