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RELIGION

How Benedict XVI Will Make History

The master teacher who follows John Paul is a moral leader who's begun an unprecedented conversation with Islam.

By George Weigel | NEWSWEEK
Apr 21, 2008 Issue

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  • Posted By: chinese tibet @ 04/26/2008 10:36:25 AM

    Comment: Oppose France, England, Germany, Japan ,USA???
    Oppose CNN is not actual report to China!
    CNN's Jack Cafferty is a ignorant garbage???

    Sustain the Beijing Olympics!
    Tibet is inviolable territory in China from time immemorial, China never relinquished control of Tibet.
    Dalai Lama is Chinese splittist.

    France, Germany, England, Japan, American people does not understand reality of Tibet!
    Occidental news is inauthenticity for China.
    China is amity, but China is unconquerable come from threaten for fremdness !

    Please see the following Web address in the concerning the photo that true of China Tibet:

    http://blog.ifeng.com/706796.html

  • Posted By: chinese tibet @ 04/26/2008 10:36:12 AM

    Comment: Oppose France, England, Germany, Japan ,USA???
    Oppose CNN is not actual report to China!
    CNN's Jack Cafferty is a ignorant garbage???

    Sustain the Beijing Olympics!
    Tibet is inviolable territory in China from time immemorial, China never relinquished control of Tibet.
    Dalai Lama is Chinese splittist.

    France, Germany, England, Japan, American people does not understand reality of Tibet!
    Occidental news is inauthenticity for China.
    China is amity, but China is unconquerable come from threaten for fremdness !

    Please see the following Web address in the concerning the photo that true of China Tibet:

    http://blog.ifeng.com/706796.html

  • Posted By: chinese tibet @ 04/26/2008 10:36:03 AM

    Comment: Oppose France, England, Germany, Japan ,USA???
    Oppose CNN is not actual report to China!
    CNN's Jack Cafferty is a ignorant garbage???

    Sustain the Beijing Olympics!
    Tibet is inviolable territory in China from time immemorial, China never relinquished control of Tibet.
    Dalai Lama is Chinese splittist.

    France, Germany, England, Japan, American people does not understand reality of Tibet!
    Occidental news is inauthenticity for China.
    China is amity, but China is unconquerable come from threaten for fremdness !

    Please see the following Web address in the concerning the photo that true of China Tibet:

    http://blog.ifeng.com/706796.html

  • Posted By: ellegra @ 04/20/2008 1:15:22 AM

    Comment: Why is the Pope called father and priests also, when Jesus said to call no man father on the earth (which was not reffering to the father in your family, but from a religious standpoint?
    Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

  • Posted By: Aykee @ 04/18/2008 2:45:42 PM

    Comment: Your western imperialistic world has with the religious leader Pope and with the political leader Bush just the right people, you deserve. And no trace of conscience.

  • Posted By: Aykee @ 04/18/2008 2:43:34 PM

    Comment: Your western imperialistic world has with the religious leader Pope and with the political leader Bush the right people, you deserve. And no trace of conscience.

  • Posted By: Aykee @ 04/18/2008 2:43:27 PM

    Comment: Your western imperialistic world has with the religious leader Pope and with the political leader Bush the right people, you deserve. And no trace of conscience.

  • Posted By: Aykee @ 04/18/2008 2:43:19 PM

    Comment: Your western imperialistic world has with the religious leader Pope and with the political leader Bush the right people, you deserve. And no trace of conscience.

  • Posted By: Aykee @ 04/18/2008 2:03:16 PM

    Comment: Did Pope say anything about the killing of 1,5 million moslems in Iraq? or the drama in the Concentration Camp Gaza ?

  • Posted By: Domonic @ 04/18/2008 1:59:11 PM

    Comment: I believe all these bishops that moved pediphile preist from parish to parish ought to be excomunicated from the Catholic church,and arrested and put on trail as anyotherperson who would commit child molestation.Iam ashamed and horrified thatthe Catholic church hascovered this up for a long time and not done anything about it.These preist who did commit child molestions should be arrest and tried as anyone who broke the law-these preist are not above the law of the land or God's law.why is the Catholic church so slow in trying to resolve this? this much I do know one day they will have to answer to the ALmighty God and there God will expose thier hypocritsy of what they did down through history(i.einquistion,priest raping alter boys and girls,and much much more)I think they should look at thier system and take care of thier flock more carefully and willingly.The Catholic church all over the world should clean thier homes up before they convert anyone to thier religion-wake up and join the 21st century-the Catholic church is out of touch in this world. The way I believe is this the Catholic church should have to answer for the molestation of boys and girls-not by the man made laws of the Catholic church but by the real laws we all have to live by in the real world-what gives them the right to be immuned from being arrested?As far as I am concerned all preist and bishops in the Catholic church and all systems of the Catholic church is "wolves in sheep's clothing"

  • Posted By: gronamox @ 04/18/2008 9:15:29 AM

    Comment: weigel is a legitimate moron. He has the papers to prove it. This moral leader learned his abc's from the Gestapo as a member of the Hitler Youth. His brilliant career sent him into the back toilets of the Vatican to write and not be seen or speak. Now he is front and center.How many bodies were strewn on the Vatican floor when he got elected Pope. Thank god he wears Prada-no more of that crap the other Pope's wore. Oh yes, and just like the Nazi's he blamed the child molestation epidemic on Homosexual Priests. What a stupid bastard.

  • Posted By: Press Release @ 04/17/2008 7:25:40 PM

    Comment: I am thankful that the Pope ENDORSED OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT, for the hope of this country. That endorsement was a signal to our troubled nation and an answer to heal our nation. As a Roman Catholic I am voting for Obama. I believe Hillary supporters are bitter, and they are angry because the Pope did not bless Hillary but has given his blessing to Obama. CATHOLICS FOR OBAMA 08

  • Posted By: yankee_belle @ 04/17/2008 1:58:49 PM

    Comment: The lack of understanding, love, patience and tolerance shows just how necessary the Pope's message is. The world is showing that Christ's teachings and appeals to the better nature of mankind are as relevant today as they ever have been.

