Thou shalt not steal (priests), Benny!

satangel: It is challenging times for leaders of major world religions, with increasing competition for adherents. Should we be more liberal; and bet on football and rock music, or should we be more conservative; and hope that people these days prefer to be led by a firm hand?

It should come as a surprise to nobody that the Catholic Church, led by Pope Benedict XVI, seems to be in favour of the latest variant, but it is uncertain whether the strategy will work. What is certain, however, is that the Pope has one serious challenge: There are too few who want to become Catholic priests! How can the problem be solved? "Well, would a PR agent say, "I would have looked a bit on the rule that one must live in celibacy to be Catholic priest."

And in the synchronized press conferences in Rome and London on 20 October, it appears that the Pope had done just that. The Vatican announced that it will now be easier for Anglican priests to convert to Catholicism. This should be possible, without giving up on distinctive Anglican hymns, prayers and other traditions - including the one who says that priests can marry.

The Anglican Church has 77 million members worldwide. The main seat is in England, with the Archbishop of Canterbury. The archbishop has long struggled with dissension in his own ranks. His most conservative clerics are unhappy with a number of liberalization measures Anglican has taken in recent years: There is now an opening for female bishops in England and for gays priests in the United States, among others. For traditionalists, the Catholic Church have been tempting, with its principle of tension in this area. After the Vatican's surprise announcement, some observers predicted a lot of transition.

It was foul play, said many. The relationship between Catholics and Anglicans have for years been characterized by peaceful, ecumenical conversations about possible approaches. But the Vatican's new initiative was not cleared with the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was "a hostile takeover," one could read in British newspapers. The Pope was "out stealing priests".

Hans Küng, a Swiss liberal Catholic who is among the Pope's most ardent critics, went even further. In an article published in several European newspapers last week, Küng drew a gloomy picture of the situation. "The Vatican's power hunger damages both Catholicism and the rest of Christianity," wrote Küng. He claims the Pope is out seducing extreme rightwing Christians of all kinds, to increase his rapidly shrinking fold. "It is a tragedy," said Küng.

He was quickly dismissed by representatives of the Vatican, who says it's all exaggerated. The Pope will meet the Archbishop of Canterbury in Rome later this month, to talk about it. Moreover, according to a clarification from the Vatican's press chief, it is not true that celibacy is now going to go away from Catholicism. One can recognize a married priest as an exception to the rule, but he must apply and all cases will be treated individually. The official text on this subject will be published at the end of the week. As it looks now, it is far too early to call the wedding planner for prospective Catholic priests with ambition.

Maximus: What is wrong with religion today? The problem is mankind, mankind under the influence of Satan.
One of the main problems is the turning away from acceptable worship. The Bible is God's word and it tells us what God will accept or not accept. We as men have no right or power to change God's requirements. Mankind has become so pompous and self-righteous that men and women feel they can now dictate to God. We willingly change God's requirements. For example, many churches now allow actively practicing homosexuals to be priest. Many denominations allow women to supervise and run churches has ordained ministers or priest.

Many will write back and say that I'm full of it they will degrade and belittle what I have said, that is okay as they are not harming me. They do not have to answer to me now or ever, but they will have to answer to God. Each and every one of us must make our own way. God in his wisdom and mercy has given us the proper guidance it is up to us to read that guidance, comprehend and obey God's commandments and laws. There is no other way, it is God's way or no way. God does not need us we need him.

Everything that is going on in this world today has been predicted or prophesied about more than 2000 years ago yet people are still not willing to believe it.

Tinker Bell: One of my friends once told me that they think that all the miracles of days gone by could happen today…and ppl still would not believe.

If the red sea parted today, someone, somewhere, would find a scientific explanation for it.

It is hard to imagine that this really did happen but in the same sense it is equally as hard for me to believe that some ppl believe that we evolved from apes.

I agree, ppl corrupted religion for their own gains. Now I want no part of any religion. My walk with God is private and as was stated, I will answer to him in the end.

