Pope Francis supports evolution, says God isn't a magician

[Utceforp]

Good. I'm a Catholic and I believe in evolution, so I see no problems at all with this statement.

Me too, There'd be a chance that God made evolution and 7 days is probably 7 centuries or probably millennium

Evolution isn't going to happen in a period of centuries unless you're a species of small insects or bacterium. If you want to go with multiples of seven, I'd go with 7 billion years.

[Neo Philippine Empire]

Me too, There'd be a chance that God made evolution and 7 days is probably 7 centuries or probably millennium

Evolution isn't going to happen in a period of centuries unless you're a species of small insects or bacterium. If you want to go with multiples of seven, I'd go with 7 billion years.

I did say 7 millennium.

[Othelos]

My father just went on a big angry rant when he saw the headline about this Fox News. He's now considering not letting my little sister (who is 9) go to church with her Catholic friend anymore.

This is what I used to live with.

I'm not sure why he would do that, since the catholic church accepted evolution before this.

[Constantinopolis]

Not gonna happen. The church is still a beacon of hope for those who believe in the sanctity of marriage. No left wing extremist like yourself is going to change the definition of marriage just because you rally behind the "they are in love" argument

Excuse me, but who are you calling a "left wing extremist"? I am the left wing extremist here, thank you very much!

And I agree that the only true marriage is between a man and a woman, although I don't particularly care about what kinds of "marriages" are legally allowed and what kinds are not. Some countries allow polygamous marriages, and the world hasn't ended. It's a non-issue.

[Othelos]

Excuse me, but who are you calling a "left wing extremist"? I am the left wing extremist here, thank you very much! :p

at least you're embracing it

[Constantinopolis]

Excuse me, but who are you calling a "left wing extremist"? I am the left wing extremist here, thank you very much!

at least you're embracing it

I have found that if I unabashedly embrace these sorts of labels, and take any flak that comes with them onto myself, other people with similar views will be less afraid to speak up.

So say it loud and say it proud: left-wing extremism all the way!

[United States of Natan]

I say, a round of applause for Pope Francis. He has clearly proven he intends to turn the church around, and the most progressive pope yet. He is trying to make the church seem less antagonistic, and more open and welcoming to all people. As a Jew who would like to see the church turn itself around, I applaud the pope.

[Constantinopolis]

I say, a round of applause for Pope Francis. He has clearly proven he intends to turn the church around, and the most progressive pope yet. He is trying to make the church seem less antagonistic, and more open and welcoming to all people. As a Jew who would like to see the church turn itself around, I applaud the pope.

I really like him too, but, but... all he did today was to re-state something that the Catholic Church has been saying for decades!

Seriously, did no one know?

[Senyosu]

Seriously, did no one know?

Considering that half the Catholic population here is lapsed and do not pay attention to the One True Church much, and NSG mostly atheist and not knowing of Catholic history... It's justified.

[Constantinopolis]

Seriously, did no one know?

Considering that half the Catholic population here is lapsed and do not pay attention to the One True Church much, and NSG mostly atheist and not knowing of Catholic history... It's justified.

Sigh. It's like Arch said...

What continues to be depressing about reaction to Francis stating the obvious is the extent to which the conservative American Evangelical Protestants have apparently succeeded in making non-Christians think that the conservative American Evangelical Protestant interpretation of Christianity is the baseline by which Christianity should be understood and judged, as opposed to the view held by a minority (albeit a shouty and politically active one).

The vocal minority of conservative American Protestants have completely taken over the public image of Christianity, at least in the Western world.

We have a lot of work to do.

[Shnercropolis]

See the thing about Pope Francis is that he's not actually re-inventing church beliefs on anything, he's just stating the church's beliefs in the correct, more tolerant and progressive way. The Catholic Church has long accepted evolution but the fact that he is saying this now marks an important change in priorities for the church.

Francis is a pro at making people feel at ease with the Catholic church. I used to think it represented a holdover from the medeival era, now I think it's a bunch of nice people who happen to be deeply religious.

[Luremurg]

I wonder if Pope Francis has his own collection of young boys in the Vatican.
Seriously the Catholic Church is corrupt and full of pedophiles, can't believe the pope still has so much influence.
Who gives a fuck if he approves of evolution, why does anyone give a shit what he says.

[Senyosu]

The vocal minority of conservative American Protestants have completely taken over the public image of Christianity, at least in the Western world.

We have a lot of work to do.

I think it's in a way progressive to reaffirm one's image. In a way.

[Shnercropolis]

I wonder if Pope Francis has his own collection of young boys in the Vatican.
Seriously the Catholic Church is corrupt and full of pedophiles, can't believe the pope still has so much influence.
Who gives a fuck if he approves of evolution, why does anyone give a shit what he says.

>leader of a religion, supposedly has a direct link to God.
>why does anyone give a shit what he says?

