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Stefano Rellandini / Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithfuls from his Pope-mobile upon his arrival to conduct an open-air mass service at Beirut City Center Waterfront, Sunday.
BEIRUT, Lebanon – Pope Benedict XVI held a huge open-air mass on Beirut’s waterfront on Sunday, urging Christians to be peacemakers amid the “grim trail of death and destruction” around the world.
He addressed a crowd of 350,000 people as part of his three-day visit to Lebanon, which has been overshadowed by regional fury among Muslims over a U.S.-made internet video insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
"May God grant to your country, to Syria and to the Middle East, the gift of peaceful hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence,'' the pope said in a prayer.
The first faithful made their way to Beirut’s waterfront – close to the front line in the 1975-1990 civil war - at 7 a.m. local time Sunday (midnight Saturday ET) chanting “Be-ne-di-cto” while waving Vatican flags and wearing white baseball caps that read “I give you my peace” in Arabic.
The turnout for the Pope’s message of peace was huge, despite intense heat and humidity.
Lebanese hope pope can 'bring peace' to the region
In his homily, the Pope urged Christians in the Middle East to work against what he called the "the grim trail of death and destruction" in the world.
"I pray in particular that the Lord will grant to this region of the Middle East servants of peace and reconciliation, so that all people can live in peace and with dignity," the 85-year old pontiff said. "This is an essential testimony which Christians must render here, in cooperation with all people of good will. I appeal to all of you to be peacemakers, wherever you find yourselves."
His call for peace was addressed in particular to neighboring Syria, extending a special prayer to those suffering the consequence of the raging civil war.
The Pope arrived in his iconic bullet-proof, glass-encased ‘Popemobile’ and sat on a big stage shaped like a Cedar tree - the symbol of Lebanon - in front of a sea of Middle East Christians.
Bilal Hussein / AP
An aerial view of the Lebanese capital's waterfront where Pope Benedict XVI held a mass in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday.
About 35 per cent of the region’s Christians live in Lebanon – the largest single Christian community in the area.
“We hope that peace will reign in the Middle East…we need it,” said Elias, an accountant from Beirut.
“It was a pleasure to have him in Lebanon,” resident Roni Nakur said immediately after the Mass. “Here we have both Muslims and Christians, and the Pope helps us be together.”
PhotoBlog: Pope says multi-faith Lebanon should be model for Middle East
Christine, a technology teacher, traveled from Egypt to see the Pope. “I am so happy,” she said. “We need peace…Egypt needs peace, all the world needs peace. I hope it comes soon”.
Security was tight in Beirut throughout his visit, but particularly visible on Sunday. Lebanese army troops patrolled the streets in armored personnel carriers and set-up roadblocks, while army helicopters hovered overhead.
During his visit, the pope said that Lebanon's coexistence of Christians and Muslims continue to be an example to all the Middle East countries.
Lebanon is increasingly viewed as a model of religious tolerance after years of civil war and sectarian violence.
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The Pope was pleading with Christians because he knows Muslims aren't capable of acting like civilized people. Hate is their middle name, and they prove that every day all around the world. It's believe in Allah or get the knife. They are a violent dirty group of people who promote hate and nothing else. Long live Jesus Christ the one and only savior. Mohammed was a fraud, and when he gets called out for being a fraud his believers turn to violence, which happened to be his answer for anyone who questioned him when he was alive, So if this liar Mohammed was a prophet who was he a prophet for the Devil? Only Satan promotes violence not God. Can't help the truth Muslims....As they say in the West it is what it is. .
My god is better than your god? Sounds like a urinating contest.
He is advocating the higher road for sure. However, I think if push came to shove, and the Pope could be honest, he would not see Islam as a religion of peace and good will at this time. Christians have a dark history as well, but certainly today are not the ones perpetrating this violence and horror against perfectly innocent people.
What is happening and now will be ratcheted up is that many progressives openly bash Christians wanting all signs of religion removed, but at that same time are forcibly removing labels of terrorist groups to do what this Pope is advocating which is trying to be the peacemaker at the expense of other religions. So excuses are being given to one religion while others are forced to the sidelines.
