Is Papal politicking problematic ? I read this article. I don't agree with it. You?

2015-09-28T12:12:34-04:00

Of the hypocrisy that is an integral part of progressive ideology, perhaps the most annoying aspect is the “do as I say, not as I do” variety of self-righteous puffery. Thus, a former vice president grown rich lecturing the rest of us about our carbon footprint often flies on private jets, rides around in Lincoln Town Cars and has a house that consumes 20 times the national average of electricity usage. The leading Democrat Party presidential candidate maintains a socialist/populist pose of railing against the rich, even as Wall Street yearns for her to win the Oval Office and she rakes in speaking fees of as much as $325,000. Unfortunately, Pope Francis, who has chosen to thrust himself into some very un-pope-like parts of the political arena, must be taken to task for the same affliction, specifically for his take on immigration.

While Francis apologized for “pleading my own case,” he nonetheless exhorted Catholic bishops in the United States to embrace the massive influx of Hispanics into America during an address last Wednesday at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral. “Perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity,” he said. “But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them.”

When he addressed a joint session of Congress on Thursday, he offered a similar take, further implying America has a unique responsibility in that regard. “On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life,” he said. “Is this not what we want for our own children?” One sentence later his agenda became far more transparent: “We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation.”

http://patriotpost.us/articles/37887

Problematic Papal Politicking

Francis' apparent hypocrisy on immigration is worrisome.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-09-28T12:18:59-04:00

The problem is that the Pope was given a stage in secular politics. I actually very much admire the current Pope, but there is no place for this. As others have mentioned if you do this, you have to allow any religious leaders the same opportunity (which we won't).

Finally, his views are ones to progress his (the Christian, and specifically Catholic) faith, not the US as a nation. While often these coincide, they do not always, and sometimes significantly counter.

Again I have nothing against him, but he should not be a part of secular politics at all, specifically in a nation across the world from the Vatican.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 28 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-09-28T12:28:12-04:00

I avoid religious discussions. I am Catholic I left the church because of all the molestation issues

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Sep 28 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-09-28T12:31:53-04:00

There's a lot of irony in this backlash, in my view. The conservative right is usually very outspoken in their support of Christianity's assimilation into the political theater, unless of course, as with this instance, it opposes the ideas professed by their base.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-09-28T12:34:53-04:00

Well ... too bad he is also a head of a "state" too ...

I disagree with him on many many issues, did I said many? so whatever come out of my "typing" is absolutely bias against him. so no point typing them then. lol

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 28 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-09-28T13:27:51-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member - I am reluctant to get involved in religious discussions. Having said that, I think it is OK for the Pope to talk in general terms about helping those who need help, but he should stay away from expressing his opinion about what specific countries should or should not do. He needs to keep it at a level above politics.

I, like others, don't see the Vatican taking in refugees.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-09-28T13:36:24-04:00

He is an embarrassment to the Catholic Church and that can be hard to achieve.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Sep 28 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-09-28T14:12:33-04:00

I think the whole conversation is proof that much of Evangelical America is using politics to inform their theology rather than vice versa. I don't hear anyone shouting at Franklin Graham, James Dobson or Albert Moehler to shut the hell up and stay in their lane.

Response by PO2 Lester Sullivan made Sep 28 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-09-28T15:25:21-04:00

Part of liberal AGENDA. Don't worry about security, turn in your guns, NWO will take care of everything!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 28 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-09-28T17:01:27-04:00

Pope Francis is the most openly leftist cleric to ever occupy that office. He has an agenda and he's determined to shove it down our throats regardless of our religious affiliation. And, he does so with the supreme confidence of supreme moral authority. Sorry, I don't subscribe. For the inheritor of an ecclesiastic heritage that propped up the most tyrannical rulers in European history, who used their religion to expand their tyrannical empire throughout the world, I find his remarks disingenuous. To lecture America, the bastion of liberty on our responsibilities to extend the blessings of liberty is an insult, especially when he sits at the head of a hierarchy that permits no freedom of religious thought (just ask any practicing Catholic who avows a belief contrary to the teachings of Mother Church).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-09-28T18:19:25-04:00

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 29 at 2015 3:18 AM

2015-09-29T03:18:09-04:00

Popes have always been Political. They are the head of the Largest Denomination of Christians. From Benedict his Predecessor on the Right to Frances on the Left. Some were absolute Saints and some were Absolute Sinners. I find it interesting that Frances gets hammered for pretty much preaching the same thing that Christ did. I kind of like watching him make Catholic Politicians squirm that Embrace the Church's teachings on Abortion and Homosexuality but Ignore 90% of the rest of the Church's teachings since they revolve around "Social Justice".

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 1 at 2015 2:23 AM

2015-10-01T02:23:57-04:00

I've always had a problem with the Pope and all other religious leaders who address Congress. The reason? Separation of Church and State!