It is obvious that the present Pontiff of the Catholic Church is living in a greater bubble than ever before and certainly more than any of his predecessors.
Take where he lives in the Vatican - on the top floor of the apostolic palace away from the multitudes and high above the city of Rome. It is an aloof residence, far higher than the President of Italy, or France or the Queen of England.
When he walks down the main aisle of the basilica, he is cordoned off by wide barriers, a flock of guards and attendants. It is got worse since a woman jumped the barrier some weeks ago and knocked him down. But whose fault was that? They should have seen her coming as she got up and over the barrier. Any security guard worth his pay would have seen her coming and rushed up and stopped her. Lax guards.
But out in the crowds the pope is cut off.
This is bad for all.
The Founder of the whole firm 2000 years ago walked amongst the people. Even John Paul II did this to a high degree after he was nearly shot dead. But he did it. Force of personality and the present pope, regretably, does not have the force of personality to do this. Archbishop of a diocese for only 5 years, for the past 28 years he has been a Church bureaucrat distanced from the people, living in his own private apartment and having an office to which he walked to every day. Not very pastoral.
No, the sad fact is, the Pope is now cut off from the people more and more. They can't touch him, speak to him, be close to him any more. What a sad fate for the successor of the fisherman Peter and the other apostles who walked freely amongst us.
8 April 2010
4 April 2010
Continual bad judgments in Europe
There have been loads and loads of bad judgments in the world these past few days by very senior people who ought know better in relation to the ongoing scandals within the Catholic Church.
One: The archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said that the Catholic Church had lost 'all credibility' in Ireland. Well, ALL credibility is stretching it. Some bishops, a large number of priests certainly have lost all credibility. But not the good faithful, the good priests and faithful bishops.
Then, the next day he was attacked for this words and has now SAID SORRY.
Didn't he check his words before saying them? What was he thinking when he said them based on one man's views in Ireland as he related them? What a blunder from Williams.
Two: The pope's personal preacher tried to connect the scandal of priests' abuse with the holocaust against the Jews and their persecution down the centuries.
Now he has had to apologise for his comments made in front of the pope on Good Friday. The Vatican 'distanced itself officially' from his words, but too late as he made them in front of the pope, on TV across the globe and in front of many senior cardinals and bishops.
What a blunder of the first order. I am still stunned that a priest is allowed to preach publicly to the pope and the world in such a major ceremony. This practice ought be stopped and this priest, Cantalamessa ought never be allowed such a public face again. Bringing in the Jews to the catholic scandal is just amazing. Why not bring in Mao's persecution of the Chinese of Stalin's persecution of the Russians or the Rwanda genocides or Pol Pot's massive genocide in Cambodia?
Three: the Dean of the college of cardinals, +Sodano, today spoke in front of the pope, on live TV and mentioned the 'petty gossip' that is swirling around the pope. Well, this is not petty gossip. These are serious charges of priests abusing children across many countries. They are not petty, but gross and evil abuse of children. Look at the former late cardinal in Austria who had to resign, the polish bishop who had to resign, the US bishops who had to resign for abusing minors. Possibly up to 200 deaf children abused by one US priest. Is this petty?
The cardinal has made a major judgment blunder and obviously does not get it. Perhaps the whole Roman Curia does not get it and never has.
With stories of gay hookups in the Vatican arranged for payment, and other rumours, it is about time the whole abuse scandal was cleaned up. The ordinary people who believe, the children who look for love and conviction need to feel their faith is not in vain.
Too much misjudgment by people who ought know better. It seems many many clergy do not have good judgment. They make a statement one day and have to apologise the next - think before you speak and do not rush in where angels fear to tread.
Well, that's what I believe.
One: The archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said that the Catholic Church had lost 'all credibility' in Ireland. Well, ALL credibility is stretching it. Some bishops, a large number of priests certainly have lost all credibility. But not the good faithful, the good priests and faithful bishops.
Then, the next day he was attacked for this words and has now SAID SORRY.
Didn't he check his words before saying them? What was he thinking when he said them based on one man's views in Ireland as he related them? What a blunder from Williams.
Two: The pope's personal preacher tried to connect the scandal of priests' abuse with the holocaust against the Jews and their persecution down the centuries.
Now he has had to apologise for his comments made in front of the pope on Good Friday. The Vatican 'distanced itself officially' from his words, but too late as he made them in front of the pope, on TV across the globe and in front of many senior cardinals and bishops.
