General Discussion

xmas74

(30,096 posts)

298. I'm not a member of the RCC either.

Thu Nov 7, 2013, 07:45 AM

Nov 2013

There are progressive Christian faiths but they are shouted down across this board. I tend to give up defending myself because I've had people blast me the rest of the day and have even had them follow me from thread to thread about the subject. The fact is, in the case of Pope Francis, his simple acts are a total 180 compared to Benedict. Change can take a long time, especially in an organization as old as the RCC. Simple acts need to be commended and thoughts outside of current norm need to be encouraged.

FWIW-I'm a member of a reconciling Methodist church. We're still Methodists but we're fighting against a number of the more recent changes in the church-changes that were brought about by zealously conservative members and don't always reflect the views of the body. (The change in the acceptance of abortion and the near acceptance of same sex marriage just a few years ago has all taken a backseat to politics.)

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Pope Francis Kisses Sick Man With Boils Showing The Healing Power Of Compassion [View all] joeglow3 Nov 2013 OP

I'll come clean and admit it... Blue_Tires Nov 2013 #1

Ummmm Heather MC Nov 2013 #141

You have a promising future recording audiobooks. winter is coming Nov 2013 #256

They should refund your money for those speed reading classes! B Calm Nov 2013 #294

that's a little better than what I saw .... Myrina Nov 2013 #328

So?... SidDithers Nov 2013 #2

1) It's neurofibromatosis, not boils. rug Nov 2013 #7

Thats what I thought when I saw the picture - thats NF not boils kydo Nov 2013 #12

It looks like a severe form of it. I can only imagine what he's gone through. rug Nov 2013 #15

Certain from what I saw in another thread, he's been in agony for years. His is an advanced case. freshwest Nov 2013 #278

I can't imagine how I would handle it. rug Nov 2013 #323

I didn't know the name of the ailment dipsydoodle Nov 2013 #29

Exactly DarthDem Nov 2013 #267

You got it. freshwest Nov 2013 #279

Thank you for your dose of common sense regarding NF ChazII Nov 2013 #177

Poor man. Beacool Nov 2013 #199

Right now there is no cure for ChazII Nov 2013 #207

Thank you for the explanation. Beacool Nov 2013 #225

The tumors ChazII Nov 2013 #230

I agree, he probably does have a kind soul. Beacool Nov 2013 #235

+ a gazillion. nt Mojorabbit Nov 2013 #258

Brilliantly stated! Zeke L Brimstone Nov 2013 #313

Welcome to DU, Zeke. rug Nov 2013 #321

I am basically an agnostic Zeke L Brimstone Nov 2013 #367

I am an agnostic too. Jamastiene Nov 2013 #432

Yeah. We all HATE compassion joeglow3 Nov 2013 #8

yes, yes.; YOU are just so qualified to say what he'd prefer cali Nov 2013 #13

And not being rejected for your appearance. Yo_Mama Nov 2013 #146

Exactly. David Zephyr Nov 2013 #186

+1 Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #26

There is no cure for this. Love and prayer might help this man pnwmom Nov 2013 #28

You're better than this comment. Old and In the Way Nov 2013 #103

+1 daleanime Nov 2013 #114

Really? Not from what I've seen. n/t cordelia Nov 2013 #308

You are far too kind. Seriously. n/t QC Nov 2013 #329

Yeah, silly Pope should stick to the beautiful people MannyGoldstein Nov 2013 #104

You've finally out-Dithered yourself. Congratulations. DisgustipatedinCA Nov 2013 #123

what a completely asinine thing to say, disgusting jerk leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #125

that looks like cysts that sometimes are genetic. what is important is that he's redirecting the roguevalley Nov 2013 #150

Nothing will make the tumors go away. ChazII Nov 2013 #180

And if he lives in the US he won't get it. But there in 'Soshulist Europe' he WILL get treatment, sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #194

Maybe not, but faith does wonders for the soul. Beacool Nov 2013 #201

It certainly does n/t OhioChick Nov 2013 #251

Perhaps something other than the boils was healed by the gesture? morningfog Nov 2013 #209

Sid, I think this is more about acceptance than medicine; and being treated as worthy. freshwest Nov 2013 #275

