Asked....and I hope answered.

 

Rhythm and Balls asks an interesting question........

Is that where Pope Francis wants to end up?

I don't know. And I respect your request for "outsiders" not interfering.

But I am curious to know what Catholics think - just because of the size and influence of their church. They're something like a third of the U.S. population. Most of the ones I know I love greatly and respect what seems to be a sense of community among them ("fellowship"?) that other sects might - again, from my admittedly poor perspective - might lack. I also notice what seems to agitate them.

But re: your question, it seems to position your impression of the Church as a way of promoting conservative values that you personally value. Would that be accurate to say? I'm just curious. Does it generally do a good job of that and has it or does it also promote liberal values, as well? Again, I'm just wondering what your take is. It's not my business so you don't have to answer but I just thought I'd see if you had a take on that.

My impression of the Church is not that it is promoting conservative values. Because I think most of those values are not liberal or conservative. Faith. Charity to the poor. Fidelity to your marriage vows. The protection of the innocent especially the unborn. None of those things should be termed Liberal or Conservative. We can all agree that the Church promotes those values in the spirit of the Gospel and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That it should promote those values in it's teaching and it's example to the rest of society.

Guest Post & Open Thread

[A guest post* from commenter Rhythm and Balls]:

Poet Chickie had a fact

but Poet Chickie lacked the tact

to use the knack and take the act

to put said knowledge to good effect.

Instead he writhed and roared in pain

that no one loved all of the gains

that benefited no one - save his dames

and their good masters at places like Bain

"Why can't," he cried, "the wretched love"

"The closed off kindness we see above?"

"The generosity sphincter has released enough!" "Now send us speedily peace-bearing dove!"

"For if we do not hate the poor,"

"And insufficiently abhor,"

"Industrious activity, exchange for all,"

"Then financial gods will appear too small!"

"For worshipping them is just the point,"

"And fractured economies we must anoint."

"Bar from commerce these wretched fleas!"

"For stinginess is virtue - and DESTINY!" 

______________________

*Link to original