Religion
Related: About this forumPope Francis says it's the devil who divides Protestants and Catholics
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pope.francis.says.its.the.who.divides.protestants.and.catholics/54765.htmThe Pope said: "I feel like saying something that may sound controversial or even heretical, perhaps. But there is someone who 'knows' that, despite our differences, we are one...
"He knows that Christians are disciples of Christ, that they are one, that they are brothers! He doesn't care if they are Evangelicals or Orthodox, Lutherans, Catholics or Apostolic... he doesn't care! They are Christians."
He also said that the devil is responsible for the persecution of Christians around the world. "It is he who is persecuting Christians today, who is anointing us with (the blood of) martyrdom."
This is strange to me, since on this very board some insist that the vast majority of believers don't believe in things like a literal Satan. Yet here is the leader of the largest Christian church on the planet reinforcing the notion that Satan really exists. He also says Satan is behind the marriage equality - oh the horror!
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)I said i don't believe in hell.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Do you consider him a reliable authority on the activities of the devil?
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)You get disappointed too much.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)At least, I don't view the two as the same thing. (Moral guidance versus knowledge of the activities of the devil)
You believe the devil is real, or might be real, yes?
Does the pope have, in your view, any authority to reveal or claim knowledge about what is on the Devils calendar/agenda that week?
(I suspect the answer is 'no' since you are not catholic, just clarifying)
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)on spiritual issues.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Was just verifying.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)skepticscott
(13,029 posts)The Holy Roman Church is the one and only true Church, and the ONLY path to true salvation (whatever the fuck that actually is). Period. So the wonderpope's whole diatribe here is basically bullshit that he doesn't even believe.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
(14,733 posts)In his view, Satan made all of the rest of the Christians branch off from Catholicism. So they could all be reunited, and not divided... if they all returned to being Catholics.
skepticscott
(13,029 posts)It is in direct contradiction of Catholic teaching, which states that the RCC is the only True Church and the only way to get to heaven. The pope absolutely beleives that God cares what faith you practice, as opposed to what he says here. But yes, he'd be happy if they were all reunited...under the absolute control of his One True Church.
rug
(82,333 posts)AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)The only difference is, it exempts people unaware of the message of Christ, and of the claims of the RCC.
For people who are aware, that claim up thread is explicitly true.
rug
(82,333 posts)Did you read Feeney's position? That's scottie's.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)rug
(82,333 posts)That's why I posted it.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Warren Stupidity
(48,181 posts)haven't you learned by now?
Lordquinton
(7,886 posts)Where the non catholics are saying it is.
Think I know which side has more credibility here (hint:the side that isn't running a global pedophile ring)
Smarmie Doofus
(14,498 posts)Except when it's not.
They want it both ways.
rurallib
(62,413 posts)sounds like Cheney to me.
Maybe the Pope could have Cheney in for a talk, but Cheney may get arrested at the airport.
trotsky
(49,533 posts)It teaches that homosexuality is "intrinsically disordered." Food for thought!
Warren Stupidity
(48,181 posts)trotsky
(49,533 posts)Try and convince people that someone ELSE is the devil, perhaps? Things that make you go "Hmmm..."
safeinOhio
(32,675 posts)That includes Devils, Angels, my dead relatives, saints or any other unseen powers. But I have no problem with anyone else doing so.
trotsky
(49,533 posts)I'd be cool with it too.
But they are. So I'm not.
xfundy
(5,105 posts)Loud "christians" are doing the most to destroy xianity in America. I can do nothing to shut them up, nor would I desire to do so.
bvf
(6,604 posts)mr blur
(7,753 posts)What a hero.
What a clown.