At first look, the humble Pope Francis seems just way too good to be true. Down to earth, simple, for the people and with the people, magnanimous to a fault and with an ear to the ground for the needs of the simplest people.
Just last week he also mentioned that if an atheist behaved piously, that he too, might gain access to Heaven.
What's there not to like about this new Pope? Allelujah this writer says.
Not so fast, said the angered Curia. Not so fast, fancypants.
Quicker than a God summoned bolt, the Vatican tripped over itself to emit the latest of its edicts that could be thus summarized: Hell no.
So where's the problem? If Jesus told us to behave in a goodly and pious way, are we not in fact doing his bidding and that of his Father?
No, answered the Curia, you may not, might not and will not. The only way to gain access to Heaven is by a strict and solid belief in all the Vatican teachings and the belief in God and his Son. And of course, attendance in the church....as often as possible to signify the strength of your belief.
Oh well. He tried. For just one moment, a chorus of people sighed with relief. For those who truly have a hard time believing, Pope Francis' words sounded like music to their ears. But, for those who truly don't believe, his words really were not that important.
That said, let's go back to the Curia. The Vatican expressed in unequivocal terms today that yes, atheists are going to Hell, no matter how saintly and good their conduct be.
But the good Pope quoteth Jesus when he spoketh.
Now let's go back for a moment to what he said "they compain: 'if he is not one of us, he cannot do good. If he is not one of our party, he cannot do good.' and Jesus corrects them: 'do not hinder him,' he says, 'let him do good.'"
The good Pontiff then added: "the Lord created us in His image and Likeness, and we are the image of the Lord, and He does good and all of us have this commandment at heart : do good and do not do evil. All of us."
So for all of those goodly people who are disappointed, take heart. The Pontiff still thinks highly of you.
Op-Ed
Source : the Independent UK
5.28.13
No comments:
Post a Comment