Another reason for me to not like the current Pope

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This may be an unpopular opinion, so I am going to keep this short, and as un-preachy as I am able, but I believe the Pope is correct.

The newspapers are taking much of what Benedict says out of context, as, I suppose, they are wont to do. There seems to be a definite anti-Catholic leaning in the media these days. Whether you feel that it is deserved or not, is for another thread.

Nevertheless, your views on Catholicism aside, the Roman Catholic Church is the only church that can be traced, Biblically and historically, directly back to the original disciples. In particular, the Apostle Peter, with whom Jesus essentially “gave the keys" to spread His teachings. Jesus built His church upon the Apostles as something that would continue indefinitely until the end of time, ruled by successors of these same men. Ergo, Pope Benedict.

You may not like it, but this was how the Mother Church came to be.

The Pope is not pulling this edicts from inside his tall Pope hat, in fact, they are based on what Jesus intended, which was one church in His name – the Roman Catholic Church. Not several thousand separate entities preaching His word -- but one.

My personal feeling is that everybody is welcome to belong to whichever church they feel is right for them.

To paraphrase another church leader, L. Ron Hubbard, “What is true for you is what you have observed yourself.”

Catholicism may not be for you, and the current Pope may rub you the wrong way, but it is the church founded by the Apostles on the command of Jesus. And you cannot say that about any other church.

The Pope is betrayed as the great divider, though he has no intention of being such. What he is doing is stating the exact position of the Catholic Church, as it has been for two thousand years. In other words, his words are only news to non-Catholics. Indeed, in order to have any sort of open dialogue, you must state your positions as clearly and as honestly as you are able. This is what the Pope has done. He should be applauded, not derided.

And so, I had said my peace, and to quote Charles Chaplin to the critics attending a premiere of Monsieur Verdoux, "Proceed with the butchery ..."