The filmmaker has been taken into custody which is exactly what the fanatics wanted. So they pushed and we bent over. We are looking into his parole? When has law enforcement done that lately? We don't even enforce illegal immigration again to give one group a pass while ratcheting up regulations to push another group.
America has become the appeaser.
overunder... Please, don't tell me you consider your self a Christian.
(story's main photograph) Oh the irony of the HSBC bank logo arising above it all....
Overunder - you hit the nail on the head. Yes Mohammad is a fraud. And layter, yes overunder can be a Christian. He's told the truth on the Devil of man. Insult a Christian and they will pray for you, Insult a Muslim and they will rip your heart out. Take your pick who would you want living next to you. They are coming in mass and they will burn your communities and ... your women. Overunder thank you for setting the tone, it must get out!
Overunder, yes some Muslims are violent, but what about the Christians who blow up abortion clinics or kill gay people? They're not "true Christians" you say? In that case, the Taliban and Al Quaeda aren't "true Muslims". It's only fair after all. Besides, we don't really know what these people have been through. If you'd been in a similar position, you might have become a terrorist too, we'll never know.
This is the same church that has spear headed the inquisitions, gathered young men for the crusades and wars WWI and WWII.
This is the same church that gathered men for war in Germany while at the SAME time for the U.S. This is NOT a peaceful religion either.
They are a bunch of hypocrits who deserve their tax exemption status taken away.
If this church ruled the world, there would NEVER be peaceful change.
There would be a bunch of angry pedophiles hiding other pedophiles...oh wait...
Pedophiles apparently still care about world peace.
His holiness - please come over and hold one rally in USA for all the GOP neocon warmongerers as well.
You people on here that are saying that Christians now are the same as Muslims can't be serious! (njdude) Like someone on here said, who would you rather live next to. And let's not go all into the crusades et al again blah blah blah, it's been done on here 1000 times. The muslims are running amok! And Christian Arabs living in the middle east are in constant danger! I'm surprised this rally is allowed. Feel a little better about Lebanon right now.
PJ, obviously, you support Barry and his anti-Catholic rhetoric. I find it amusing that you can turn His Holiness' call for peace and turn it into a political issue. Who is the one really filled with hate?
BTG, you really need to take some history courses. The Church did NOT start the Inquisition. Governments did and to stop the abuse, the Vatican ordered them stopped and held Papal Courts. And ummm, Germany was not considered a Catholic country during WWII. Remember Luther? HITLER is the one that brought Germany into war, not the Catholics........sheesh!!!
Good intentions from the Pope, but I'd rather be a relocated Lebanese Christian living somewhere safer praying for peace.
Linda - nobody is anti catholic. Nobody is anti islam.
Both are two sides of the violent and non-tolerant coin. Pope will have more credibility if he started cleaning his own house. For once - why doesn't he state that jews - in general - didn't kill jesus - people who happened to be jews - killed jesus.
You sound pretty anti Catholic to me pj. To start with, you say Islam and Catholicism is the same, in the midst of what is going on? Then the rest. Just because you start with 'nobody is anti Catholic' doesn't make it so.
Woe to those that say peace ,when there shall be no peace for my people . By peace he shall destroy many (Anti-Christ /Man of Sin ).
RCC from time it was given authority over church and state, until it's demise in 1799 was exactly 1260 yrs, or 42 prophetic months . In 1929 Mussolini declared the RCC a Country,m and crowned it's first King ,the DEADLY HEAD WOUND was healed. Since then there have been 7 kings of RCC,we are on the 7th, the 8th will be of 7 and go into perdition . Prophecy says when the floor was swept clean (1799) the beast wandered looking for a place to rest ,finding none he returned to his first estate{1929) ,bringing with him 7 demons (Kings/Popes) worse than the first. The 8th King/Pope will be Peter Romanus/Peter the Roman/Simon Pater/Simon the Sorcerer of Samarria. Bible says the man of Sin will understand DARK SENTENCES (Sorcerer ). St.Malachy's vision in the 11th century, of all the popes first to last. He said the last one will be the 112th, we are now on the 111th/7th king. With facts like this folks, and fulfilled prophecies, we can determine above doubt who the Whore is .