And this is why JustAnotherGen Nov 2013 #326

That means a lot to me coming from you, thanks. freshwest Nov 2013 #370

So it'd be better if the pope punched him in the mouth? uponit7771 Nov 2013 #296

There you are again... Jamastiene Nov 2013 #431

Maybe hospital could come forward and give him some care warrior1 Nov 2013 #3

Is the guy with boils all better now? Upton Nov 2013 #4

I doubt it looks kind of like inherited condition like NF kydo Nov 2013 #10

You beat me to it, that's what it is Warpy Nov 2013 #87

They are not boils and he might feel better, emotionally. pnwmom Nov 2013 #30

When you learn to find a smile Xipe Totec Nov 2013 #5

Wow. Thanks Xipe for sharing something as deep as that. freshwest Nov 2013 #281

ENRIQUE GONZALEZ MARTINEZ - the poet Berlum Nov 2013 #297

DU members comment and show the power of douchebaggery. trumad Nov 2013 #6

Disheartening, isn't it? Hekate Nov 2013 #20

I agree...This pope seems like a pretty decent guy, WHATEVER you think of Catholicism. whathehell Nov 2013 #22

Ain't that the fucking truth! Orrex Nov 2013 #43

A beautiful picture showing human compassion xmas74 Nov 2013 #54

Because apparently the new thing is to bitch and complain about christians... Lobo27 Nov 2013 #58

We've always been a target of a small group of people here on DU. xmas74 Nov 2013 #106

I agree that some of the comments here were way out of line... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #151

I never said I was a poor abused Christian. xmas74 Nov 2013 #175

Fair enough, but what to you qualifies as a "nasty comment?" nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #179

Your first comment. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #187

If that's the case, then you're part of the problem. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #188

True you weren't but it still was nasty. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #189

Hardly. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #213

I am not a fan of fox nor the war on Christmas. And I can call out my fellow Christians for their hrmjustin Nov 2013 #216

I don't like it either, and both sides have dished it out . nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #220

I don't see believers on this site pushing their views on people or trying to convert people. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #223

Color me shocked at your inability to see it. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #224

Actually I would welcome your opinion on this issue. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #227

First tell me how non believers try to do those things in your opinion. Examples would be helpful. n eqfan592 Nov 2013 #232

Either one of us giving examples could be considered a call out so I think we should talk hrmjustin Nov 2013 #237

It's very difficult for an atheist to express to a believer how we view their beliefs without... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #243

Posts in Religion, Interfaith, and the specific religion rooms belong there. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #246

3 Pope threads today on GD alone theHandpuppet Nov 2013 #325

I am not going to argue with you over the pope. I will say that you should alert on the pope threads hrmjustin Nov 2013 #396

Can't you see that the term "fairy tale" is insulting. Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #318

Pretending this pope is a nice and kind, benevolent man is insulting too. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #348

HATE, HATE, HATE! Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #352

Deflect, distract, attack the messenger. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #358

I'm fairly certain that if we start calling believers "irrational"... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #359

It's better than "childishly naive", which is what "believing in fairy tales" means Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #363

Is calling the KKK bigoted an expression of bigotry? eqfan592 Nov 2013 #366

Read towards the bottom of the article xmas74 Nov 2013 #395

Yes and no. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #398

It reads as though the second sentence xmas74 Nov 2013 #399

And why did he have to leave the church to express his beliefs? AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #406

Why does anyone leave anything? xmas74 Nov 2013 #419

Amazing! You don't see... TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #423

Can I add a.... theHandpuppet Nov 2013 #306

A previous pm from a now tombstoned member xmas74 Nov 2013 #236

Both of those statements were way the hell out of line, and I'm glad the member is tombstoned. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #245

The sad thing is that it happens on here more than you think. xmas74 Nov 2013 #299

And on issues where the Church's religious dogma injures non-christians? AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #269

I'm not a member of the RCC either. xmas74 Nov 2013 #298

The problem is that the "progressive faiths" still hold on to almost... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #309

Yes, there are some Christians who will trot out the No True Scotsman Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #330

True enough. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #378

some of the children here ARE no better than right-wing fanatics. they hate religion leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #138

pegging the bullshit meter right there. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #152

