So this Pope isn't a bigoted, heartless, homophobic, child-abuse enabler? So what?

[jeff47]

15. No, I said nothing about what it accomplishes.

I never said there was no point. Apparently you think posts on DU are worthless.

That's what I mean about keeping enemies closer.

You're free to use the phrase wrong. But pushing your enemies is not a way to bring them close.

The concept behind the quote is to study your opponents so that 1) They can not double-cross you, and 2) you can double-cross them.

Speaking against them is not keeping them close.

So while you're claiming I'm contradicting myself

Nope, I'm pointing out you are misusing the quote.

while then saying yourself that religion isn't necessary but really it is

Nope, it isn't necessary. But people who listen to the pope - shockingly enough - listen to the pope. Doesn't mean we all have to, nor that they have to on every single subject.

The good for us is using this as a lever to break apart the hegemony that thwarts the social issues you support. If you feel too icky using it for that gain, so be it. But others of us are going to use whatever levers we can find.