Bible says that the 8th king will exercise that same power as the first beast, original 8th pope,who was pope Sixtus III or 666 .
Am I anti-Catholic ? absolutely ...shouldn't I be ?
You're also a little scary.
Buddy is more than a little scary.
@PJ, it was actually Roman soldiers who killed Jesus of Nazareth. seems to have been a mixed crowd yelling, Crucify him!" Don't imagine there were too many Jews in the Roman army...
Well, yes, but according to scripture, the Roman soldiers carried out the act of crucifixion at the orders of Pontius Pilate, a Roman, who was pressured into doing it by the insistence of the Jewish church leaders who were jealous of Jesus and wanted to get rid of him because so many Jewish people were becoming his followers.
I'mm sure you catholic will disagree ,but it hard to disagree with the facts I've shown you , research what ive said ,see for yourselves . Calling me names don't change FACTS .
And I didn't even go to the facts that are totally obvious....arrayed in scarlet and purple ,sitting among 7 hills, Guilty of the blood of the Saints (Christians) . Jesus himself shows you hardhearted catholics in plain simple words that even you you 2 can understand ....Call no man FATHER except your Father in Heaven , Seems name calling is all you catholics can muster, to defend your False Church . Bible says if we could have healed her we would have, (Protestants are prophecied) but she cannot be healed ,flee out of the midst of her my people ,lest you be caught up in her iniquites ......And they are Many and reacheth even unto heaven . From Slaying Christ and his apostles ,to aiding Hitler , Running your own Bank (Money Changers) and funding wars ,You name it the RCC is guilty of it, the RCC is what you should wary of , not someone who see's clearer than you .
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Buddy Russell:
Read MT 16: 13 - 20. If God is good, wouldn’t He make sure that humans can be confident that they can know what human actions He says are morally right and what human actions He says are morally wrong? Jesus founded the Catholic Church by appointing Peter as Her head. Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to protect Her from teaching error. Jesus told Peter whatever you hold bound on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you hold loose on earth shall be held loose in heaven. When the Church exercises her Magisterial Teaching Authority through official Church documents on Faith and Morals humans can be confident that these are God’s pronouncements about what human actions are morally right and what human actions are morally wrong. If you disagree, where does your moral authority come from? Also, as proof, it was also predicted about 2,000 years ago that the Catholic Church would survive until Jesus Second Coming. What other hierarchal human institution has survived that long—and predicted it would be so? Given these two facts, what are the odds that the Catholic Church surviving as it has is just a “coincidence” or the reason it survived is because one set of humans is more successful at “pulling the wool” over the rest of humanity?
The Bible came from the Catholic Church. It really becomes a question of authority. Catholics believe that the Church is the authority on Faith and Morals. (Read 1 Timothy 3:15.)
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.
The Catholic church, and not the Bible is the foundation of Truth.
Read http://www.catholic.com/tracts/call-no-man-father
Silverton , you confirmed what I'm saying ,it was both Church and State together that killed Christ .
This is confirmed in Nebuchadnezzers statue feet and toes of Iron & miry clay (RCC/4th Holy Roman Empire/NWO) Iron represents Roman Empire. When the order goes to worship the Beast ,his Image ,or receive the number of his Name in their forehead,those that refuse ,the Beast shall cause to be killed . Pope Sixtus III made the decree, that nobody but the papacy had the authority to enter into a legal contract,buy or sell without his Mark/seal of approval .
Prophecy says the Last Beast (112th pope/8th King & Demon) will exercise the power of the First Beast Sixtus III. It says that those that kill you, will think they are doing GODS will . History shows the RCC has wholeheartedly killed those they claimed as Heretics. Just ask William Tynsdale !!!!!!!! Martin Luther !!!!!!!