  • Posted By: yankee_belle @ 04/17/2008 1:58:36 PM

    Comment: The lack of understanding, love, patience and tolerance shows just how necessary the Pope's message is. The world is showing that Christ's teachings and appeals to the better nature of mankind are as relevant today as they ever have been.

  • Posted By: jpiiweloveu @ 04/17/2008 8:57:57 AM

    Comment: The depth and extent of ignorance is what comment sections like this reveals most. Sad, I think, because Mr. Weigel's article raises so many intelligent, worthy points worth discussing.

    1. We see comments about pedophilia, even though of the 4% of Catholic priests who have abused minors, the majority of abuse was directed at adoloscent aged children, by definition NOT pedohilia. Moreover, 80% of the abuse was directed at boys.

    2. There is absolutely no evidence that Cardinal Ratzinger, in his capacity as head of the CDF, somehow was complicit in the actions taken by some of the American bishops. Yet, that assertion is repeated as some sort of universal truth. If that's the case, please point us to the evidence.

    3. Then we see your typical comments from Protestent fundamentalists who are taught animosity toward the Catholic Church. They have nothing constructive to say, reduced to repeating the same tired mantra ad nauseum.

    4. We also see the American educational system rear its ugly head. So many apparent experts on the history of the papacy and, of course, the crusades (did anyone mention Galileo yet?--I didn't get a chance to review EVERY comment). Please refrain from such statements, for all they reveal is that you know nothing, and that you simply take what little you do know from Comedy Central and HBO.

    So is this the type of discussion Newsweek intends to provoke? Mere polemic, bigotry and ignorance toward Catholics, toward the Catholic Church, and toward her priests? That aside, why do we suppose that whenever the Holy Father says or does something that captures media attention, such polemic, bigotry, and ignorance always surface? Could it be because, as the holder of the world's oldest institutional office, people do look to him as a moral authority? People do care what he has to say. And what he has to say counters the self-obsessed, selfish ways so prevalent in the modern world. No doubt, people don't want to be reminded of how they're living. And when they are so reminded, hatred results because the words of truth force them to confront that living. Thanks to those who have commented for proving this.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/18/2008 12:01:35

      Comment:
      Your comments, sir, are of the most highest offense. Why?
      Because you sound smart enough to know better. I'll handle each of your sophist inspired attempts to spin the truth.

      1. This might be the worst thing I've ever heard. This is not a refutation of a logical point. In this point you are TRYING TO MINIMIZE THE WORLDWIDE RAPE OF THE INNOCENT AT THE HANDS OF THEIR TRUSTED PRIESTS. You certainly need to search you soul, there is no commandmant which instructs you to defend pedophiles and MINIMIZE THE HARDSHIPS OF RAPE VICTIMS.

      2. Here is a link to an article referencing a BBC report THAT DOES EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAY THERE IS NO EVIDENCE FOR. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23369148-details/Pope+'led+cover-up+of+child+abuse+by+priests'/article.do
      WOOPS. This is why the rest of us (non-sheep) were a little upset at this Pope's election and we will continue to express this anger until he is removed and replaced with a new Pope. You can't be the Holiest person on the planet and your KEY CREDENTIAL IS THAT YOU COVERED UP WORLDWIDE RAPE.

      3. In this point you have lost all attempts to discredit the posters ideas and do what most do in your position, which is to lob out an ad hominem attack. The idea is since you could not contend with the actual argument, you must try to discredit the owner of the argument. POOR FORM, sir, you should no better. This tactic is worthless and shows weakness, and beyond that I AM AN EX-CATHOLIC AND NOT A PROTESTANT. Unlike yourself, I read the SICK WRITING ON THE WALL and held to my SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES AS WELL AS JESUS' TEACHINGS and NOT THE CHURCH.

      4. Again here is another AD HOMINEM ATTACK. I'll have you know that I have two graduate level degrees and I know my history, sir. Anyone with a cursory knowledge of Western Civilization knows that the Catholic church has perpetrated some heinous acts. THAT BEING SAID...I was able to forgive some of the MURDER (inquisitions) and ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM (Galileo, flat-landers, creationists), BUT WHEN I FOUND OUT about the RAPE SCANDAL I was appauled.

      There is nothing more hypocritical and evil than for A PRIEST TO RAPE A LITTLE BOY or A LITTLE GIRL (though by your first point, I'm supposed to believe that LITTLE GIRL RAPE is less atrocious than LITTLE BOY RAPE).
      You need to question your faith and your relationship with Jesus and God. Are you strong enough to have a personal relationship with God? Right now it seems like the answer is no. You need an organization, a mediator. Well throughout history such mediators (moreso than all other organizations combined) have been responsible for RAPE, MURDER, and DESTRUCTION.

      Think it over.

      • Posted By: Tanderson1015 @ 04/19/2008 20:06:34

        Comment: Well said, Desperate Words.

  • Posted By: newarks @ 04/17/2008 8:54:43 AM

    Comment: Well done George; As muriel Spark said in her novel "The Prime of Miss Jean Brody";

    "Nothing infuriates people more than their own lack of spiritual insight".

  • Posted By: newarks @ 04/17/2008 8:52:05 AM

    Comment: Very well done. As the well none writer said in her lovely novel "The Prime of Miss Jean Brody":

    "Nothing infuriates people more than their own lack of spiritual insight".

  • Posted By: albrecrj @ 04/16/2008 11:57:29 PM

    Comment: All of this is irrelevant. Until Cardinal Law is arrested and John XXIII is canonized, I cannot feel at home in a church that was stolen from me --stolen not by poriests but by bishops, cardinals, and indeed the Pope. Why is Cardinal Law allowed to hide in the Vatican?

  • Posted By: albrecrj @ 04/16/2008 11:55:23 PM

    Comment: None of this -- NONE of this-- touches me, a lifelong Catholic in love with the church. Until Cardinal Law goes toj ail. until the RC Church admits that its leadership --up top an including the Pope -- is guilty of a coverup and guilty of abuse at its very core, I cannot feel at home in its liturgy. And this Pope and his visit and his apologists are just simply irrelevant. Arrest Caridnal Law and cononize John XXIII. Give us back our church.

