An interesting read
Jan. 26th, 2006 01:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
damontOkay, so I'm discussing a letter rather than a book. The icon seemed appropriate anyway.
This morning my attention was drawn to Pope Benedict XVI's very first papal encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" (roughly "God Is Love"), issued on Christmas Day. Here's a link to the English version.
The first encyclical is often said to be a strong indicator of the direction a papacy will take. If so, I am mildly heartened after having read through it. This is far more liberal than I ever expected to hear from the former Cardinal Ratzinger. I don't think it's quite as liberal as might be thought by the person who pointed it out to me; it's really more of a moderate position, and I strongly suspect it's partly in reaction to the past year's expressions of hatred in the name of religion. Nevertheless, given his previous public stances, this encyclical is remarkable in its tone and language.
The choice of topic also allowed the Pope to gloss over some of the major issues that the R.C. Church will face in the not too distant future. That was likely done on purpose; I stand by my belief that Benedict is mostly a "holding pattern" pope, not expected to live more than 5-10 years, and the *real* politicking is going to be associated with the *next* papal election. (Said politicking has already begun, according to some of my sources.)
This morning my attention was drawn to Pope Benedict XVI's very first papal encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" (roughly "God Is Love"), issued on Christmas Day. Here's a link to the English version.
The first encyclical is often said to be a strong indicator of the direction a papacy will take. If so, I am mildly heartened after having read through it. This is far more liberal than I ever expected to hear from the former Cardinal Ratzinger. I don't think it's quite as liberal as might be thought by the person who pointed it out to me; it's really more of a moderate position, and I strongly suspect it's partly in reaction to the past year's expressions of hatred in the name of religion. Nevertheless, given his previous public stances, this encyclical is remarkable in its tone and language.
The choice of topic also allowed the Pope to gloss over some of the major issues that the R.C. Church will face in the not too distant future. That was likely done on purpose; I stand by my belief that Benedict is mostly a "holding pattern" pope, not expected to live more than 5-10 years, and the *real* politicking is going to be associated with the *next* papal election. (Said politicking has already begun, according to some of my sources.)
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Our "German - Shepard"
Date: 2006-01-26 11:26 pm (UTC)As to our "German-Shepard," read his past works . . . Cardinal Ratzinger was quite a prolific author and his work is very meaningful and well stated. Remember it was part of his role within the Magisterium to be a voice true to the historical teachings/perspectives of the Church.
And those not too distant future issues - well, they are here and the Church has no choice other than to step up to the issues. My concern is not the shepard, but the flock - will the Church, those fallen from the Church and those outside the Church read his work with an open mind and heart FIRST! Then thoughtful, well educated discussion. Unfortunately, I imagine the case will be more of a blind reading filling in with pre-fabricated opinions.
(This next comment must be read with the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm intended) - Oh to be as perfect as me :~)
Re: Our "German - Shepard"
Date: 2006-01-27 07:52 am (UTC)I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that age was a major issue in the conclave that elected John Paul II; the cardinals were aiming for a pontificate of *at least* 10 years, preferably 15-20. They got more than they bargained for, but this time around I think they wanted a shorter turnaround (in terms of expected time).