One of my greatest heroes. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sfloriII · #1 10-16-2003, 10:53 PM

I't hard not to look up to someone like the pope, though I know he has his enemies.

The pope celebrated his 25th anniversary today. He is the third longest tenure at pope in history. Frail as he is, he continues to work tirelessly to bring peace to the world.

Here's an article by the AP that appeared today in the Washington Times:

Pope Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Snibble · #2 10-16-2003, 11:57 PM

I agree with ya... Jan Pawel II is my idol. I get so mad hearing people wanting him to step down... and others blaming him for some sex scandal. People need to realize what he has done during his term as a Pope.

BTW.. did you hear that he has traveled over 700,000 miles during his time as a Pope? I wonder how many of those miles were in a Mercedes

sfloriII · #3 10-17-2003, 12:00 AM

I wonder if that little vehicle actually IS a Mercedes?

If you've ever read any of his life history, it's incredible! He lived an incredible life even before he gave it to the religious life. We sure have it easy over here!

kerry · #4 10-17-2003, 12:40 AM

He has certainly moved the Catholic church to the right theologically beginning with the early days of his papacy. So, while I would not call them enemies, it's easy to see why liberal catholics would not be happy with his papacy.

sfloriII · #5 10-17-2003, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kerry edwards
He has certainly moved the Catholic church to the right theologically beginning with the early days of his papacy. So, while I would not call them enemies, it's easy to see why liberal catholics would not be happy with his papacy.

I agree. I wasn't referring to liberal Catholics, but they certainly aren't happy with his tradtional stance on a lot of the Church's teachings. I, for one, am.

#6 10-17-2003, 09:48 AM

(he was a skier, and scholar interested in secular areas). The first pontiff in modern times who seemed at some level also to be a "personality."

#7 10-17-2003, 11:51 AM

Think "popemobile" IS a Mercedes, and that a 600 was also part of the vatican mews.

Other motor vehicles have included a '49 Cadillac 75 limousine, and an American car of the '30s which had a vogue in Italy, the Graham-Paige. Among the artworks of Vatican City are numerous coaches, autos, and other vehicles going back centuries.

#8 10-17-2003, 12:16 PM

.

sfloriII · #9 10-17-2003, 01:48 PM

I think if you did read some of the history of John Paul's life, you'd see a life of a man who has accomplished an incredible amount of good. You'd also see a man who is, above all, a humble man. He considers himself a man of the people, which is one reason why he is the most traveled pope in history. He also forgave the man who tried to kill him years ago. How many of us could have done a thing as humble as that?

rickg · #10 10-17-2003, 03:35 PM

Yes, an admirable man in many ways. I do have to agree with brain dump a little tho. I can't buy the position he holds, but I do admire what he has stood for. I saw a documentary on his life a while back, and he has been through alot, and came out a good man.

sfloriII · #11 10-17-2003, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brain_DUMP
Thanks for clarifying. No I don't find it difficult. I simply don't lump those figures in with the Trinity. As far as the pope, queen or A.S, I don't think they are any higher on any pedestal than your or I in any form of grace. That statement is borderline in itself I know, for who am I to judge. I am barely worthy myself at absolute best. I make mistakes all the time. I am simply saying I don't think God is a respector of figure-heads. Okay, getting deep. I'll exit here.

I agree with all of this as well.

The fact that the pope is human and can sin as well as the next guy is forgotten by many. History has shown this all too well, unfortunate as that is. So they hold him to some inhuman standard and when he fails, they make the assumption that the Church must be evil.

The truth of the Church and the sins of its members are too different things. But it's just more proof of how much a person't expamle, good or bad, can make an impact on others' perceptions.

I didn't think this thread was going to get too deep, but that's half the reason why we're here, right?

#12 10-19-2003, 01:09 PM

you'll also find in surviving european royal courts...believe Episcopal bishops and RC sub-pope higher ups also get the ring kiss. Not something I'd lose sleep over...doubt most folks will find themselves in a kiss-or-not-kiss position.

kerry · #13 10-19-2003, 01:17 PM

It strikes me that the issue is not so much the personality of any particular pope, but whether or not such a hierarchical authoritarian institution is at all compatible with the democratic values of the modern world.

#14 10-19-2003, 01:42 PM

that it's far from homogenous.

The best example is the recent emergence of 14th century Moslem culture as a formidible force in the 21st century world.

kerry · #15 10-19-2003, 01:51 PM

One feature of Islamic culture that gives it a leg up in the modern world, is that it lacks a hierarchical authoritarian institution like the Catholic church. Similar features of Pentecostalism might partially account for its growth in Catholic strongholds like South America.

I'll grant the modern world is not homgenous but there is no general trend in the direction of authoritarianism.

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