  • Posted By: sabinas @ 04/16/2008 8:53:14 PM

    Comment: Not all catholics are child molesters Billydumbass.

  • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/16/2008 3:50:45 PM

    Comment: bundyjohnson please disregard my last post. When it posted I thought you were asking me that? I would like to know why he is so mean also. He seems to be a very unhappy person. I hope that if has children he is not teaching them the same hatred.

    • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/16/2008 16:34:10

      Comment:
      amy.bartolo, Yes, understood. i haven't gotten used to addressing comments to persons yet. sorry.

  • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/16/2008 3:17:42 PM

    Comment: Me mean? Have you not read the nasty comments this Billy guy has been posting. I am actually a very nice person and try to treat everyone with respect. I do not appreciate his last comment from yesterday about me being a child molesting ***, but he has a right to his opinion. I try not to take this stuff personal, because I have done nothing wrong. There are some people that you can talk to regardless of differences, but he is not one of them. Have a good one.

  • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/16/2008 1:37:23 PM

    Comment: Thanks, I was pretty sure it said We beleive in ONE God. I am teaching my 2 kids this and when a reader commented on it that it said We beleive in God; for a second I had to think about it. Hope you have a great day.

  • Posted By: Porta Potty @ 04/16/2008 1:05:43 PM

    Comment: We believe in one God,
    the Father, the Almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth,
    of all that is, seen and unseen.
    We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    the only Son of God,
    eternally begotten of the Father,
    God from God, Light from Light,
    true God from true God,
    begotten, not made,
    of one Being with the Father.
    Through him all things were made.
    For us and for our salvation
    he came down from heaven:
    by the power of the Holy Spirit
    he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
    and was made man.
    For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
    he suffered death and was buried.
    On the third day he rose again
    in accordance with the Scriptures;
    he ascended into heaven
    and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
    and his kingdom will have no end.

    We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
    who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
    With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
    He has spoken through the Prophets.
    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
    We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
    We look for the resurrection of the dead,
    and the life of the world to come. Amen.

    • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 21:12:13

      Comment: ALL THAT OUT OF A PORTA POTTY----------WOW !

      • Posted By: THE RAVEN @ 04/21/2008 11:17:32

        Comment: Hey, tired and old--I won't say much except--I LIKE YOUR WAY OF THINKING! I agree with your views and comments 100%! This behavior has been going on for CENTURIES! Priests moved around from church to church. Victims paid off, or dismissed as being pocessed by the DEVIL...What the HELL is going on in the cathilic church?

  • Posted By: yankee_belle @ 04/16/2008 12:11:53 PM

    Comment: Jesus Christ was a tolerant man who forgave others for their sins and preached understanding and love of your fellow men. How come I, a "pedophile" with blood-stained hands (since I am a Catholic), get that and appreciate that? From the comments I read here, it seems that being a "Christian" is only a label for most people- a label they use to sow hate, intolerance,and misunderstanding and declare themselves better than everyone else. NO institution is perfect since it is made up of imperfect people, that includes ANY church. If you want to declare yourself a "Christian", than BE a Christian- follow and LIVE the teachings of Christ. That means putting away the ugliness, hate, and bigotry

    • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 21:17:57

      Comment: I HOPE YOU ARE NOT A PEDOPHILE !

      JESUS LOST HIS COOL AT TIMES. GOD CAN FORGIVE PEDOPHILES, I WON'T.

      I DON'T BELIEVE IN HELL ! AS A PLACE OF ETERNAL DAMNATION AND PAIN !

      I THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO A " LOVING GOD ".

      I SURE BELIEVE IN SENDING PEDOPHILES TO THEIR GOD!

      • Posted By: yankee_belle @ 04/17/2008 13:56:19

        Comment: When I was talking about Jesus, love, understanding and tolerance I was talking about ALL people, not just the pedophile priests. As a true faithful Christian, you should be loving, tolerant and understanding of people of other faiths, as well as though who are different and feel differently from you.
        Besides, don't fundamentalists believe that actions don't count or matter- all you have to do is open your heart to Jesus and you are "saved"? Does that mean that I can rape, mrder, steal, cheat, lie and anything else I can come up with and as long as I open my heart to Jesus afterward, it doesn't matter? And I wouldn't even have to admit what I did to anyone, like a priest? Where is the incentive to "do the right thing"? Honestly, I don't believe in hell either, but as a Catholic, my actions DO matter, so I am moved to do the right thing BECAUSE it is the right thing.
        Tired and Old, it seems that you have given up on a lot of things and allowed yourself to become jaded and hateful, as have a lot of the other commentators on here. Look inside yourself and try to find Christ and the hope and positivity he brings. You'll make yourself a lot happier and you will be a more positive influence on the world and the people in it.

  • Posted By: BGonz @ 04/16/2008 11:48:29 AM

    Comment: It is obvious by comments posted in response to this article that some readers are not "objective" towards the issues presented in the article or the Catholic Church. We catholics can???t be the only ones held to the standard of objectivity and perfection. The article provides facts and both objective and subjective perspectives. As I wrote, the Catholic Church is made up of imperfect humans, most of whom love God and do their best to discern God's truth and will. No easy task for us or anyone. The Crusades, like invasions, wars, torture, attacks and wrong doing by other groups, countries (including U.S.) and governments around the world throughout history were wrong. Catholic church teaches ???You shall not kill??? so when people kill others proclaiming they are doing it for ???God??? it???s pretty obvious God has little to do with their decision. Can???t blame the church for whatever people choose to do with their God-given freedom. Everything must be looked at in its historical, socio-economic, and/or spiritual context to be understood fully. Mary the Hooker story? What we know and the message is relevant. The Bible is a compilation of over 72 books written by different people in different literary styles at different times over 2000 years ago, and it did not escape the racism and gender inequality issues that have existed since the beginning of time. It will take who knows how long to extract those things from our thinking, living, writing, etc, despite our society's claim to being smart, modern, capable, free and just. Luckily, God gave us a brain, a heart, a soul, love, a spirit and guidance to help us discern truth, and the courage to live it when we choose to.