What a blunder of the first order. I am still stunned that a priest is allowed to preach publicly to the pope and the world in such a major ceremony. This practice ought be stopped and this priest, Cantalamessa ought never be allowed such a public face again. Bringing in the Jews to the catholic scandal is just amazing. Why not bring in Mao's persecution of the Chinese of Stalin's persecution of the Russians or the Rwanda genocides or Pol Pot's massive genocide in Cambodia?
Three: the Dean of the college of cardinals, +Sodano, today spoke in front of the pope, on live TV and mentioned the 'petty gossip' that is swirling around the pope. Well, this is not petty gossip. These are serious charges of priests abusing children across many countries. They are not petty, but gross and evil abuse of children. Look at the former late cardinal in Austria who had to resign, the polish bishop who had to resign, the US bishops who had to resign for abusing minors. Possibly up to 200 deaf children abused by one US priest. Is this petty?
The cardinal has made a major judgment blunder and obviously does not get it. Perhaps the whole Roman Curia does not get it and never has.
With stories of gay hookups in the Vatican arranged for payment, and other rumours, it is about time the whole abuse scandal was cleaned up. The ordinary people who believe, the children who look for love and conviction need to feel their faith is not in vain.
Too much misjudgment by people who ought know better. It seems many many clergy do not have good judgment. They make a statement one day and have to apologise the next - think before you speak and do not rush in where angels fear to tread.
Well, that's what I believe.
2 April 2010
Easter work for atheists?
It's that time of the year when the Christians all (well, some anyway) celebrate the death and resurrection of the Founder of the firm 2000 years ago. It is a holiday period in many countries that often involves people, families rushing to the airport for extended weekend breaks. Better the beach and the casino than the church.
Why the easter season is a vacation I don't know. It's supposed to be a time for celebrating the very crux, the central fact of the Christian tradition and faith. It is not a holiday.
So what does a genuine atheist do at this time? Watch the Christians go to church, eat hot cross buns, play sudoku or go to work? Now, I believe any genuine atheist worth their beliefs and inner conscience ought not be at home or on holidays, rather back at work, in the office and not taking advantage of the holiday break. But how many atheists do go to work? I would say none! Not one will be at work if the office is taking the easter holiday break.
So the atheist hypocrites all smile smugly and just dither with their beliefs, if they have any and probably then resume their attacks on the believers.
Well, that's what I believe and atheists ought get a grip on their own beliefs and be genuine and real and just get back to work now and at Christmas. The Founder of the firm would understand.
Do the atheists have any genuine answer to this question? I think not.
Why the easter season is a vacation I don't know. It's supposed to be a time for celebrating the very crux, the central fact of the Christian tradition and faith. It is not a holiday.
So what does a genuine atheist do at this time? Watch the Christians go to church, eat hot cross buns, play sudoku or go to work? Now, I believe any genuine atheist worth their beliefs and inner conscience ought not be at home or on holidays, rather back at work, in the office and not taking advantage of the holiday break. But how many atheists do go to work? I would say none! Not one will be at work if the office is taking the easter holiday break.
So the atheist hypocrites all smile smugly and just dither with their beliefs, if they have any and probably then resume their attacks on the believers.
Well, that's what I believe and atheists ought get a grip on their own beliefs and be genuine and real and just get back to work now and at Christmas. The Founder of the firm would understand.
Do the atheists have any genuine answer to this question? I think not.
1 April 2010
Kalliderscope and the Big Bang FRAUD
Well the Collidor (?) machine that cost millions in Switzerland seems to be up and running after about 12 months or more of problems.
And look, they have actually had protons or neutrons colliding at amazing speeds.
And why? Because these scientists expect to be able to show that the Big Bang theory is a reality and that the millions they have had spent on them will show how the Universe began.
What rubbish, what a fraud, what an extravagant waste of public monies imposed on the people of Europe.
And has anyone told the scientists that THEIR ORIGINAL PARTICLES THAT SUPPOSEDLY COLLIDED BILLIONS OF YEARS BACK, HAD TO BE CREATED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Where did the original particles come from? Did they just appear from nowhere?
And once again we have this implausible, illogical and totally fatuous theory of ORDER OUT OF CHAOS being put out a la Professor Cox of the UK.
When will there be a stop to this nonsense and when will these crazy scientists come to see that order does not come from chaos. Has anyone ever thrown up a handful of sand and seen a perfectly-formed sand castle be created from such an act? Of course not. Its impossible.
Toss watch pieces in the air and see if they come down in one perfectly formed watch?
This collidor machine is a fraud, a waste of money.
No matter how fast it may be and how often the particles collide, God will not appear and reveal the origins of the universe. Too simple for Him. The God particle will never be found as it is in the very being of God, the unknown, the Ultimate, the Infinite - beyond all of us and yet around us all the time.
