Benedict Defends Francis

Ethika Politika ^ | December 16, 2013 | Andrew Haines

[wmap]

Behind [the thirst for power and possessions] lurks a rejection of ethics and a rejection of God. Ethics has come to be viewed with a certain scornful derision. It is seen as counterproductive, too human, because it makes money and power relative. It is felt to be a threat, since it condemns the manipulation and debasement of the person

[wmap]

The Church should not enter into dialogue here as a mere component in the economy, but rather in its own right as Church.

[Arthur McGowan]

All this post demonstrates is that Benedict has a vastly higher-quality mind and vastly more ability to communicate.

I’m bored with Francis and his exhibitionism and malapropisms. With this post, I am ceasing to pay attention to him or comment on him.

To the best of my ability.

[Salvation]

So are you the Pope now, telling the Church what to do or what not to do? LOL!

[M-cubed]

BINGO!!!!!

...but when the church is wrong...We all have to dig a lil deeper...for ourselves...not for the church...........

[Salvation]

Already posted.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3102669/posts

[melsec]

A good read and some of the blog posters have some quite good things to say as well.

Mel

[dangus]

Two points:

1. Pope Benedict is correcting, not defending Pope Francis’ apparent endorsement of statism;

2. Nothing in the context of Benedict’s statement alludes to Pope Francis or his exhortation.

[Girlene]

Interesting article. I didn’t read this as a defense of Pope Francis’ statements (which it literally was not, BTW, since it was written in 1985). Based on what little I’ve read of both, I’d say Benedict comes across as much clearer and reveals a deeper understanding of this subject.

[RobbyS]

Benedict is a first rate theologian, which is rare among popes. We have to go back to Leo XIII to find his peer as a thinker. IAC, the differences in the two men have to be taken into account. Not only is Benedict a shy person,but he early only in John Paul’s reign became a thorn in the side of liberal Catholics and was demonized by them. When he become pope, they did everything possible to cloud his reputation. Never mind that Benedict did fine in his first Youth Day, was very well received, despite the efforts of the press to say otherwise. The Regensburg Speech was quickly made what it was because the Vatican press office did not get the word out before it was delivered. So what was basically a comment about European secularism was made into an attack on Islam. In the United States, one could almost hear the grinding of teeth when Benedict was fetted by George Bush at the White House. Now I will wait and see how “liberal” Francis turns out to be. I do not defend him here. For, after all, we have had plenty of “losers,” on the throne of St, Peter. Just trust in God that the sink will not sink no matter even if a Borgia in on the throne.

[Girlene]

Thanks for your insight.

[namvolunteer]

Like so many other things now, if you like your Pope, you can keep your Pope.
Pope Benedict VI is definitely one the top two dozen intellectuals in Catholic history.

[RobbyS]

Mostly impression. Benedict was physically not near as energetic as Francis is, even though he was the same age that Francis is now where he become pope. Physically, and temperamentally I think, his brother was more fit for the role. But that intellect! He is a great teacher.

[CTrent1564]

RobbyS:

I agree, Pope Benedict could someday be given the title of Doctor of the Church for his theological work. I am 47 years old so for me Pope John Paul II, Benedict and now Francis are the 3 Popes most that I have more memory of. Did not think much about Pope Paul VI when he was Pope.

For me, Pope Francis would be better off just preaching by his actions and deeds and working with people. He is not an effective writer like Benedict or verbal communicator like Pope John Paul II. Find a excellent theologian(s) and staff them at the CDF and let them do most of the heavy writing. I think that would serve Pope Francis well.

[RobbyS]

Dittos!