During a discussion on the radio this morning, someone remarked that the Pope ‘had pulled no punches’ when speaking of the threat to Christendom. The perceived threat was secularism, which, I learned earlier this week, is seen as of the greatest danger to the Christian faith.
As someone who, in some respects, could be described as a secularist, this came as something of a shock. I had not been aware that supporters of a secular state were persecuting Christians around the world, or planting bombs in public places. So, I might be more admiring of the Pope’s ‘no punches’ candour had he directed it elsewhere.
Boadicea's Chariot 
The Rcs can’t get their heads round the idea that their superstititions are of declining interest worldwide. Everybody who is not for them is against them! Now that’s an outmoded concept!
I wasn’t aware that he had accused secularists of “persecuting Christians around the world, or planting bombs in public places” do you have a reference or link?
‘Secularism is the concept that government or other entities should exist separately from religion and/or religious beliefs’ – with secularism the church loses its grip, which is why the church is scared of it.
As I quoted before:
“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. ~Seneca the Younger
Good old Seneca.
Tip-toeing around as usual, Bearsy. 🙂
During Bens 4 day visit, it seems nothing worth reporting has happened in the world………
With feelings becoming so intense, I felt encouraged to post something on the subject of Faith.
http://bearsy.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/love-hope-and-faith/
He didn’t address the real threat to christians because he doesn’t have the balls.
Soutie, re-read what I said, it is not a quote, but a statement of irony. Of course secularists are not doing these things, why, then, are they given precedence over those who are, in the Pope’s list of foes?
Because the pen is mightier than the sword. He is talking about Christian faith. Bombs do not destroy faith, ideas do.
Like the idea that anybody who does not submit to your particular brand of organised superstition should be killed?
Of course secularism was brought into our vocabulary by governments & the EU, they could hardly bring in multiculturism & stick with Christianity.
It’s all to accommodate the…. erm… shall we call them, newcomers !
Did the Pope mention how that could be handled, in fact did he make any ‘practical’ suggestions on how to regain Christianity ? I don’t like the man or the Catholic church, but at least they are trying to do something, which is a damn sight more than Rowan Williams is doing.