Pigfish: Although I'm an atheist - and therefore couldn't care less what Jesus did and didn't do - I admit that you have brought forward a valid issue there, Relgan.

The way I see it, too many Christians are Bible-thumpers who focus on principles rather than people, no matter how many are hurt in the process. All human concerns are irrelevant as long as they follow their twisted doctrines which they believe are "God's will". But such interpretation only promotes misery and division, while at the same time giving all Christians a bad reputation, also those who choose to favour Jesus' own example over discriminating ideas.

Spirit One: That's what happens when they follow GOD ,most of the world follows GOD by one of his many deceptive names and titles ,2nd Corithians 4:4 says the GOD of this world is Satan ,so ,simple logic will tell you that those who call upon the 'titles' of GOD-LORD are calling SATAN .

It says in scripture and religious works around the globe ,"Ask in My Name ,and it shall be granted."

Enjoy the remainder of the Sabbath ,Praise Yahweh! /HalleluYAH!

Point5andahalf: Well said, Pigfish. A lot of christians, try to follow Jesus' example of compassion, while lot of man made dogma is full of prejudice.
One question for Satangel, interesting post... poor catholics , stooping low there!... But who's Benny?

Point5andahalf: Oh, I just got it...
Pope Benedict

satangel: Benny (also known as Pope Benedict XVI) has stated that the Church did not impose itself on the indigenous peoples of the Americas. He said that the natives welcomed the arrival of European priests at the time of the conquest as they were "silently longing" for Christianity. [Right; and rape victims "silently long" for rape.]

Tinker Bell: Eurpoe came here and took what they wanted because they thought they could, once we relized what they wanted we fought tooth and nail. Then somewhere along the lines agreements were made. Agreements that were broken....and still remain broken. The few freedoms that the Amerian Indian have are still challenged to this day by jealous white men screaming...hey...not fair.

Tinker Bell: My edit for spelling below

Europe came here and took what they wanted because they thought they could, once we realized what they wanted we fought tooth and nail. Then somewhere along the lines agreements were made. Agreements that were broken....and still remain broken. The few freedoms that the American Indian have are still challenged to this day by jealous white men screaming...hey...not fair.

john1576: Tink. Before the U.S.A. there were Native American Nations. Did these Nations construct their boarders using Love Beads or Poetry? I think we both know they used Axes and Clubs and Knives to get what they wanted. People are people.

Point5andahalf: "He [pope Benny) said that the natives welcomed the arrival of European priests"
Hahaha,... is he trying to convince us, or himself?! Surely he doesn't believe that.
Isn't it true the term "Indian Giver", means the white man took the land from them, then gave a bit back. When it was their land all along?!
Give someone a gift that already belongs to them.

Tinker Bell:

John, I think it is a wee bit different...just saying.

Oraclus: Tinker Bell, you mentioned the magic words (broken agreements).

Many of Benny's predecessors were true masters of this art. The worst incident possibly happened when the Pope broke the agreement with King Clovis 1 of Frankia (France), that guaranteed him and all his descendants papal support forever. Three hundred years later, the Vatican actively supported the mayors of the Merovingian palaces in their effort to overthrow the rightful kings, with the result that Pepin 1, the father of Charlemagne, was placed on the vacant throne as the first Carolingian monarch.

The Pope even fabricated a manuscript ( the so-called "Donation of Constantine" ) to make sure that all the European princes assisted him in his effort to discredit and dispose of the last Merovingians.

Yes, we find many broken agreements and broken trust in the wake of the Pope's dealings...

Koko_Krunch:

hellbhoy: Every religion no matter what it is has been used for evil deeds.

The Jews fought and stole land by force.
The Christians fought and stole land by force.
Islam fought and stole land by force.
The Hindus fought and stole land by force.

Then these religions then imposed their religion by force on the conquered nations.See the recurring pattern here.No nation has ever been toppled by peace EVER.War before peace and there will be more war when there is peace ! because someone always wants what the other has because they have value to the conquering nation.