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 10:43:59 AM

    Comment: PEDOPHILES TAKE REFUGE IN THE CHURCH, WHY THEN NOT PLACE BLAME ON THOSE THAT PROTECT THEM. AIDING AND ABETING CRIMINALS HAPPENS TO BE ILLEGAL---------------------------------------------------------------SOMEONE TELL THE POPE!

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 10:39:34 AM

    Comment: QUESTIONS #

    1. CATHOLIC BISHOPS COULD BUY THEIR TITLE IN EARLIER TIMES ?

    2. CATHOLIC CHURCH CAN HAVE IDOLS DISPLAYED; YET, OTHERS CAN'T ?
    WHERE IN BIBLE DOES IT GIVE CATHOLIC CHURCH SPECIAL RIGHTS.

    3. CATHOLIC HIERARCHY DECIDES WHICH BOOKS TO BE PUT IN BIBLE; THUS, WHAT THE PEOPLE GET TO SEE ?

  • Posted By: BGonz @ 04/16/2008 10:05:37 AM

    Comment: Thanks for highlighting the important work Pope Benedict is doing to help the world for centuries to come. Some folks are so cynical, self-absorbed, focused on immediate gratification, or in pain they can't see "good" if it doesn't come from their church, perspective or comfort zone. The Pope's value isn't based on his charisma or being like John Paul II. It's sad that our self-centered, egotistical society values external appearance and charm versus a person's hard work and strengths. It???s easier for some to blame the Church than do real research and self-inventory to see how honest, giving, forgiving, and helpful they and their groups are to others regardless of racial, religious & economic status. The Catholic Church has and continues to help millions of people across the world despite religious, racial and economic differences, but the media/critics don't tell you that. Some Catholics make bad decisions, just like people of every other religion, group, etc. Doesn't mean all Catholics/Catholic Church are bad. We do more good than harm. Child sexual abuse & pedofiles? Over 75% of abusers are "family members and friends" of ALL different religions; priests/ rabbis/reverends/ministers are less than 10% of abusers. Media makes it seem like all abusers are Catholic priests or crazy strangers ??? that???s false! They fail to educate the public on the facts and cash in by sensationalizing issues to distance people from the Catholic Church because it teaches people to not focus on material things or self-destructive values the media sells. The Church teaches us to stay focused on valuing life, helping others regardless of differences, forgiveness, charity, etc - all unpopular in a self-destructive world focused on individualism, consumerism, greed, and power. There is no religion or person, besides God, that is perfect. We Catholics, like many other religions, are taught to put our faith into action based on the Bible and Jesus' example, promoting a personal relationship with God and addressing our spiritual, emotional and psychological needs in healthy, loving, time-tested ways. Many of our critics don't know or are confused by our religion, some had bad experiences with a local priest or Catholic person then condemn the entire church, others don't like the church's strict rules. I don't know anyone who has read the whole Bible, the Catholic doctrine, John Paul's Theology of the Body, and done broad based research on Catholicism, the Pope, socio-economic and political realities on different issues, and/or engaged in open dialogue with practicing Catholics that doesn't respect Catholics and the Church. Just like those who criticize the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) - most don't know that Jesus instructed this in the Bible, how or why the Catholic Church celebrates this sacrament, or the depth of healing Confession provides people across the world. Anyone who wants to truly dialogue on these issues can email me

    • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 10:26:08

      Comment: NOT TO BAD! SOFT OF SUBJECTIVE!

      YOU FORGOT TO MENTION OBJECTIVELY; THE ACTS OF WAR BY THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH ( CRUSADES), HOW ABOUT ACTS OF TORTURE, HOW ABOUT MIS-INFORMATION ( MARY THE HOOKER STORY ), USED TO KEEP WOMEN SUBORDINATE. ALL MALE CLUB !

      I DON'T MEAN TO CRITICIZE YOUR BELIEFS OR YOUR POPE; I AM JUST CRITICIZING YOUR LACK OF OBJECTIVITY----ONE SIDE OF A STORY DOES NOT BRING CREDIBILITY TO IT.

      EVER PRIEST IS NOT A PERVERT, EVERY CATHOLIC IS NOT BAD----------SOME ARE!

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/16/2008 10:02:19 AM

    Comment: " ALL CATHOLICS ARE CHILD MOLESTERS "

    SOUNDS RATHER HARSH; BUT , I BELIEVE HIS POINT IS THIS.

    WHEN WE LOOK AT MEDIA STORIES OF PRIESTS MOLESTING CHILDREN AND STAYING IN THE CHURCH ORGANIZATION, WITHOUT APPARENT PUNISHMENT----------IT DOES LOOK LIKE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OVER LOOKS THE PROBLEM.

    DO THEY CARE ABOUT THE HARM DONE TO THE VICTIM?

    DO THEY CARE MORE ABOUT KEEPING THESE ACTS SECRET?

    I HAVE READ ABOUT SO MANY INCIDENTS OF PRIESTS ABUSING CHILDREN, IT IS HARD TO LOOK AT A PRIEST WITHOUT WONDERING IF HE IS A PERVERT.

    TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THERE ARE PRIESTS ON TV DEFENDING ADMITTED PEDOPHILES.

    IT SEEMS LIKE A GOOD OLD BOY NETWORK, OF PEDOPHILES PROTECTING PEDOPHILES.

    I EVEN WONDER ABOUT THE POPE ?

    PEDOPHILES GO TO WHERE THEY CAN HAVE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN: CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A SAFE HAVEN---WHERE MEN CAN'T HAVE A REGULAR SEX LIFE. BOY SCOUTS IS ANOTHER PLACE TO MOLEST CHILDREN. APPARENTLY POLYGAMY SECT IS ANOTHER-----GETTING UNDER AGE GIRLS PREGNANT---------RELIGION BASED !

    THESE SICK PEOPLE SHOULD NOT CONTINUE THEIR PERVERTED LIFE STYLE, THEY SHOULD BE ERADICATED !

