>>I don't think the faithful *should* be blindly following what the Pope says.
And what makes you so wise to say so? What credentials concerning the faith do you have? And on what authority do you make such a statement?
How many years of theology have you studied? How much have you written which has been reviewed by the Bishops??
>>Nevertheless, I wouldn't assume that everyone wanted my opinion on what they should think.
aha, but you already assumed that already by proclaiming "I don't think the faithful *should* be blindly following what the Pope says". You already gave your opinion on how people should think.
You basically told everybody how they should think, something you deny that the pope should do.
So do they blindly follow you or the pope?
>>What makes the Pope's opinion more important than anyone else's
Credentials. Experience. Education. Position. Guidance of the Spirit. Faith. Visible leader of the Church. Advice of the Episcopate. Intelligence. Theological Education. Experience with the Congregation for the Doctrine & Faith. Relationship with Christ. Input of theologians world wide...
Need any more reasons why his opinions are more important than anyone else??
>>doesn't necessarily make someone any more equipped to tell others what to think.
See above.
>>The whole position of Pope can be summed up with two words: sheep herder.
Maybe to you, but those who listen to this "sheep herder" may not know the exact reason why behind the beliefs, but could easily find the answers.
Not knowing the intricate details doesn't mean the sheep are wrong. And watch out, because the resources of the Church are availble to the sheep, and many of them could wipe the floor with you in a debate on the positions of the Papacy...
Greetings all...I find it unbelievable that there are 800+ posts for something like this...Any thing on this planet could end up being used or viewed as contrary to God and a potential a distraction to faith...money, the occult, food and so on and so on and so on...we're surrounded by temptation, tests etc.....the goal is to focus on Christ and leave the rest behind...now all of you please get some rest and read the scriptures...