Posted on 06/14/2013 6:42:52 AM PDT by marshmallow
The secret of success that has brought Pope Francis into good graces with evangelicals.
Last Friday morning, the newly elected pope met with Jesuit students of all ages. In a brief Q&A session, a little girl asked Francis if he wanted to be the pope. He made a few jokes before getting serious and flatly saying, “I didn’t want to be pope.”
Ever since his election, Pope Francis has taken a series of actions that seem to be very, well, un-popelike: He used public transportation as a cardinal, he lives in smaller quarters than he could and he asked for a blessing before giving a blessing to the crowd which gathered in St. Peter’s square on the day of his election.
What is stranger than Pope Francis’ actions has been evangelicals’ reactions. Never before has a pope become so widely accepted by Protestants and evangelicals. In a recent Op-Ed for Christianity Today, Timothy George called the new pope, “Our Francis, Too.”
The pope is popular with evangelicals not because he’s doing what they already do, but rather because he is doing what they are not doing but wish to begin doing.
As you look at the stories surrounding the new pope, it’s very difficult to dislike him. Through his actions and his profound, visible humility, Pope Francis has demonstrated a Christ-like character, not only Christ-like rhetoric. And this has brought him respect across the spectrum of Christianity.
(Excerpt) Read more at relevantmagazine.com ...
The secret of success that has brought Pope Francis into good graces with evangelicals.
I think the Unitarian church members really like him, though.
I would like to posit my own view. I think evangelicals particularly value people who act out of their convictions - out of their faith and are able to convey, in a personal way, how it works, what God has done for them and how they should respond because of it. This Pope is particularly good at that. His faith seems enlivened by knowing Christ not muted by being “religious”.
God is a continuing revelation of goodness, mercy and wonder - He seems to get this and it is thoroughly seen in his response - love for others.
As to the author thinking that they admire what that don’t do - (”because he is doing what they are not doing but wish to begin doing”) - well what a weighty judgement that is to pass on millions of unknown brethren.
I don’t see that this pope is any more popular with evangelicals than the last two. And “Christianity Today” is last place you’d go to pick up on the pulse of evangelical opinion.
You just keep telling yourself that, if it helps you sleep better at night.
Nuff said.
I have not studied this guy but there dos seem to be a theme developing out there. Does he seem to be doubting capitalism and free enterprise? If so, he is leading people astray. Capitalism and free enterprise have alleviated poverty, not the other way around. A background as a Catholic priest in Argentina may not be a very good frame of reference to gain insights from.
egangical = evangelical.
Sorry. ;-)
I have not studied this guy but there dos seem to be a theme developing out there.
The pope is for catholics, just as the head of any religious organization is leader of that particular organization. The only difference is that the pope’s religion gives him a unique divine authority that Christianity rejects.
Always appreciate your balanced, sane insights......:-)
Although technically not a babyboomer, Francis is the first of his kind to reach the top level of the church hierarchy.
He is the embodiment of the "Spirit of 60s" Vatican 2 religiosity.
For now, and perhaps the next 1-2 popes are going to be just like like him.
This is the hour that the "Church of Nice" reaches its pinnacle
The person who wrote this is completely DELUDED.
Have you read what he actually said or do you take things through a DLEMM filter?
My theory is that it has something to do with the secret sauce in Catholicism!
Have you read what he actually said or do you take things through a DLEMM filter?
**“Our Francis, Too.”**
What do the evangelicals here on FR say?
AAC, you forgot that cuban leaf both speaks Italian fluently and has absolutely no agenda.
What sort of things has he said that makes evangelicals think he’s off the reservation?
-— this guy has made so many quantifiably whacky statements in such a short time ——
Just make sure that you’re judging the stuff between quotation marks, and not the paraphrasing.
For some reason, Protestants, who are generally skeptical of the media, become very credulous regarding media reports of papal statements.
“I don’t see that this pope is any more popular with evangelicals than the last two”
John Paul I was only pope for one month. Not enough time to be popular.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.