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The Pope is quitting his job. Perhaps he feels too pooped to Pop(e).


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I do not wish to disparage long held beliefs of any person. However, I can't imagine Christ walking through Vatican City and meeting with the Pope and understanding how this political, wealthy entity grew from His humble talks about brotherly love from rocks in fields, by streams and in public places. I'm not sure Christ in original attire and style would be allowed through the security to see the Pope.

I think the wealth of the Vatican would better serve the beliefs of the church by being liquidated and used to meet the needs of the poorest among us. Imagine what could be accomplished!
Of course, I feel that way about the Mormon church and the protestant churches that have amassed immense wealth for their many international enterprises, television shows, etc.

I have always admired the Quakers and those sects that do not accumulate wealth but rather live humbly and spiritually without forcing their beliefs on others. I think Christ would find a home with them.

Is the pope in love?

I agree with you DK. What we're hearing on the German news is that he made the decision because he felt he couldn't do the job any longer in an effective manner and the fact that he is in poor health. If you recall Pope Paul who was bent over and mumbled in his last years. I think this Pope is doing the right thing in stepping down. Perhaps he is also suffering from dementia - just a guess.

As for the wealth thing, I believe it is a disgrace to take without giving. The wealth accumulated by numerous religious organizations who preach the teachings of Christ and fail miserably in following his example is just wrong.

DK, you inspire me.

Your post reminded me of a book I read back in the very early 80's.

http://www.amazon.com/Far-Arena-Richard-Sapir/dp/0440126711/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360606423&sr=1-1&keywords=the+far+arena+sapir
from an Amazon review:

Quote :

Without spoiling the plot, it is simple enough: by entirely plausible scientific means, a Roman gladiator is revived in the modern age. His flashbacks to life in ancient Rome and his impressions of the modern age are all woven into a compelling plot that moves at lightning speed to a startling and yet wistful conclusion. This is a great story.

I could not remember the title or the author. Finding it took me on a long and involved google search. I wish I still had the paperback, because it is now long gone, and I want, right now, very much, to read it again.

I do remember the passage that your post prompted. Near the end of the story, a nun who has been working with the former gladiator takes him to modern Rome. To shorten a very long, beautiful, and poignant story, the gladiator turns to the nun (I believe they are in the basilica at the time) and says something like this: "Your Jesus would never have been allowed in a place like this."

Thanks for the memory. Now I have to see if I can find an affordable copy.

Oops, correction - I remember more clearly - it WAS the basilica, and and the quote was - even more telling? "Your Peter would never have been allowed in a place like this."

Sounds like a great read....