No one can recreate the origin of the Universe. It's impossible and a fraudulent endeavour and an immoral waste of money that would have been best used for the world's poor who have not enough for a few particles of food each day.
The Big Bang theory is THE Big Fraud.
That is what I believe. Do you?
And look, they have actually had protons or neutrons colliding at amazing speeds.
And why? Because these scientists expect to be able to show that the Big Bang theory is a reality and that the millions they have had spent on them will show how the Universe began.
What rubbish, what a fraud, what an extravagant waste of public monies imposed on the people of Europe.
And has anyone told the scientists that THEIR ORIGINAL PARTICLES THAT SUPPOSEDLY COLLIDED BILLIONS OF YEARS BACK, HAD TO BE CREATED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Where did the original particles come from? Did they just appear from nowhere?
And once again we have this implausible, illogical and totally fatuous theory of ORDER OUT OF CHAOS being put out a la Professor Cox of the UK.
When will there be a stop to this nonsense and when will these crazy scientists come to see that order does not come from chaos. Has anyone ever thrown up a handful of sand and seen a perfectly-formed sand castle be created from such an act? Of course not. Its impossible.
Toss watch pieces in the air and see if they come down in one perfectly formed watch?
This collidor machine is a fraud, a waste of money.
No matter how fast it may be and how often the particles collide, God will not appear and reveal the origins of the universe. Too simple for Him. The God particle will never be found as it is in the very being of God, the unknown, the Ultimate, the Infinite - beyond all of us and yet around us all the time.
No one can recreate the origin of the Universe. It's impossible and a fraudulent endeavour and an immoral waste of money that would have been best used for the world's poor who have not enough for a few particles of food each day.
The Big Bang theory is THE Big Fraud.
That is what I believe. Do you?
31 March 2010
Obamamania 2010 version
I liked Barack Obama when he was running for President.
I was happy when he won and beat McCann in November 2008.
That seems a long time ago now, but it's not really very long politically.
As of now, I do not like Obama's views on abortion and believe he has been far too focused on Health care in the USA and not on other key issues. Indeed I have often thought him weak and not gutsy enough.
BUT, and it's a big But, I have always believed the man has intelligence, patience, endurance and tenacity. His efforts on health care for another 32 million Americans has now paid off with the passage of the Bill after 14 months hard work, that could well have ended in disaster and possibly made him a one-term president.
BUT, he has now done a deal with the Russian Pres on arms reduction which is a big foreign affairs plus. The White House and Hillary have been working hard.
BUT, he took his time time on Afghanistan and the decision to increase the troops. I did not and do not agree with this war there and the increase in troops, but Obama took time and made a well-considered deicision on troop numbers. Many said he was slow and procrastinating, but he did make a decision after due consideration without a rush.
So, now the man is seen as decisive and possibly turned around his presidency. Certainly he won a major victory on health care and can now focus on other issues. With just under 3 years to the next election he has time on his side to show he is a solid and formidable leader for the US and the world. The man is cool and calm and has shown that.
Bill Clinton was in a mess in 1993 and turned his presidency around and won again in 1996. Obama can do the same, and if its Palin the candidate next time running, I am sure Obama will win. She shreaks, yells, pamapers the right and the tea party, but has no substance and intelligence.
Obama is working well with Hillary and has all to gain by solidifying his presidency. The soothsayers at Fox ought regroup and refocus.
The presidency has gained much by Obama being in the White House and will continue to do so, even if I don't agree with all his aims and beliefs.
I was happy when he won and beat McCann in November 2008.
That seems a long time ago now, but it's not really very long politically.
As of now, I do not like Obama's views on abortion and believe he has been far too focused on Health care in the USA and not on other key issues. Indeed I have often thought him weak and not gutsy enough.
BUT, and it's a big But, I have always believed the man has intelligence, patience, endurance and tenacity. His efforts on health care for another 32 million Americans has now paid off with the passage of the Bill after 14 months hard work, that could well have ended in disaster and possibly made him a one-term president.
BUT, he has now done a deal with the Russian Pres on arms reduction which is a big foreign affairs plus. The White House and Hillary have been working hard.
BUT, he took his time time on Afghanistan and the decision to increase the troops. I did not and do not agree with this war there and the increase in troops, but Obama took time and made a well-considered deicision on troop numbers. Many said he was slow and procrastinating, but he did make a decision after due consideration without a rush.
So, now the man is seen as decisive and possibly turned around his presidency. Certainly he won a major victory on health care and can now focus on other issues. With just under 3 years to the next election he has time on his side to show he is a solid and formidable leader for the US and the world. The man is cool and calm and has shown that.