    PEDOPHILES HAVE A VERY HIGH RATE OF RECIDIVISM---------JAIL KEEPS THEM OFF THE STREET; BUT, FAILS TO CHANGE THEM.

    A DEAD PEDOPHILE WON'T HURT CHILDREN AGAIN.

    SORRY ! BILLYBADASS , IF I HAVE YOUR COMMENTS WRONG !

  • Posted By: http://www.gensantos.com @ 04/16/2008 6:39:01 AM

    Comment: Thanks to this article. I couldn't care less what the new Pope has been doing, after sensing that he is much into himself, lacking the charisma of Pope JP II. But after reading this, I am seeing Pope Benedict in a new light and beginning to appreciate the work he has been doing so far, especially on creating bridges between islam and christianity.

  • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 04/16/2008 4:57:07 AM

    Comment: The article by Lisa Miller is more revealing. The present pope does not have the charisma and more to himself. Unlike his predecessor,he needs to be taught on how to be a pope and act like one.

  • Posted By: learn to say ENOUGH @ 04/15/2008 6:04:34 PM

    Comment: Another thoughts: Mormon church play with little girls, Catholic church with little boys, Islam pushes boys and girls to blow out, all of that in the name of God... while the Protestant church washes their hands letting Mr. Bean-Bush run his massacres as he pleased... and do nothing!

  • Posted By: learn to say ENOUGH @ 04/15/2008 5:51:23 PM

    Comment: Amy, you can leave the pedofile church (among other things in the past and the present too), without leaving the US... it's okay, life will be much better for you and for everyone that follows that. Please leave the sick church, full of sick leaders and their "new" nazi pope.

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 3:22:12 PM

    Comment: Judging from all the comments Benedict XVI should begin with the Zionists, the Methodists, the Presbyterians, the Baptists and the rest of the Prots in his unprecedented conversation. The Roman Catholic Church has less to worry from Islam than from the Protestant denominations and the Zionists.
    Unless, the Pope is trying to deflect attention like the previous Crusader Pope Urban. The Pope may not have the backbone to confront the Prots and Zionists so he is taking on the more vulnerable Moslems. If only the Moslems are the target then the Prots and Zionists would give the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church respite.

    • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 17:16:07

      Comment: if you did not want your email address published then why did you put it as your screen name. Screw you and the pope

  • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 2:55:47 PM

    Comment: all catholics are child molesters

    • Posted By: mmgriffin @ 04/15/2008 18:32:00

      Comment: You must learn to forgive the individual who abused you Billy. Only then will you be able to heal. Denial isn't a river in Egypt either. Admit what happened to you, forgive and move on.

  • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 2:52:17 PM

    Comment:















































































































































    all catholics are child molesters. The pope will burn in hell with the rest of you ignorant catholics.

































































    all catholics are child molesters

  • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 2:42:17 PM

    Comment:
    As an ex-Catholic I just have to say
    Aren't we about done with this "church."

    ALL OF THE LITTLE BOY RAPE was the last straw for me.

    Come on,
    You've got the inquisitions, Galileo, anti-woman, and then LITTLE BOY RAPE.

    THE WORST THING OF ALL
    Is that the "church" flaunted the LITTLE BOY RAPE by making the "man" in charge of HIDING THE LITTLE BOY RAPE THE POPE.

    This is indefensible.

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 2:24:56 PM

    Comment: Sexual Abuse of Children is an offence that should be severely punished.
    This abuse is rampant in boarding schools. British Boarding schools are notorious for it. These are the same schools that parents sent their children to be raised as leaders of the British Empire.
    In countries where access to women is restricted by custom or religion male children are abused by those older than them.
    Celibacy in the Catholic Church may be a contributing factor for some priests. It is possible some are attracted to the priesthood for the wrong reason.
    Now we know about Jesus and Mary Magdalen there is no rationale for celibacy.
    Abuse of young children within the Catholic Church is not a recent phenomenon. Only previous generations had no access to multimillion lawyers.
    Other denominations are not innocent. Baptist preachers we are told can not be left alone with the females.
    To hold the present Pope personally responsible for acts of deviants is like holding every living Jew personally responsible for the death of Christ.

    • Posted By: bartroberts @ 04/17/2008 18:21:24

      Comment: What do you know about Jesus and Mary Magdalen?

  • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 2:16:12 PM

    Comment: This is really getting heated. I would like to make a point that Catholics do not beleive it was ok what happened to those young boys nor is rape being ok taught by the Church. What we all need to remember is that these priests who committed these sick acts do not represent the church as a whole. Those who done this are no longer preist and they should be punished and they will have to answer for their abuse and I am sure it will not be pretty. If you had sick immoral people in your family would you like everyone to judge you. I have two children and if my son were to become a preist it would be an honor. By the way Catholics do not have idols.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 14:37:22

      Comment:
      The Priests just got moved to other parishes. That's common knowledge.

      Answering for all of the little boy rapes that happened does not include covering it up and then downplaying it once it was figured out, which was the EXACT JOB OF THE CURRENT POPE.

      I am an ex-Catholic for this reason.

      Think about it, you don't need this haging over your head. It's not your fault. It's the organization that you belong to that has been responsible for more murders than any other organization (see the inquisitions) and in more recent times allowed KNOWINGLY little boy rape to go on in their churches and to do nothing about it, until the media found out.

    • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 14:27:25

      Comment: catholics do have idols-obviously you have never been to the vatican. You are plain wrong about the priests no longer being priests. All the catholic church did was move them to different parishes. In the future, have your husband read what your write before it is posted. That way we will not be burden with your ignorant comments.

      • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 14:38:06

        Comment: It is obvious that you are a rude individual that only picks and chooses what they want to see or hear. I am a Catholic and know what I beleive. Just by the name you chose to sign on with says alot about you.

        • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 14:50:55

          Comment: what did i tell you about having your husband approving your post. This is why women should be seen and not heard

        • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 14:47:10

          Comment:
          Regardless of Billy's tone or his screen name, YOU CANNOT ARGUE WITH HIS FACTS.
          FACTS.
          Thousands of little boys got raped.
          THIS POPE was in charge of HIDING it.