[Norstal]

Well, the Pope has made another (relatively) progressive statement. In the past, the Catholic Church has alluded to backing evolution, however it was qualified by 'intelligent design'. He has actually declared support for the idea that the Big Bang theory and evolution are real - however that they were 'started' by God.
I think this is definitely one of the most progressive/secular statements made by the Church. Pope Francis has increasingly supported various secular ideas, such as being less intense about opposition to LGBT people, contraception, etc, and other things that were once very taboo for the Church. He shows a much more open-minded, in my opinion. I think that saying that 'God doesn't have a magic wand' is a pretty big deal for the Catholic Church. It reflects the ideas about religion that many religious (and irreligious) people may have in the 21st century. Although the Catholic Church is far from being a progressive or modern institution, it has come a long way under Pope Francis.

I think that the Pope, and whoever is predecessor is (if he is progressive, too) could continue the modernization of the Church, even if it is a very slow process. Pope Francis seems to do this modernization in a very slow way that won't offend anyone too much, while keeping up largely with public opinion. I really wish he'd just declare complete support for all the things the Church opposes, but I doubt that'd ever happen in the near or medium future.

So, NSG, what are your thoughts on this? Is Pope Francis really as progressive as everyone says he is? Is this a big deal? What's the future for the modernization of the Church?

Meh. The Church's position on science is pretty clear. I'm not surprised though, since the Church has been wishy-washy about it. They only said that evolution is compatible with the church's teachings in the past. Though granted, most if not all Catholic schools teaches evolution.

Now, what will be shocking is if the Church's position on bioethics stops being extremely pro-life. Until then, what he's been doing is not surprising.

[The Flood]

That's not how the Church works buddy. If you violate the core tenets of the faith, you become heretical, and cease to be a part of the body of the True Church.

Could you point out to me which part of the Bible mentions abortion? I can't seem to find it...

The 10 commandments. Thou shall not kill.

[Luremurg]

I wonder if Pope Francis has his own collection of young boys in the Vatican.
Seriously the Catholic Church is corrupt and full of pedophiles, can't believe the pope still has so much influence.
Who gives a fuck if he approves of evolution, why does anyone give a shit what he says.

>leader of a religion, supposedly has a direct link to God.
>why does anyone give a shit what he says?

>fucks little boys
>covers up for high class pedophiles
>wake up plz

[Quilavaland]

About time! I didn't really care about the new Pope initially but now after this and a few of his other decisions I think he's moving the Catholic Church in the right direction. Though I'm not religious so my opinion doesn't really matter anyway, then again perhaps this decision could mean more people become Cathloics? Who knows?

[The Flood]

I wonder if Pope Francis has his own collection of young boys in the Vatican.
Seriously the Catholic Church is corrupt and full of pedophiles, can't believe the pope still has so much influence.
Who gives a fuck if he approves of evolution, why does anyone give a shit what he says.

[Constantinopolis]

About time! I didn't really care about the new Pope initially but now after this and a few of his other decisions I think he's moving the Catholic Church in the right direction. Though I'm not religious so my opinion doesn't really matter anyway, then again perhaps this decision could mean more people become Cathloics? Who knows?

It's NOT a decision. This has been the official view of the Catholic Church for AGES.

Sigh... I keep having to post this over and over again... it's depressing.

[Shnercropolis]

>leader of a religion, supposedly has a direct link to God.
>why does anyone give a shit what he says?

>fucks little boys
>covers up for high class pedophiles
>wake up plz

proof?

[Norstal]

That's not how the Church works buddy. If you violate the core tenets of the faith, you become heretical, and cease to be a part of the body of the True Church.

Could you point out to me which part of the Bible mentions abortion? I can't seem to find it...

It doesn't specifically mentions abortion. It does however, have heavy emphasis on human life. That life is not something you own. Rather, it is God's property. And as it is God's property, you are not to violate God's will by preventing life from forming. However, if another life is in danger, it is better to weight on which one to save. The Church's position is pro-life, not anti-abortion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_C ... _pregnancy

Could you point out to me which part of the Bible mentions abortion? I can't seem to find it...

The 10 commandments. Thou shall not kill.

That's a terrible defense.

[Mystral]

I wonder if Pope Francis has his own collection of young boys in the Vatican.
Seriously the Catholic Church is corrupt and full of pedophiles, can't believe the pope still has so much influence.
Who gives a fuck if he approves of evolution, why does anyone give a shit what he says.

Is this all you know about Catholicism?

[The Alma Mater]

Good. I'm a Catholic and I believe in evolution, so I see no problems at all with this statement.

Me too, There'd be a chance that God made evolution and 7 days is probably 7 centuries or probably millennium

The order of creation in Genesis is still wrong then And a millenium is merely 1000 years - it took "slightly" longer.

Still, I like this Pope. He makes an effort. Or at least is good at PR.

[Norstal]

The vocal minority of conservative American Protestants have completely taken over the public image of Christianity, at least in the Western world.

We have a lot of work to do.

American Protestants have rap songs and Christian rock music. What do you guys have? Huh? Nothing. This is why you guys are losing. *nods*