Bingo! n/t whathehell Nov 2013 #229

As usual, there's an appropriate meme... Decaffeinated Nov 2013 #295

It's par for the course........... Beacool Nov 2013 #203

What's worse is that calling these bigots on their bigotry Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #331

It's the reverse of the conservatives. Beacool Nov 2013 #336

+100 ChazII Nov 2013 #338

Thank you, my friend. Beacool Nov 2013 #394

I think it is a beautiful photo avaistheone1 Nov 2013 #57

I agree. Captain Stern Nov 2013 #418

+1 LittleBlue Nov 2013 #65

For real Dorian Gray Nov 2013 #68

+1 840high Nov 2013 #174

Douchebags do douchbaggery. morningfog Nov 2013 #212

Disgusting, but not surprising. Gemini Cat Nov 2013 #305

I have to coin a new phrase for some on DU.... trumad Nov 2013 #310

I don't know, but Gemini Cat Nov 2013 #316

It looks much more like tumors, perhaps what the Elephant Man had Hekate Nov 2013 #9

NF is not what the Elephant Man had. kydo Nov 2013 #17

It's incredibly disfiguring regardless, which was my point. Francis is more interested in his heart Hekate Nov 2013 #18

Yes n/t whathehell Nov 2013 #24

You are correct kydo Nov 2013 #33

it appears that the pope read most of the red words in the new testament roguevalley Nov 2013 #153

Kydo, thank you!!!!!! ChazII Nov 2013 #184

I'm sorry to hear. Beacool Nov 2013 #208

Your insight ChazII Nov 2013 #217

Thank you for giving me insight into this illness. Beacool Nov 2013 #226

Ugh OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #302

Not to have children ChazII Nov 2013 #307

You're very welcome OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #317

I got involved around 1996 kydo Nov 2013 #314

+1000. nt pnwmom Nov 2013 #32

He better pray the guy doesn't have mercer B Calm Nov 2013 #11

Very sweet. Glimmer of Hope Nov 2013 #14

So when are we going to see stories where Pope Francis shits rainbows and pisses unicorns? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #16

Is the reality of this too much for you? rug Nov 2013 #19

Has he walked on water yet? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #23

I see it is. rug Nov 2013 #25

Wow. As much as you would like to claim otherwise, you REALLY crave attention joeglow3 Nov 2013 #37

you have what you wanted etherealtruth Nov 2013 #127

You sound like the kind of hater who would shits ON rainbows.. whathehell Nov 2013 #36

I just eat them. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #39

a man did something genuinely good for another man, something that I am roguevalley Nov 2013 #155

Yeah, I bet you do.. whathehell Nov 2013 #234

Well that's very Jesus-like of you. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #239

Glad you think so.. whathehell Nov 2013 #300

Do you think we need your opinion EVERY vanlassie Nov 2013 #40

And here I thought the function of a discussion forum is to only post nice things Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #41

Was that needed. It was a moment of compassion. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #45

You're the kind of guy athiests and Christians can hate together TekGryphon Nov 2013 #149

plus eight trillion roguevalley Nov 2013 #156

You win. Brigid Nov 2013 #244

Well said! nt flying rabbit Nov 2013 #265

LOL! whathehell Nov 2013 #301

Yes! cordelia Nov 2013 #311

What a sour puss you 840high Nov 2013 #178

No. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #241

Yes, you are being uncompassionate Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #333

The pope is complacent in the cover-up of priests fondling boys, and I'm the bad guy here? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #335

There is no evidence that Pope Francis "is complacent in the cover-up of priests fondling boys" Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #349

Wow. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #373

It's not about the Pope. He's just the messenger. We all have or will have, afflictions. freshwest Nov 2013 #280

It's threads like this, with the few absurd remarks that make DU disgusting to me..Get a life FFS.. monmouth3 Nov 2013 #21

Exactly. whathehell Nov 2013 #27

Maybe some DUers don't think the Catholic Church should be glorified... SidDithers Nov 2013 #31

No one's glorifying the Church. Someone posted about a very kind act pnwmom Nov 2013 #34

For me it's BECAUSE he's the most powerful man in the Catholic Church joc46224 Nov 2013 #51

When I was in High School hollowdweller Nov 2013 #80

And the man will carry this memory with him for the rest of his life. pnwmom Nov 2013 #96

