While I know I am probably opening a can of worms, this really had me fuming - and I am Catholic! A faithfilled, practicing Catholic Christian who recognizes that many mistakes have been made in MANY churches because they are run by men who are sinful. Of course, God can intervene through them, but men (and women!) are sinful creatures who are constantly tempted and sometimes succomb to temptation, but through forgiveness and grace can reach salvation and heaven. Only God can truly judge us in the end.

But, I am so not impressed (nor have I been from the start) with Pope Benedict. I was so hoping for a different kind of direction for the Catholic Church. First the Latin Mass is returned (well, sort of - and I am a Classics/Latin nut, remember!) and now this proclamation. How insulting to all our Christian brothers and sisters.

I hope all other Christians know not all Catholics are buying this. Sure, I do believe St. Peter started the Christian Church as directed by Christ, but it swayed from Godliness, as have all denominations at some point - thus the Protestant Reformation - through man's sinful nature. There have been problems in those churches, too, in my opinion. Only a Christian Church with Christ, himself, standing in front of it, would be perfect, in my opinion. n my soapbox:

FOXNews.com - Pope: Other Christian Denominations Not True Churches - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

I just totally do not see the need for him to even say this.

Claire, no worries here. I think as adults we learn that even leaders of great religions speak of what they believe. Each denomination (not just the Catholic faith) tends to believe they are the ones who are right - and thus, everyone else is a little wrong. Until Christ himself tells me that my church is not "real", I'm not worried.

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Pope Benedict appears to have a lot of opinions and he isn't afraid of expressing them! There is a lot of good and bad in that personality! Of course he is stepping in behind Pope John Paul who really appeared, from what I've seen, to be a good man and probably a hard act to follow.

But I don't think anyone would believe that all Catholics think like this. I know quite a few Catholics and truthfully I've never heard any of them even mention the Pope and his thoughts on life ... though maybe they discuss it when I'm not around.

This is interesting. I'm not a Catholic, but I have many close friends and relatives that are. I'm glad that this isn't the sentiment of the general Catholic population. I think anytime a religion proclaims itself as the right way, or the only way, it can lead to a slippery slope.

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There are many issues in the Catholic church that most catholics I know do not agree with (having been raised Catholic & attended all catholic schools, most of my friends are active catholics). They don't agree with the church's position on divorce (no one wants one, but it happens), birth control, abortion, that women can't become priests, or that priests should not be allowed to marry. So it would not surprise me that many catholics would also not agree that it is the "one true church."

I was taught that when I was in school. I remember feeling very sorry for the old lady next door because she was soooo nice, but she went to the presbyterian church next door to my church, therefore she would never be allowed into heaven. It was one of the things that started me questioning religion around 4th grade.

Still, I think this is very common, while maybe unwritten, among many Christian denominations, particularly those that claim you must be "born again" in order to be redeemed. Catholics don't go for the "born again" thing, but many of those churches will tell you that you're damned to h-ll if you're not! Same thing as far as I'm concerned.

Claire ~ this is getting off subjuct a little....but all I could think about while reading all of this....is what I just read about during the days of King Henry the VIII, and then those Queens and Kings that followed that were constantly changing how the church was run.

Very interesting....everyone has their own opinion I guess, even the Pope.

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I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are. ~ Frances Moore Lappe

None of this is new information. He just chose to bring it up again.

I am glad for the Latin mass. I would love to go. I wouldn't have a clue what was being said but I have no problems with it. One should be able to worship in whatever language u want.

we have a new arhbisop here in st paul/mpls who is very conservative and I he and Bennie are very close in thinking. I guess I may not be taking commuion again. not trying to belittle the Pope for anyone out there by calling him Bennie.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

I'm Catholic and the first thing out of my mouth when I heard this was "what was this man thinking?!"

Now, I grew up being told that if you weren't Catholic, then you were going to Hell. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. However, as I grew up, I found that several other flavors of Christianity also thought the same thing. If you aren't << fill in religon here >> then you are going to Hell, yada yada yada.

Well, I figured one thing out. Well, I guess that means we are all going to Heaven or Hell. So, can I save anyone a seat?

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What did you read specifically?

Isn't that how the Episcopalian church was started? Or maybe it was the Church of England. Because the Catholic Church *wouldn't* change...for the wims of Kings and Queens? Wouldn't allow Henry the VIII to divorce etc?

Historical Fiction books:

The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover.

King Henry did "convert" from Catholic to Protestant, and did divorce his first wife after "taking over the church" and had five more wives making it six total.... and his son King Edward kept it that way (Protestant)....then when his daughter Queen Mary took over, she "converted" back to Catholic and had several clergymen burned to death for not wanting to convert...that is why she was called "Bloody Mary". Then when Queen Elizabeth took over...she went back to Protestant again.

Now please don't quote me and tell me I am wrong I am sure I am not outlining the entire course of history here....Claire and I have been reading these books...that is why I put her name in my reply and stated that I was going "off subject" a little bit.

Very interesting books though...I am addicted!!

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I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are. ~ Frances Moore Lappe