Observations by a former catholic

[po18guy]

The standard criticism of Benedict, which seemed to be implied in your earlier comment about Pope Francis, is that he was arrogant, “regal,” out of touch, concerned with power and pomp. And then he steps down, showing that he isn’t arrogant and is not concerned to hold on to power, and you say you can’t respect him as a result?

The poor guy can’t win for losing.

The only thing I don’t like about Pope Francis (which isn’t his fault) is that people keep comparing him to his predecessor like this!

Edwin

Well said. Although none of the Popes would invite the comparison but rather, be humbled by it, Jesus was also considered arrogant and rebellious; too forgiving as well as unforgiving; not judgmental as well as too judgmental. In my view, God does not define the chair of Peter by each individual who occupies that seat, but rather as a living office and as a composite of all who have occupied it. If you take in sum John Paul II’s profound spirit, Benedict XVI’s great intellect and Francis’ wonderful heart, you have a pretty good picture of the completeness of the human person. And, even though we may take notice only of the individual currently in the office, God sees that each element is put in place in its proper time.

 

[TheLastWord]

For the sake of full disclosure, I am a skeptic–at least, on the principle doctrines on the church–

by that I mean I simply cannot intellectually accept such propositions as virgin birth, resurrection, the “real presence”, as anything corresponding to reality.

 

[TheLastWord]

What, that nobody’s perfect? Not sure we needed anyone to point that out.

Obviously several in this thread seem to be questioning his merit.

 

[Boy_Wonder]

For the sake of full disclosure, I am a skeptic–at least, on the principle doctrines on the church–by that I mean I simply cannot intellectually accept such propositions as virgin birth, resurrection, the “real presence”, as anything corresponding to reality. However, even though a skeptic, I was raised RC, and on many social issues I fully endorse traditional RC views. I suppose on one level I am an atheist. At least I don’t accept the notion of a personal God as anything plausible. Although, certainly, I would accept that the cosmos is in a sense “rational” and that the state of “being” is in and of itself evidence of some ultimate and primary principle—perhaps someday discoverable thru science.

Now for my observation:

I feel compelled to remark in this forum how incredibly impressed I am with the new Pope. Here is a man who truly “walks the walk”. I just read that he actually goes out at night surreptitiously to be with the poor. This is a man no one can fail to admire. Three cheers for my former faith. If everyone behaved with similar mindset, the problems on this planet would soon be over.

Francis truly “walks the walk”. I just love this holy father. (I loved his recent predecessors as well, but this one is growing on me rapidly and profoundly. I think he will have a tremendous influence on piety and faith in the upcoming decades.

That said, please reconsider what you wrote in the first paragraph. I commend your honesty and intelligence and would like to suggest a simple experiment. Every morning as soon as you roll out of bed and each night right before you get back into bed, kneel beside the bed and ask God for help in the morning and thank him every evening. Tell God that you’re not sure you believe and ask him for the willingness and grace to come to know him and to see some of the many things he does for you as coming from him. Do this for 6 months, then come back and post about any change that has come to your life.

God LOVES you and wants you to have a relationship with him. Try this experiment and see how God reacts. Keep an open mind but more importantly an open heart.

 

[Sparklz]

Yes, Pope Francis conveys the heart of the Gospel message. This witness does not detract from teachings of the Church or of previous Popes. I believe we are seeing a model of putting the Gospel into action by Pope Francis.