There are a lot of issues that would relieve the suffering of a lot of people AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #276

So you're another in the... TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #425

Welcome to the conversation. I already listed several material issues downthread. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #428

Agreed. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #35

You would. TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #426

Of course. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #430

Perhaps an insult to human dignity to you, not to everyone. Pray to Steven Weinberg..n/t monmouth3 Nov 2013 #38

Maybe some DUers don't think douchery should be glorified... rug Nov 2013 #52

Oh look, another Catholic priest being sent to jail for sexually abusing children... SidDithers Nov 2013 #56

Yep. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #59

They were fawning all over him about his choice of car too... SidDithers Nov 2013 #60

Yes he does. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #62

no one asked you to. no one needs you to tell them what to think about an roguevalley Nov 2013 #158

"an act of kindness you would never give yourself." AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #277

Well, someone as apparently consumed by hatred as yourself likely would not Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #344

I'm consumed by 'hatred' for pointing out that while the PR hand of the church keeps AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #347

"Consumed by hatred" Arugula Latte Nov 2013 #353

Is that the best you can do? rug Nov 2013 #63

No, I didn't shout "pedophile priests" in response to the picture of ... SidDithers Nov 2013 #74

You think I accused you of douchery "for not genuflecting at the altar"? rug Nov 2013 #79

That's not the post you replied to when you accused me of douchery...nt SidDithers Nov 2013 #83

There are so many . . . . rug Nov 2013 #86

Not nearly enough showing the RCC for what it really is...nt SidDithers Nov 2013 #92

Plenty enough showing Sid for what he really is...nt rug Nov 2013 #97

And you too, rug... SidDithers Nov 2013 #107

Oh, do go on, Sid. rug Nov 2013 #115

So that means ALL OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #304

you sure he wasnt talking about you leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #132

yes. Steven Weinberg, the secret name of God. roguevalley Nov 2013 #157

EVERY human being is capable of compassion BuddhaGirl Nov 2013 #247

Where exactly did he/she level an attack on ANYBODY for showing compassion? nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #248

Maybe because they are Democrats, DUers appreciate Compassion when they see it and are not sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #339

Maybe some DUers don't see this... TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #424

Whether you believe or not, compassion and kindness are works people can do. HereSince1628 Nov 2013 #42

Is the fucker going to change any church policies? Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #44

YOU'RE A MEAN POO POO HEAD!!11111 Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #46

See, what you purposely misinderstand is that picture is church policy. rug Nov 2013 #67

It's the cute pope pic of the day Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #73

Do you see anything cute in that picture? rug Nov 2013 #75

It's just more shit to make him a warm and fuzzy pope Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #81

I see. You consider an act of human compassion to be "more shit". rug Nov 2013 #84

I consider the policies of the church to be shit... Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #90

What do you think of his action today? rug Nov 2013 #93

That would about cover it Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #100

Because human beings tend to recognize an act of humanity when encountered. rug Nov 2013 #102

Phony acts don't deserve recognition Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #108

If it's phony, it deserves to be pointed out by more than trite canned talking points about the RCC. rug Nov 2013 #113

And you have yet to acknowledge any failings in the church... Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #117

If this thread was about that I would. But it's not. rug Nov 2013 #122

Ahhh.. only pope praise allowed... Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #124

I hate pancakes. rug Nov 2013 #129

You may have missed that, some of us are unimpressed by the 'humanity of this gesture' AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #273

"cute pope pic of the day"... SidDithers Nov 2013 #94

Yes, this can change policy jberryhill Nov 2013 #206

ummmm... He's the pope... Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #252

Are you even a Catholic? ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #259

Wow, wtf, dude? eqfan592 Nov 2013 #261

Doesn't look like they have changed your views... ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #263

Once again your fail to see the point. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #286

Non-sense Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #319

I don't push my beliefs (or lack of) on others... ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #340

Calling out homophobia is being a dickhead? Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #343

No. Lack of tolerance for others beliefs = dickhead. ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #368

So you're saying we should tolerate the intolerant. gotcha. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #374

Yes... I expect everyone here should support full equal rights for gays and lesbians Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #375

...And ToS includes: "religions or lack thereof" ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #382

So... You do not want to clearly state your position? Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #384