          I'm an ex-Catholic and believe me there are better churches out there.

          After I found out about all of THE LITTLE BOY RAPE I wasn't going to give the Catholic church a cent of my money.

          Now there's all these people don't judge the organization because of the thousands of priests.

          IT'S NOT JUST THE RAPE ITSELF...
          IT'S THE FACT THAT THE CURRENT POPE COVERED IT UP.

          • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 15:28:02

            Comment: Just for the record, I have not and will not defend anyone who abuses children. Those who have or knew about it should be punished to any extreme, but just because I am Catholic does not make me a sick person. You seem like an intelligent person that has his own views and that is good I respect that, but as far as billy, well I cannot say the same. I am sorry that Billy is having such a bad day and I guess he has chose me to take it out on. That is good, I will pray that he can let up on some of that aggression he has towards someone who has done nothing to him nor said anything extreme.

            • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 17:08:28

              Comment: stop blabbering on with this nonsense you child molesting ***

              • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 17:14:49

                Comment: that was supposed to read child molesting c unt

                • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/16/2008 14:14:38

                  Comment: wow, you are rude and have a dirty mouth. You know how to test a person's patience. It is a good thing I have alot of it.

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/15/2008 2:08:49 PM

    Comment: DID ANYONE WAKE UP HILLARY CLINTON YET?

    SHE HAS GOT TO SEE THE POPE AND PROCLAIM HER LOYALTY--------SURE TO GET VOTES!

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/15/2008 1:59:57 PM

    Comment: HILLARY CLINTON!

    SHE WILL SAY AND DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET YOUR VOTE; EXCEPT, TELL THE TRUTH!

    MIRED IN MUD! SHE IS.

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/15/2008 1:55:45 PM

    Comment: HEY ! BUNDYJOHNSON !

    CATHOLIC CHURCH PUT DOWN A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST, PORTRAYED HER AS A PROSTITUTE !

    IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED TO BE A MALE THING.

    HILLARY CLINTON SAID A BITTER REMARK POINTED AT ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO----------------------------YOUR NOT A WOMAN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BABY!

    HILLARY ______________ORIGINAL POND SCUM !

    SHE IS A MEAN SPIRITED, EVIL, VENGEFULL, LOW LIFE, LIAR--------------SORRY TO SAY, SHE CLAIMS TO BE CHRISTIAN METHODIST----------OUCH!

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 1:48:46 PM

    Comment: Dear Pope,
    We do not have anything else to do so we are taking out our hostilities on whoever happens to come by. It is not personal against you or anyone. It is just our way of getting back at the world that has mistreated us, the boss who has kicked us around, the wife whom we could not satisfy. We go to Public restrooms and we do not flush the toilets, that is our way of getting back at the next guy. The same guy whom we try to run over as he is crossing the street, the same guy whom we try to aggravate on the highway or at the traffic signal. It is just us and to know us is to despise us.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:53:08

      Comment: I have plenty to do, but how long do you think it is appropriate to sit on the sidelines and allow little boy rape organizations and the leader who covered up the little boy rape to walk aroudn like they are the moral authority.

      COME ON.

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/15/2008 1:39:50 PM

    Comment: QUESTION #

    IS THERE A LIST OF PRIESTS THAT HELPED JEWS UNDER NAZI RULE ?

    IS THERE A LIST OF POPES THAT HELPED THE NAZI REGIME ?

    JUST WONDERING ?

    I HAVE BEEN A GUEST IN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN MY LIFE---------WELL DECORATED!

    LOTS OF IDOLS ! HARD ON THE KNEES ! CONFUSING LATIN !

    NEVER GOT TO KNOW PRIESTS ---THANK GOD!

    TROUBLED BY THE COMMENT ----POPE DOES NOT HAVE TO FORGIVE ABUSED!

    YOUR DAMN RIGHT! THOSE POOR KIDS SUFFERED ENOUGH !

    • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/15/2008 14:33:55

      Comment: So are you telling me it was the kids' fault???? They did not commit the sin. There is no sin committed by them to be forgiven.
      It is the abusers who need forgiveness. Which I cannot do either.

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 1:30:06 PM

    Comment: I am reading the comments. Some are without merit. Some are downright ignorant. For the ignoramuses I say a dog may bark at the moon. Your insane hatred makes me shudder. Let us hope you do not get to hurt anyone. We may all look human but we are not all at the same stage of evolution. To the Pope I say pay no attention to them for there will always be them. Please do not pray for their salvation. It will not help them.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:36:30

      Comment: Please do not pray for them????
      Yea, your a REAL Christian.

      The Pope covered up thousands of little boy rapes. I'm an ex-Catholic for that reason.

      How can you belong to a moral organization which RAPED THOUSANDS OF LITTLE BOYS?

    • Posted By: JasonCGomez @ 04/15/2008 13:36:16

      Comment: If you have a problem with the comments you dont have to read...its called freedom of speech and everyone is entitled to their own opinion whether its your holier than thou calious thoughts or those that come from free willed open minded individuals.

  • Posted By: JasonCGomez @ 04/15/2008 1:29:54 PM

    Comment: Mr. Bush is the reason why we are currently the most hated country on the face of the earth. He is a liar, a cheat, a murderer and a con artist. Oh lets put Cheney in there too, except he also just a plain old ass&%*(! The pope or whatever was wise not to meet, but if your going to cover up rape, why not just go see Bush...not much difference.

    • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 14:54:09

      Comment: yes it is bush's fault that catholic priests molested children and were never punished for their crimes

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 1:09:42 PM

    Comment: History has passed judgement on George W Bush. The Pope knows his history. The Pope declined an invitation for dinner at the White House. The Pope does not want to go down in history as the Pontiff who had dinner with George W Bush.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:22:50

      Comment: Yes, that would be too much. The Pope has already gone down in history as covering up thousands of little boy rapes. I think that's enough history for him to deal with. Lying a country into war is one thing, as a moral authority, delivering your paritioners into evil by covering up and down playing the rape of little boys is a whole different kind of evil.

