Spain Approves Gay Marriage

[scaeagles]

I am not Catholic, and am amazed at my constantly coming to his defense. Not in regard to the specific law of Spain (although I completely agree with CP about laws being disagreed with everywhere, and immediately within the context of the subject matter thought of Lawrence vs. Texas), but in wondering what people expected.

He was JP II's right hand man. JP II and Benedict XVI are basically the same theologically. I am not sure why JP II was seemingly exempt to much of the criticism for his doctrinal stances that B XVI is encountering - I was not very aware when I was 10 and JP II became pope - it could be he got the same criticisms. Is it an issue of style over substance? JP II was a likable individual even for those who adamantly disagreed with him, and there is a huge campaign to besmirch B XVI. Now, investigate his nazi past all you want - that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the huge number of stories run with negative opinions of him by the lay people even though it seems he is much more widely accepted than vilified within the Catholic community.

He was elected in the second fastest papal election ever. He must obviously have the respect of the Cardinals.

Now, dislike him all you want. That isn't what my post is about. I'm just wondering why huge differences in doctrinal stance were expected in his first week as pope.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

JPII would have had the same reaction to the developments in Spain, to be sure.

[Prudence]

And yet again another example of the problems that arise when society conflates religious sacraments with legal rights and benefits. But Pandora opened that box so long ago I don't know how things will eventually be sorted out.

[€uroMeinke]

Actually my opinion of JPII and the Nazi Pope are the same - as expressed in his death thread. But I'm sure he'll turn out to be a lovable dictator just the same.