BF2S Forums Should the pope be making political statements?

Well no.

And why we are on the topic, we should criticize all religion related politics.  Like calling a jihad.

Yeah, the Pope has always been much more of a political figure than a religious one, it was pretty much created for that purpose by the Romans too, a good way of continuing the Empire until people like Henry VIII ruined it for them somewhat.

It's just that these days it's not really the case in terms of the Pope holding any real power, but that doesn't change the fact that the Pope is more of a Political figure than a Religious one

everyone is entitled to their opinion, if celebrity's can spout their opinions, why cant the pope (Who in my very humble opinion is exactly that)

Religious figures and politics used to be like this *makes the associated hand gesture representing that sentiment*
Now our forms of government are far less entwined with religion, but the Church still needs something to do. They're pretty much responsible for the whole "a true Christian must be pro-life" agenda and such, but we don't really need them to serve that semi-political purpose anymore. We need to figures of the Church to become nearly powerless figureheads like the Queen of England.

I think politics and religion should be kept fairly far apart.

Politics should focus on preserving human rights while finding the most efficient way to do things (i.e. most benefit to society).

I personally dont think that a religious figure should be making any political statements no matter how agreeable they may seem. Never-the-less, and considering that we are talking about the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, it sure isnt going to stop any time soon. The fact is that the Pope and his church are extremely political. This is very evident in Italy where many laws (even though there is supposed to be a separtation of church and state) are very much influenced by the Catholic church. Many controversies in Italian law imposed by the church dictate store operating hours, church coverage on national tv, divorce law, and many others. There is a constant battle there between church and state. One significant loss by the church in recent times was to remove crosses from hospital rooms. The same is now in debate over class rooms and school halls.

Fuck that Nazi bastard.

Hell NO. He banned electrical, musical instruments in the Catholic Church. What do you think he will do if he had any political leverage.

what about the countries where the religious clerics are the government or make the decisions?
politics and religion are not always easy to separate.......

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Politics is inseparable from religion. When a belief system essentially dictates your perspective on life, it is impossible to remove it from your idea of social implementation.

True, but there's a difference between letting religion guide your stances on politcal issues and using religion to promote your stances.

Turquoise wrote:

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Politics is inseparable from religion. When a belief system essentially dictates your perspective on life, it is impossible to remove it from your idea of social implementation.

True, but there's a difference between letting religion guide your stances on politcal issues and using religion to promote your stances.

The Pope is religion for Catholics. It's his duty to define right and wrong, to shepherd his herd.

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Turquoise wrote:

Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Politics is inseparable from religion. When a belief system essentially dictates your perspective on life, it is impossible to remove it from your idea of social implementation.

True, but there's a difference between letting religion guide your stances on politcal issues and using religion to promote your stances.

The Pope is religion for Catholics. It's his duty to define right and wrong, to shepherd his herd.

Oh, I'm not disputing his role, but I'm suggesting that religion can define your stances in a personal sense without having a clergyman declare his own stances.

The Catholic Church is a rather outdated institution, considering all the changes that society has endured since its inception.  The Pope served more of a purpose when the average person was grossly uneducated and illiterate.  Granted, that description still applies to the average person in some Catholic countries, so I guess that explains his influence in those areas.

I'm just surprised that any educated person would put much stock in the declarations of a figurehead.