Donald O - Ignorance is bliss. Please do not comment if you do not understand Catholic dogma

Submitted by Maggie4Life (Australia), Sep 25, 2006 at 21:57

To Donald O,

there always has to be one who has to have a shot at Christians and at the same time proves yet again the saying "Ignorance is bliss". In this case your comments have shown that you are uninformed when it comes to understanding the meaning of Papal Infallibility. You have made a false claim about "infallibility" in this case.

First of all, papal infallibility only applies in matters of faith and morals. It does not apply to politics, science, or even the weather forecast of the day. As far as faith and morals are concerned the criteria of papal infallibility is quite narrow. The Pope does not have personal infallibility. It is a total error to claim that the Pope, as in the man holding the office has "infallibility". There is infallibility attached to the office of the Bishop of Rome. It applies in the limited circumstance of the Pope speaking ex-Cathedra, or according to the criteria set out in Vatican I.

I would suggest that... you at least do some homework on the subject matter.

You take great pains to point out what the word "esteem" means. However, even in making this point, you are misrepresenting Pope Benedict XVI as well as the speech that was made. The fuss from a bunch of adults who behave like three year olds stems from misinformation, and ignorance about the text of the speech in question.

As Christians we are called upon to "Love thy neighbour", and yes that in fact that we do esteem our fellow man. If we did not esteem those who have been born into Islam, then we would never have the opportunity to open up dialogue with those who do in fact abhor the violence of the extremists, and who have, though they are Muslim, have repudiated violence by the sword.

If any good is to come out of a situation that has been blown up out of all proportion, then it must be that Muslims begin the task of having a good look at themselves, and how they respond to others. Some good Muslims will in fact begin the task of introspection. I would hope that in the long run they will be free to leave Islam and become Christian. However, at this point in time, it is almost impossible for a Muslim to depart from Islam to become a Christian. Such a move would only result in death for the convert.

Why would...one who has become anti-Christian to deliberately misconstrue what Pope Benedict has stated in an effort to create mischief and rancor amongst others.

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