Joseph Ratzinger named new pope-- Benedict XVI

[scaeagles]

I am not a Catholic, so perhaps I am not understanding.

If you are a member of the Catholic church, does not the Pope have pretty much the final say on church doctrine? Church doctrine has not changed much recently, if I recall correctly. So a Pope who wishes to keep the church teaching constant is a bad thing? I have never understood (again, not being a Catholic) the calls for liberalizing or modernizing church teachings to "keep up with society" or some such thing. It would seem that church teachings should remain constant regardless of the direction society moves.

Am I missing something?

[Sheila]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Am I missing something?

I think the main fears that many American Catholics have is that Ratzinger will reject all the Vatican II reforms and go back to a much more conservative Catholic church -- the one where women have a much more subservient role, the masses held in Latin only, etc.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Am I missing something?

Not directly. Though Christ said "what's loosed on earth will be loosed on heaven," updating doctrine probably undermines the doctrine in the first place. Despite many growing to reject the doctrine and falling away.

Nevertheless, opposing the ordination of women is backwards, in my estimation. He has the power to allow it, but he won't.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick

Despite many growing to reject the doctrine and falling away.

Didn't the Catholic church have huge growth under a pretty strict and unmoving John Paul II, though?

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Didn't the Catholic church have huge growth under a pretty strict and unmoving John Paul II, though?

Depending on what you read, they either had a huge growth or a huge departure and/or dissention.

[MickeyD]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I have never understood (again, not being a Catholic) the calls for liberalizing or modernizing church teachings to "keep up with society" or some such thing. It would seem that church teachings should remain constant regardless of the direction society moves.

Am I missing something?

It's not really about moderinizing to "keep up with society", it's about making the changes that need to occur....that are the right thing to do, regardless of where society is. Does that make sense? Not to mention, the teachings have not always remained constant, they've evolved over time, and IMO, should continue to do so.


I've very, very disappointed with the Cardinals' choice. Not at all surprised, but disappointed none the less. I've been ignoring the things Ratzinger has been saying for a long time. I suppose I will continue to ignore "Benedict XVI".