Benedict XVI Acts Like Ape, Confirms Primacy of Papacy

Well, at least confirms that the Pope’s a primate.

I’m glad that people are disappointed about Benedict’s approval this week of a document stating that the Roman Catholic church is the only true church. All other churches are wounded or phonies, according to The Pope (aka Joseph the Zinger of Rats, aka Joe). I think the disappointment indicates the optimism, hopefulness, and good faith effort these people possess in trying to get the very divided Christian communities more united. Joe talks a good line about ecumenism, so when he shows the dark side of the force it bothers folks.

Those folks, of course, are also naïve. Joe wants unity, but on his terms. What else would you expect from the CEO/Chairman of the Board of a huge corporation? It’s his job to protect and strengthen the business.

And, as one of the 32 or however many flavors of Christianity there are, come on, it’s one of the most human-based and –biased there is. In the face of today’s science and culture, what part of Christianity puts women in second place, gays on the road to hell, and the opinions of one chief honcho at or above those of Jesus? There are at least two: Mormons and Roman Catholics. I don’t mean to leave out most or all of the actual values and practices of the rest of Christianity, but the answer to this one question highlights how much more all established Christian denominations have in common with each other than they do with their God. It’s glaringly clear, for example, how Joe and his lieutenants are so much like the Pharisees that the Gospels denounce. But that’s another blog entry.

To stick with Joe’s recent silliness, consider that the only authentic church he accepts is one in which apostolic succession can be shown, that is, a direct line of succession of bishops from the beginning to the present. Without that, the ordination of priests is invalid. Of course, there is no historical proof for Joe’s gang or anyone else’s—the line breaks down after a couple hundred years. And that rule is manmade, not Biblical. And Joe’s also forgotten that his corporation charter speaks of the priesthood of all believers. Joe’s a pretty arrogant little god substitute to think that God can only work through him, and that he can nullify what God has ordained.

Got to say, this is beginning to sound like the blog entry on Mr. Falwell. I’ll stop before repeating myself. Just remember, my brothers and sisters, what we’re told in the Old Testament (yes, that’s right, we can even unite with the Jews in living the way God wants us to live—oh my, what’s next—love Muslims? Mon dieu!): do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. Joe, let me take you out for a latte.