I did. ChromeFoundry Nov 2013 #386

No, you did not... You hinted at them and then claimed I would take you out of context Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #388

"I think you are being rude to others." OhioChick Nov 2013 #389

We should ALL be intolerant of intolerance. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #390

We may disagree about the pope but I agree these posts belong in religion. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #262

And the next guy can change it back jberryhill Nov 2013 #332

Any thoughts on the man he is being so kind to? Or is it all about simply hating someone because of sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #341

Equating religion and ethnicity makes zero sense. Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #346

Let me know when a gesture of kindness to a person who has experienced little kindness is their sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #371

Comparing the pope to the President also makes zero sense... Ohio Joe Nov 2013 #379

You are wrong. In fact, a US President has far more power to affect policy changes that sabrina 1 Nov 2013 #393

Displays of compassion like this mean something. cbayer Nov 2013 #47

It is no surprise to me that people are just mean at times. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #50

I'm no longer surprised. Sad, but not surprised. cbayer Nov 2013 #55

Agree. On all those points. pinto Nov 2013 #71

I can not say I am surprised by the responses to this post. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #48

This poor man obviously suffers tremendously--I hope his spirits are lifted. Getting blessed by TwilightGardener Nov 2013 #49

Thank you. gvstn Nov 2013 #91

i like this Pope. spanone Nov 2013 #53

I'm cynical. I'm an asshole. liberalmuse Nov 2013 #61

Whether or not it's NF1, I'll speak as someone with NF1. Kudos Francis. pinto Nov 2013 #64

This is the best I can do, pinto. rug Nov 2013 #69

I was hoping you would weigh in here, my dear friend. cbayer Nov 2013 #70

I'm happy Dorian Gray Nov 2013 #77

Thanks folks. pinto Nov 2013 #137

Pinto, will you take 1 more hug? ChazII Nov 2013 #193

Of course. And back at you both. pinto Nov 2013 #204

I'm glad you spoke up. Beacool Nov 2013 #218

Thanks. This is something I wanted to weigh in on. pinto Nov 2013 #233

I'm glad that in your case it's benign. Beacool Nov 2013 #238

Really Great Pope hollowdweller Nov 2013 #66

My middle name is Thomas... Historic NY Nov 2013 #72

"Showing The Healing Power Of Compassion" Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #76

Hahaha. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #78

You come in second for laughung at incurable disease. rug Nov 2013 #82

Yes. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #85

The situation is so fertile for raucous laughter and high fives. rug Nov 2013 #88

Who needs a doctor when compassion can cure everything? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #95

Are you confusing his actions with a HuffPost headline? rug Nov 2013 #99

I see a pattern dead_head Nov 2013 #118

I was going to say welcome to DU but I see you've been here five years. Post more often. rug Nov 2013 #126

thanks dead_head Nov 2013 #196

I am an atheist Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #133

You see a pattern? Like what? Atheists don't like religion? immoderate Nov 2013 #202

True dead_head Nov 2013 #291

How can you glibly dismiss an act of compassion based on a headline? pinto Nov 2013 #128

If, I may give all the benefit of a doubt Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #142

You already are. pinto Nov 2013 #148

every time a kid goes on a make a wish venture it is compassion helping roguevalley Nov 2013 #162

Is it an act of compassion to hide the fact that priests molest boys for decades? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #240

no one said that as you well know. it was one man giving love to another. roguevalley Nov 2013 #160

Do you think all illness is visible to the naked eye? VanillaRhapsody Nov 2013 #191

Are you really that obtuse or do you COLGATE4 Nov 2013 #264

This is just an exercise on how so-called christians aren't so christ-like. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #268

What the pope or DU? hrmjustin Nov 2013 #272

No, it's an exercise on how some people COLGATE4 Nov 2013 #322

I think Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #121

No problem. rug Nov 2013 #131

*sigh* Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #134

life is a process. everyday is a new battle. At least you are aware of the roguevalley Nov 2013 #164

No, but I'm sure it made him feel a hell of a lot better Warpy Nov 2013 #89

I know it is not Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #98

No shit. Warpy Nov 2013 #101

The writer thought he was being clever Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #116