  • Posted By: Island @ 04/15/2008 12:43:58 PM

    Comment: comment / 2x2 =4 , 4x4=16 If you can add up figures then you can surely see the sign of the times . frozen in the artic ,just-jeff

  • Posted By: srpetersen59 @ 04/15/2008 12:42:50 PM

    Comment: I applaud the author and the article. We can take the moral high ground and recognize truth wherever and whenever it may surface. And using reason, we can deplore what is deplorable without desposing of that which is good. It would seem that Peter's authority and priesthood power, however, exceed what we see from the Pope or historic Christianity. Jesus stated that the Apostles would perform works that mirrored His -such as healing the sick and raising the dead. Christ carried with Him the authority of the Father. Jesus tranferred that authority to Peter and the Apostles. The fruits from the Apostle's labors bear witness of that authority and of their divinely appointed mission. We all have the ability or power to change lives. It would appear that Peter's "power" exceeded just changing lives: he was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven and the authority to bring the souls of men into the Kingdom of God--something the average individual, or perhaps even the pope, may not be able to do. Thus, the present divide in Christianity. But to the author's point, we bring individuals and peoples together not by finding fault, but by looking for commonalities. And in the meantime, until God chooses to settle the divide, we respect the plurality and agency of man and religion.

  • Posted By: The Mutt @ 04/15/2008 12:29:45 PM

    Comment: Wow...there seems to be a lot of mixed emotions here. I wonder if those who have left the Catholic Church are planning on leaving these United States because if its past/current wrong doings (abortion, electing liberals, etc.)? I have found that anger and discourse are usually caused by lack of knowledge and understanding. I myself will continue praying for all of us.

    • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 14:26:57

      Comment: exactly.

      • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 15:38:35

        Comment: As for my "exactly "comment I should have been more clear, but I needed to be short. I agree that If you expect Catholics to leave their beleifs because of some sick people have done, then why are we not all leaving this country because it does not have a very clean past either. I do have respect for our founding fathers of this country and I live in the greatest country in the world.

        • Posted By: The Mutt @ 04/16/2008 10:49:11

          Comment: I agree 100%! I realize the fact also of Jesus Christ being the founding Father of the Catholic Church. Anyone and everyone cutting down the Pope or the Catholic Church is either non-Catholic or disgruntled within themselves.

      • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 14:54:45

        Comment:
        Really...
        DID YOU JUST EQUATE ELECTING THOMAS JEFFERSON (a liberal) TO LITTLE BOY RAPE.

        You should be ashamed of yourself. Your biases are absurd.

        You think I lack knowledge or understanding, I've got two graduate degrees.

        LET'S GO BUDDY.

        DON'T YOU EVER EQUATE ONE OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WITH LITTLE BOY RAPE.

        Pick up a history book.
        and as for amy.bartolo, way to be a complete sheep...exactly, "oh did you just call our founding father's little boy rapists...exactly. I'm so smart...exactly...oh...exactly."

        YOU WANT LIBERALS TO LEAVE THE UNITED STATES?????????
        ARE YOU MAD?????
        THIS IS A LIBERAL DEMOCRACY?????
        This is not your country. PS thanks a ton for G.W., I'm sure your going to be able to put forth a cogent argument about how he wasn't the absolute worst President in our history.

        PICK UP A BOOK.

        • Posted By: The Mutt @ 04/16/2008 09:59:17

          Comment: Fine...your an Educated Idiot.

        • Posted By: The Mutt @ 04/16/2008 09:57:40

          Comment: No...I'm pretty sure Carter took the title of "Worst President" or is currently working on it.

          We are not a liberal Country, we are a Republic...hence "Republicans" currently being led by a liberal Democratic Congress

  • Posted By: The Mutt @ 04/15/2008 12:28:29 PM

    Comment: Wow...there seems to be a lot of mixed emotions here. I wonder if those who have left the Catholic Church are planning on leaving these United States because if its past/current wrong doings (abortion, electing liberals, etc.)? I have found that anger and discourse are usually caused by lack of knowledge and understanding. I myself will continue praying for all of us. Amen.

  • Posted By: SomewhereElse @ 04/15/2008 12:19:25 PM

    Comment: To Desperate Words: Parishioner is spelled like that...so, be careful when pointing the finger on all accounts! Thanks!

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:45:17

      Comment:
      PS I think some times it is good to point the finger.

      Would you not have pointed the finger at Hitler?
      I would have.

      That is the reason that I point the finger at the Catholic Church.

      Open a history book.
      Did you know that the Church is responsible for MORE DEATH AND DESTRUCTION than HITLER?

      It's true.
      You can't argue against it. It's a fact.

      And now they rape little boys.


      SORRY I'm pointing the finger at that organization.

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:42:12

      Comment: Thank you, usually I yell at people for spelling bad. I guess nobodies perfect, but then again I never claimed to be infallible.

      However, I have never covered up thousands of little boy rapes.
      Maybe you have to do that before you can be infallible.

  • Posted By: God'sEarthlyAngel @ 04/15/2008 12:02:29 PM

    Comment: To Ricky1833 & others about the Trinity,

    The Trinity is beautiful, but it is not a mystery. The Father, Son & Holy Spirit are three persons, but one God (equal in authority). God is a title, not a name. It is difficult to comprehend 3 persons all being the President, (i.e., equal in authority) because people are too competitive and won't get along.

  • Posted By: God'sEarthlyAngel @ 04/15/2008 11:58:42 AM

    Comment: To Rickey1833 and others about the Trinity

    The Trinity is true and beautiful, but it is not a mystery. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the 3 persons of the Trinity, but one God. God is a title not a name. They are equal as God. In the world it is difficult to imagine 3 Presidents (all equal in authority) because people are too competitive. It would be nice if we (humans) can be on one accord.

  • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/15/2008 11:52:56 AM

    Comment: I simply cannot understand why women can't be priests. The answer I keep getting is because Jesus didn't pick any women disciples. What, just because we've always done it that way isn't a good excuse for me.