Bill Clinton was in a mess in 1993 and turned his presidency around and won again in 1996. Obama can do the same, and if its Palin the candidate next time running, I am sure Obama will win. She shreaks, yells, pamapers the right and the tea party, but has no substance and intelligence.
Obama is working well with Hillary and has all to gain by solidifying his presidency. The soothsayers at Fox ought regroup and refocus.
The presidency has gained much by Obama being in the White House and will continue to do so, even if I don't agree with all his aims and beliefs.
Crisis of Judgment for the Church and its Shepherd
These last few days have seen massive attacks on the pope, predominantly from non-Catholics and usually rampant atheists. Neither of whom are members of the Church, so you have to wonder what is the axe they are waving and why.
When a small crowd (under 150) turned up in London at Westminster Cathedral and waved placards there they were the usual rent-a-crowd who could have been at an anti-war rally, pro climate change rally or anti Mugabe rally. Now anti-Mugabe I am all for but what good it does here, well that is questionable. Better to go there to Zimbabwe and face the monster.
But the attacks by these small groups and the NY Times especially, with great virulence against the pope, appear to be all for the moment. Where have these groups been for the past 30 years when they should have been raging against abuse in the Church?
Only a couple of years ago a priest who founded an Order in the Church, the Legionaires, died, and it has been revealed he had mistresses, fathered children and did other amazing things while a priest. Where were the protestors then when they ought have been at the doors of that Order? The man was a monster.
But now the pope is centre stage and not all the facts have come out. But today a key priest in the US scandal has come out with a major statement, showing up the NY Times attack for its lack of diligence and due process. So where are these atheists now?
Virulent Atheists who hate the Church, priests and now the pope, will clamour for anthing that they believe will cut the Church down and get them on the TV and air waves.
Now, the Church needs to reform. Look at history and there have been popes who fathered children, made their relatives cardinals and goodness knows what else. Times have been far worse than now and scandals have been there. The abuse by priests of minors is a monstrous moral disgrace and evil. But to blast the pope for the escapades of so many is crazy and illogical.
Some bishops should have acted quicker and done more to rid their diocese of those men. The vatican ought have called for some bishops resignations faster and ought be doing more now to get rid of many Irish bishops and priests.
But let the facts be seen for what they are.
The Church authorities have much to learn and the Vatican curial officials are far too sheltered and secretive. Most live in a sheltered bubble of cosiness where the real world does not touch them. They are pampered, especially the religious orders who get all their food and bills paid for them and just drift by in comfy lifestyles.
The Church must face the truth and tell the truth and not hide.
But trying to strike down the Shepherd is inaccurate and totally wrong. The atheists and their confreres ought look at themselves before hurling their rocks at the Pope.
When a small crowd (under 150) turned up in London at Westminster Cathedral and waved placards there they were the usual rent-a-crowd who could have been at an anti-war rally, pro climate change rally or anti Mugabe rally. Now anti-Mugabe I am all for but what good it does here, well that is questionable. Better to go there to Zimbabwe and face the monster.
But the attacks by these small groups and the NY Times especially, with great virulence against the pope, appear to be all for the moment. Where have these groups been for the past 30 years when they should have been raging against abuse in the Church?
Only a couple of years ago a priest who founded an Order in the Church, the Legionaires, died, and it has been revealed he had mistresses, fathered children and did other amazing things while a priest. Where were the protestors then when they ought have been at the doors of that Order? The man was a monster.
But now the pope is centre stage and not all the facts have come out. But today a key priest in the US scandal has come out with a major statement, showing up the NY Times attack for its lack of diligence and due process. So where are these atheists now?
Virulent Atheists who hate the Church, priests and now the pope, will clamour for anthing that they believe will cut the Church down and get them on the TV and air waves.
Now, the Church needs to reform. Look at history and there have been popes who fathered children, made their relatives cardinals and goodness knows what else. Times have been far worse than now and scandals have been there. The abuse by priests of minors is a monstrous moral disgrace and evil. But to blast the pope for the escapades of so many is crazy and illogical.
Some bishops should have acted quicker and done more to rid their diocese of those men. The vatican ought have called for some bishops resignations faster and ought be doing more now to get rid of many Irish bishops and priests.
But let the facts be seen for what they are.
The Church authorities have much to learn and the Vatican curial officials are far too sheltered and secretive. Most live in a sheltered bubble of cosiness where the real world does not touch them. They are pampered, especially the religious orders who get all their food and bills paid for them and just drift by in comfy lifestyles.
The Church must face the truth and tell the truth and not hide.
But trying to strike down the Shepherd is inaccurate and totally wrong. The atheists and their confreres ought look at themselves before hurling their rocks at the Pope.
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