Warpy ChazII Nov 2013 #198

Bowdlerism at its worst!! Warpy Nov 2013 #242

I'll go there. You've no idea. pinto Nov 2013 #105

Again, Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #112

Got it. pinto Nov 2013 #130

You mean this guy's condition hasn't caused any scars on his psyche? VanillaRhapsody Nov 2013 #190

Again, read my posts Kelvin Mace Nov 2013 #221

I think that's a little knee jerk... VanillaRhapsody Nov 2013 #231

No one is more skeptical than I am. Old and In the Way Nov 2013 #109

I'm an atheist... devils chaplain Nov 2013 #110

This thread is so much of what's wrong in this old world. Sissyk Nov 2013 #111

so much hate from democrats - leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #136

So people who are concerned/angry about the institutionally protected rape of children Arugula Latte Nov 2013 #354

i am liking this man. many of the catholics i know deserve this. nt seabeyond Nov 2013 #119

i am too he surprises me leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #139

It's useless to kiss people with terminal cancer. jsr Nov 2013 #120

That man leads an organization that denies compassionate care for people in just the situation you AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #140

Are you suggesting this man kill himself? rug Nov 2013 #143

No. I am not. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #163

The only thing you have managed to point out Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #350

If you actually read my posts, you'd know why the church is worthy of nothing less. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #357

I read your posts Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #365

Ok, those are good examples within the context of 'compassion', the issue in question here. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #369

You come across as a person consumed by hatred. Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #377

It is an excellent example. The church presumes to speak for people who aren't even a member of that AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #380

In other words, you object to people who try to live by their moral principles Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #383

This isn't about them living by their principles. This is about them forcing ME to live thier princi AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #385

Suicide is not immoral as far as you are concerned Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #420

Wordsmithing. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #421

In other words, you insist that they must accept YOUR moral code. Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #422

Compassionate care and assisted suicide are two very distinct things. cbayer Nov 2013 #154

By all means pretend my first post doesn't address this. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #165

then why don't you start a thread on that and get off this one. roguevalley Nov 2013 #166

Because I will not turn a blind eye to whitewashing an organization like this. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #172

kewl. thank you for pointing out the whitwashing. roguevalley Nov 2013 #192

Nor will you give up an opportunity to HATE, HATE, HATE! Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2013 #351

Actually, I am cautiously optimistic for him. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #356

Sorry, but there is an important issue captured in this photo. And the Church cannot escape it. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #135

iirc suicide ( as well as murder) is a sin. is it not a sin anymore? leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #144

you missed the point of his post entirely. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #159

no i got it he missed mine- but it's hard to see thru the hate leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #200

No, you really did miss it. and you are a perfect example of that. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #214

well it's nice to be good at something leftyohiolib Nov 2013 #219

I don't care what the catholic church defines it as, for it's members. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #181

"Not while I'm around, they can't escape it." rug Nov 2013 #145

bwahahahahah! I love you, rug roguevalley Nov 2013 #168

This whitewashing covers up the fact it's not about compassion. It's about ownership. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #170

^^^^^THIS!!! COLGATE4 Nov 2013 #327

The Catholic Church doesn't believe in assisted suicide... TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #427

My state has approved it. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #429

This man does not have boils and in my opinion it is cruel and exploitative to say that he does. Bluenorthwest Nov 2013 #147

I think the man being mentioned doesn't give a crap. He's being noticed in a roguevalley Nov 2013 #169

I agree. I do note that some of the news organizations are retracting or correcting AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #283

I dont understand why this is news. bunnies Nov 2013 #161

The media is the one playing this up. The pope is just doing his job. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #167

Thats kinda what I was thinking. bunnies Nov 2013 #173

I agree it would be sad. I believe I have seen popes do this before. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #176

Ah. That explains it. bunnies Nov 2013 #182

That may be Francis' point here jberryhill Nov 2013 #210

Well... bunnies Nov 2013 #215

I think he's pretty clever jberryhill Nov 2013 #222

Certainly seems that way. bunnies Nov 2013 #228

This really ... wow. I'm almost in tears. closeupready Nov 2013 #171

Good for Pope Francis. David Zephyr Nov 2013 #183

As a seriously lapsed Catholic - Hell Hath No Fury Nov 2013 #185

Good for the Pope. Now ask why would God allow such disfigurement to anyone seveneyes Nov 2013 #195

