Who's worse, Bush or Benedict

I think the question should be, "who's more influential? Bush or Benedict?"

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 11 2007, 08:07 PM) [snapback]477216[/snapback]</div>

Which brings up two interesting points:
- Is one obligated to live one's life so as to avoid feeding the Islamic extremists?
- Who started it?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RinMI @ Jul 12 2007, 01:57 PM) [snapback]477598[/snapback]</div>

Actually, since the pope was elected by the college of cardinals, I think they had a pretty good idea of what they would be getting in Benedict. He was known before the election to be more conservative than John Paul II, so a lot of what he's done isn't really a surprise.

When he was elected, I read speculation that, because of his age, he was viewed more as an "interim pope". One that wouldn't be in the office all that long. And then there'd be an opportunity to elect someone else who could put their stamp on the church like John Paul II did. The only place I've been able to find any mention of this recently has been wikipedia:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RinMI @ Jul 10 2007, 12:53 PM) [snapback]476226[/snapback]</div>

To the OP...tou act as if this a new declaration...The Catholic Church has professed that opinion for years.
It wasn't until the later year's of Pope Joh Paul's life that the Church started becomeing more accepting of other religions...Benedict's thoughts/statements on this are not a new attitude, but rather a reversion to the old.

Bush is irrelevant to this matter

How come none of you ever talk about how bad Bin Laden is? He is the one that inflamed all this crap...not Bush,

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not another screenname @ Jul 12 2007, 03:29 PM) [snapback]477685[/snapback]</div>

Everything old is new again...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RinMI @ Jul 12 2007, 12:57 PM) [snapback]477598[/snapback]</div>

There *was* a lot of talk about how conservative he is; as was mentioned. I feel that the Pope was (for the sake of this disussion) much more of a known quantity than Bush. Bush, especially earlier on, tended to talk a moderate line...but when push came to shove, he threw red meat to the ultra-conservatives every chance he could.

Both men probably feel that they're acting not to please any of us, but to ensure the survival of the Chuch/Country for Centuries to come. I think it's this which is being lost upon us; Benedict *doesn't care* how anyone living today feels about his declaration; he's probably thinking about the decades and centuries (and millenia?) ahead, and how the Church might find itself positioned long after his death.

I agree; I don't think it's helping matters currently...but as to whether it's a good thing for the Church or not...honestly, I think that only time will tell.

------

The reason I mentioned the 'who's more influential' question was only 'cause I find if fascinating how Catholic and Christian doctrine affects just about everyone, even folks who don't practice a faith.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Jul 12 2007, 04:48 PM) [snapback]477803[/snapback]</div>

And almost always in detrimental ways: today it's discrimination against gays, the inhibition of medical procedures and research, the obstruction of science education and scientific research - I guess that's why whenever I take on religion the hostility of my tone wells up unbidden. It really grates when those sanctimonious bastards whine "What's the harm of believing the way we do; we don't force our beliefs onto you?" Like hell they don't. (TJ excepted - he's the only one (in these threads at least) who truly is hands off).

Mark Baird
Alameda CA

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(airportkid @ Jul 12 2007, 07:12 PM) [snapback]477811[/snapback]</div>

Perhaps it's time for Americans to rediscover 'personal beliefs.'

It seems to me that we all have so much room for self improvement...it'd probably be best for each of us to focus on that, first.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Jul 12 2007, 07:00 PM) [snapback]477835[/snapback]</div>

That would be capital. That's where it belongs. The dogmatic institutions get in the way and just crave power and money.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ Jul 12 2007, 08:43 PM) [snapback]477853[/snapback]</div>

They are not telling YOU what to believe...they are telling their followers what they believe.
The Catholic Church doesn't infringe on MY rights.
the ACLU certainly does.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not another screenname @ Jul 12 2007, 08:04 PM) [snapback]477898[/snapback]</div>

Well, it trounces my right to correct and proper medical treatment when I go to the pharmacy and some nimrod nutcase behind the counter refuses to fulfill my prescription because it offends HIS religious beliefs.

And the Catholic church's efforts to stifle sexual contraceptive education in third world nations wracked by the AIDS pandemic is a suppression of the right to a healthy life that could be argued is an act as criminal as outright murder.

Meanwhile ...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not another screenname @ Jul 12 2007, 08:04 PM) [snapback]477898[/snapback]</div>

I'd be interested to learn what you consider a specific example of the ACLU seeking the suppression of your rights. That's not an organization known for trying to close anyting down, but is often reviled for doing the opposite: demanding that even unpopular people with unpopular points of view have rights. So what personal rights have you felt infringed by activities of the ACLU?

Mark Baird
Alameda CA

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Jul 12 2007, 06:48 PM) [snapback]477803[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, I hated fish sticks on Friday in school.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not another screenname @ Jul 12 2007, 10:04 PM) [snapback]477898[/snapback]</div>

If you consider trampling The Constitution a "right", I guess they do.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RinMI @ Jul 13 2007, 08:02 AM) [snapback]478038[/snapback]</div>

Not me man!!

I got Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton on speed dial. If I go to dennys and don't have my water on the table in less than 20 seconds, I hit the button and both my brutha's are conferenced on the call and we're arranging a picketing.

Within 10 minutes, my lawyer is sitting in the booth with me working on our lawsuit.

I think you need a more proactive strategy.. :lol:

 

Troll on you crazy diamond!