Could JPII Be Too Forgiving?
Pope Asks God to Show Mercy on Sept. 11 Attackers
I am having some serious problems with these comments from the Pope.
<< ...but asked for prayers that God would show mercy and forgiveness for the attackers. >>
How does that work, exactly? Once you are dead, I didn't think we get a second chance to repent. That is certainly my understanding of biblical teachings. I am not aware of any Roman Catholic doctrine that allows for that either. What am I missing? If there is one, perhaps someone could point it out to me? But there's more.
<< Violence can only lead to further hatred and destruction. >>
The last time I checked, this was not a true statement. The moral use of violence has sometimes lead to much less hatred and destruction. I find this utterance very disappointing coming from a man I have enormous respect for in general. His steadfast dedication to the sanctity of human life, for instance, is inspiring.
And just so no one gets the idea that I'm totally trashing the pontiff. I thought these final comments were right on the money:
<< One year after September 11, 2001, we repeat that no situation of injustice, no feeling of frustration, no philosophy or religion can justify such an aberration.
On this very sad anniversary, we raise to God our prayer so that love may be able to take the place of hate, and, with the help of all people of good will, that concord and solidarity may take root in every corner of the earth. >>
ain't touchin this one with a 5 foot Pole
=P
Not a problem... I just had to get it off my chest! When I can't find anyone else to tell, the old BugLOG will do just fine.
am I to take your lack of humor in the Pole reference as a whistful wish for engaging conversation on said subject, or complete and utter missing of said reference.
whatever the case, I sympathize and offer the following:
=P~~
You know, that's really funny because I just reread your post and noticed the 5 part. I guess I was just going to miss that one but now that you mention it... engage me in some conversation on said subject.
P.S. I can be really dense sometimes because I don't even understand =p~~. That's pretty sad, huh?
uh, ummm, I'm not the biggest fan of Catholicism so I normally prefer to keep me mouth shut where they are concerned, the apostacy of this denomination as a whole is frightening, the policy/dogma/theology are downright flaky in spots. On the flip side, I know some Catholic people that are devout lovers of Jesus Christ, son of the living God and put their faith in him for salvation so you see, I'm a little timid to speak out here.
I normally try to focus on similarities, common bonds between denominations as opposed to differences, preferring to build than to destroy you know.
All that said I guess I could comment on the actual quotes you posted?
The first is just silly, I'll dismiss it almost entirely. I have indeed prayed for people after the fact, when I wasn't aware of an outcome though. Someone that dies in an act of killing thousands in a boosted commercial jet in the name of Allah tho, I've never gone quite that far :\
As for violence leading to further hate and destruction? Very hard subject for me and I'd love to hear more from you on the matter. I long for a leader that would stand up and say "God told me last night that we should march into Bagdhad with our choir in front, circle the building singing praises to God" and we could know he wasn't lying or on crack. That's the kind of war I would have utmost confidence in fighting. These days I'm very suspicious of motives, media, and even the very 'facts' of the situations.
It's a crazy world we're livin in, dunno that I want to keep up with it all, or if I could if I tried. I have my hands full taking care of my family and community right here.
I talked with a Catholic friend about this same thing once and she said that, yes, Catholics do pray for the souls of people who have died. Since Catholics believe in Purgatory my understanding is that they believe your fate is "undecided" until after you go to Purgatory?? Correct me if I am way off--anyone---please!!
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