    • Posted By: kbartgen @ 04/15/2008 12:37:07

      Comment: After being a mother it is clear to me. Would you put your children in second place in order to shepherd your flock? Isn't this an issue for working women when their boss tells them to make a choice of job or family? Think about how difficult it is to stay at home for a day when your child has a fever or is getting sick. Everyday, women have to struggle with these choices. By not being a caregiver, a person without this type of responsibility is able to give more freely of their time.

      • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/15/2008 13:38:20

        Comment: Since I am an infertile woman, where is my role in society? Why can't I help lead the flock?

        • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 14:31:11

          Comment: Women do not belong in positions of power because they are base their decisions on emotions rather than logic or reasoning. If you are an infertile woman, is that not a sign from God that he does not want you to be mother or teacher to anyone. think about it.

          • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/15/2008 14:52:48

            Comment: Billyb
            Ooooh, boo hoo. I can't decide if you are mean or just plain stupid. A man can take an oath of celebacy, and so can a woman. We ARE equal. If you think we are second class, you're not from here. Go back to the middle east where you belong. Think about it.

            • Posted By: Billybadass @ 04/15/2008 17:13:13

              Comment: if men and women are equal, then why does your beloved church allow men molest children and continue to be priests but it will not allow any women to be priests. I would say that you should be complaining about the way your are being treated by your own church. I am a complete stranger and you get upset because i say that women are not equal to men, yet you still continue to belong to a church that says you are not equal to a man a therfore can not be in a position of leadership. This is what i was talking about women basing their decisions and actions on emotions rather than logic or reasoning. What a joke you are.

              • Posted By: bundyjohnson @ 04/16/2008 14:56:37

                Comment: Wow. what made you so mean?

                • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/16/2008 15:38:24

                  Comment: Billy , you should make yourself sick. Throwing the fact that she canoot have children in her face the way you did, unbeleivable!

  • Posted By: Chrissybelle @ 04/15/2008 11:43:16 AM

    Comment: I thank God for this pope. We must remember that The Church does not need to conform its standards to society. If society does not choose to follow it is their loss. Thanks for listening C. Hammer, Mt. Angel OR

  • Posted By: Ricky1833 @ 04/15/2008 11:34:54 AM

    Comment: As a response to NeptuneStorm we believe God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity, they are all separate entities in one sense but are all God. It is one of the great mysteries of our faith. I appreciate the unoffensive way you asked too wished more people showed the same respect to other religions and maybe this world would be a better place. As for the Pope's visit I am a young Catholic and California an would love to see him if it weren't so far away. Wish he'd come to the west coast some time. Hopefully my generation of Catholics will reignite the religious fire that once flowed through the church.

  • Posted By: kaq0105@hotmail.com @ 04/15/2008 11:33:59 AM

    Comment: I hope his holiness gets to read the comments. He will realize that the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church get more respect from the Moslems, Hindus and Buddhists. He will realize that his real adversaries are the other Christian Denominations. He will realize no matter how hard he tries to channel their hostility towards Islam he will not succeed, simply because there is enough hostility to go round. He had tried to emulate an earlier Pope Urban who succeeded in channelling christian combativeness into the earlier crusades but then there were no Prots or Matin Luther. The wholesale conversions of poor catholics in the Americas by rich Prots must be gnawing at his Holiness soul.

  • Posted By: amy.bartolo @ 04/15/2008 11:28:43 AM

    Comment: I think that it is sad that there is such a division between us( man in general).Those that think the Catholic Church is bad; instead of wishing bad things to come upon the Catholic church, you should should pray for it. I will remember to pray for those who carry so much hate around with them to be able to find peace and love within their hearts. It is a good thing that The Lord is forgiving for what WE as individuals have done during our lives on this earth. There is good and bad in all that is on this earth so should we choose to hate it all? Then why be so hard on the Catholic Church? Those who do these horrible things and hide behind religion in turn gives all who follows a bad name also. They will be judged for their Sins as wellas we all will. So becareful when passing judgement.

  • Posted By: elsiechay13 @ 04/15/2008 11:26:49 AM

    Comment: "That many Catholics feel a deep personal connection to the pope is another relatively new, and in some respects surprising, phenomenon."
    Are the writers of Newsweek aware that they are running two contradictory articles about the Pope today?

    • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 11:54:54

      Comment: Praying for little boy rapists is one thing. Not sending them to jail??? Giving money to the church that allows all the little boy rape to go on??? Jesus never put any church between himself and his followers, man did that, and now that same institution rapes little boys.

      Maybe it's time to find a personal relationship with Jesus and let other people pay pedophiles to rape little boys.

      • Posted By: summer4077 @ 04/15/2008 12:53:17

        Comment: There are pedophiles and molesters everywhere. Politicians, schools, babysitters, family, friends. You can't shun an organization because of a few bad people. They are everywhere.

        • Posted By: Desperate Words @ 04/15/2008 13:19:14

          Comment: This was not a few little boys (numbers are in the thousands worldwide). Worse than that THE CURRENT POPE was in charge of COVERING THE WHOLE THING UP. So you want to make excuses for that organization. That's your right.

          In my opinion, I don't want to belong to an organization or give money to it if they are raping little boys and then covering up (especially when that organization claims to be a moral authority).

          Would you have made excuses for the Inquisition as well?
          How about the Nazi's? Would you have marched lock step then?
          Are you a complete sheep and no longer a human?
          Or can you separate yourself from authority figures when they have forsaken you?

      • Posted By: God'sEarthlyAngel @ 04/15/2008 12:10:06

        Comment: While I agree that pedophiles need to go to jail, I don't think we can stereotype priests and say they are all pedophiles. No one "pays a pedophile" to rape their children. Sometimes people feel so connected to the priest (and not God) that they won't prosecute. They don't understand the damage it does to the child. However, there are pedophiles in schools and every other place children are. The same way you feel about ordained priests who rape children is the same way you should feel about anyone else who does it. It is the act that is horrible. It is a sin that needs to be punished to stop it.