terrshee's Diaryland Diary

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Pope-related Thoughts

Since the television keeps hammering on the new Pope, I can't help thinking about it. When I consider the minority expressing disappointment that a more liberal non-European was not selected, I also have to consider the irony. The Roman Catholic church as gotten exactly what it needs if it is to preserve its orthodoxy and identity. Liberalization of the church would essentially create another Protestant form of Christianity; do RC's really want that?

I have no love of the RC church other than a certain historical admiration which has nothing to do with its religious role, and a small lingering appreciation of its pageantry. But I have to respect Benedict XVI for his remarks that if the church must be smaller in order to maintain its purity, then so be it. There is some truth in the observation that if you try to play pick-and-choose with adherence to your church's practices, you aren't being a very good church member. It is a rare person whose chosen religion perfectly matches their personal beliefs. You're dealing with a big gap for a lot of Americans when it comes to issues like divorce and the role of women in the clergy.

In any case, I think most forms of Christianity are pretty bogus. Not in the acceptance of Christ as a personal saviour so much as in trying to come up with rigid rules and dogma that contradict what is apparent in the world around us. Being a Christian does not convey wisdom or holiness, although apparently it does often endow one with smugness and a sense of superiority.

I don't believe in the perfectability of people; I do believe that it isn't a bad thing to accept a higher spiritual power in an effort to live a decent life that respects and supports those around us. I can't stand the righteousness and narrowmindedness in most religious practice. We are creatures with brains and we should use them. This doesn't preclude faith. I could wish it would preclude stupidity.

10:37 a.m. - 2005-04-20
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