No there is not. It is a question I ask all the time as a believer. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #197

When my son asked me this question ChazII Nov 2013 #211

What a lovely gesture. Beacool Nov 2013 #205

This was a lovely gesture. Brigid Nov 2013 #249

Yeah, shame on people for shedding light on the fact that the man is still at the head of... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #250

A thread about a simple act of compassion . . . Brigid Nov 2013 #253

It's not just about a simple act of compassion, it's about the person doing it. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #254

An act of decency sends you into a tizzy. Brigid Nov 2013 #257

Way to completely miss, several times over, the point. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #260

I know, right? Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #274

I really like this Pope OhioChick Nov 2013 #255

How many in here would kiss a leper for $100? $1,000? jsr Nov 2013 #266

Wow. The day has finally arrived where I don't know how to express my contempt. flvegan Nov 2013 #270

Who judged *him*? AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #282

Exactly. these folks have become experts at setting up straw men. nt eqfan592 Nov 2013 #284

Word salad. flvegan Nov 2013 #290

You judge a person in the photo yet reserve judgment on the other. flvegan Nov 2013 #288

I've already explained it. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #320

and yet from the little i know of you, and the little i know of the pope, the pope seem the more Bodhi BloodWave Nov 2013 #403

I dont care what you think of me. AtheistCrusader Nov 2013 #408

This reminds me of the OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #315

Sorry, but that's a false premise. Arugula Latte Nov 2013 #355

That poor man. Good work by Francis. Thanks for posting. freshwest Nov 2013 #271

Hearts need healing as well as bodies do. The man has an incurable and painful disease. That said... Hekate Nov 2013 #285

We'll just keep fighting the progressive battles against this conservative organization... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #289

You're quite tedious in your negativity and intolerance. cordelia Nov 2013 #312

I'm intolerant of intolerance and bigotry, yes. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #362

your "reality" seems so negative and cynical BuddhaGirl Nov 2013 #345

The reality where the RCC is a conservative organization that fights against... eqfan592 Nov 2013 #361

LOL BuddhaGirl Nov 2013 #364

So you've never once called out an organization for the messed up things it supports or does? eqfan592 Nov 2013 #376

The vulnerable? Tell it to the raped kids padre. nt Demo_Chris Nov 2013 #287

Regardless of your personal beliefs about theology, it is wonderful to see a Pope, a religious JDPriestly Nov 2013 #292

Where is the picture of the healing? GeorgeGist Nov 2013 #293

Can you photograph that part of a person that compassion can heal? n/t sl8 Nov 2013 #324

I apologize if someone said this before and I missed it OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #303

Well, if someone mentioned that... jberryhill Nov 2013 #334

Oh definitely OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #387

Princess Diana wasn't complacent in the cover-up of pedophilia. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #337

VN, you are not the bad guy but ChazII Nov 2013 #342

I understand there are physical disorders Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #372

It is admirable that you stand for your beliefs. ChazII Nov 2013 #391

I don't remember saying you were the bad guy OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #392

+1. pacalo Nov 2013 #397

I agree OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #404

If the condition were communicable (which I don't think it is in this case), would it be... Silent3 Nov 2013 #360

So what? Isn't that his job? mr blur Nov 2013 #381

Folks the Pope did a good thing. You don't have to agree with him or the church but he did a good hrmjustin Nov 2013 #400

I don't think you'll find anybody here disagreeing with that. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #401

I disagree. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #402

Disagree all you like, but i didn't see anybody saying this wasn't a kind act. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #405

Read posts 2 and 16. read the other posts they posted and their responses. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #407

The posts were clearly cynical, but i didn't see them say it was an unkind act. eqfan592 Nov 2013 #410

A member who posted in this thread has this condition and did an OP last night for hrmjustin Nov 2013 #411

Ok. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #412

The pope kissed a sick man and your posts were very mean about it. WHY? hrmjustin Nov 2013 #413

I explained it 100 times already, to you and others. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #414

You never responded to me. hrmjustin Nov 2013 #415

Hi VN, ChazII Nov 2013 #416

You shared in post 3. Vashta Nerada Nov 2013 #417

i like this popes stance on poverty/general human compassion La Lioness Priyanka Nov 2013 #409