Whoa shalom ,Peter is not the head of the Gentile church . Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles ,he was sent to Rome ,he brought the true gospel to Romans . Nowhere does the KJV say that Peter was ever in Rome . Paul even tells you that at that moment ,there were those that were teaching a different Gospel than what he had taught ,and that these men had been ordained for this condemnation from times of old . You show who you represent ......Shalom says the Catholic Church ,and NOT THE BIBLE is the foundation for the Church. Hmmmmm, sounds like something a catholic would say . I believe that Jesus Christ said I AM THE WORD , and with your own words are DENYING CHRIST .
I like what John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church said,
John Wesley differentiated between essential beliefs and nonessential beliefs which he called "opinions." He believed that Christians should be unified in love but need not have identical beliefs or practice identical rituals. In his sermon on "Catholic Spirit" he said:
Wesley, though he had his own personal lapses in this area, opposed religious bigotry, and worked diligently to avoid it.
(Buddy, when I said you were "a little bit more than scary," I was referring to your over-zealous approach to other Christians who practice their faith differently than you choose to practice yours.")
Shalom says the Bible came from the Catholic Church, I believe it came from GOD . Shalom ,if we were in court ,you would have a really hard time denying the RCC is the Whore of Babylon .
Well, the Bible says that all scripture was "breathed out by God" so I will say that it was written by men who were inspired by God to write them. So yes, it came from God, not from the Catholic Church.
Actually, the Old Testament has its roots in Jewish history and the first Christians were Jewish.
So, if anything, the Bible would originally come from the Jewish faith, would it not?
Problem is, so many different churches have put their own spin on it.
But, I still go along with John Wesley. Let's not squabble over such things. Things we disagree about, we should each go and read the scriptures, pray, let the Holy Spirit speak to us and lead us to greater understanding.
Jesus said I am the same ,I change not . I have a real problem with churches that teach for doctrine the traditions of men . The KJV has 1188 chapters ,the middle verse is Psalm 118:8 , the middle word of 118:8 is LORD......It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man . 1188+118:8 = Lord, let me see you do that with any other Bible, and have 594 on each side of Psalm 118. I also have a problem with churches that ask Dead people to pray for them, especially when Jesus ask the question "Why seek ye the dead for the living" and "Worshipping the Queen of Heaven" not to mention that little thing called Graven Images that adorn every aspect of the RCC. Everything you do is an Abomination and goes directly against what Jesus said . BTW I would rather you be HOT or Cold ,but because you are lukewarm ,I will spew you out of my mouth ......THEREFORE BE YE ZEALOUS !
Any Catholic that has not done as much research about their Church as I have, need not try to defend it to me ,you can't .
I believe the order was to Flee out of the midst of her,lest you be caught up in her iniquites , Jesus is our Teacher ,hence call no man Rabbi ,for we ALL have one teacher ,that is Jesus Christ. Any Church that's affiliated with the Whore, will partake in the Whores destruction .All those kissing the Popes ring at the ecumenical council, will burn along with her .
Careful, Buddy.
I am not Catholic, and do not agree with all the Catholic doctrine, but I do know the kind of religion you are espousing breeds hate and discord, and does not reflect the love of Christ.
Thanks for correcting. Yes Roman soldiers killed Jesus. But I guess the point I was trying to make was - not all jews wanted Jesus dead.
As per catholic religion - again - I do not think the entire religion (or even islam as religion) is bad. Something that attracts billions of people to follow must have something really positive. I was only referring to the tendency of those two religions to also attract quite non-tolerant and violent people along with them.
Buddy:
With Christianity I thought all were followers of Christ? Paul doesn't even elevate himself to the status you just elevated him (and who gave you that authority to do so?). 1 Corinthians 12-15 I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to* Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I give thanks [to God] that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. 1 Cor 3: 4-5: Whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human? What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one.
Read MT 16: 13-20. Jesus appointed Peter to be head of His church.
How does that mean Peter was never in Rome?
Who were these men? Were they Christians? One of the 12 Apostles? Evidence please with sources.
Actually, that was the Apostle Paul who said that, who you elevated to be head of the Gentile church (I claim there was no such thing). He was Christian and a member (an Apostle) of the Catholic church at that time he wrote it. Read 1 Tim 3:15: "But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." There was no Bible when Paul wrote this letter, but there was a Church (Catholic by the way) that was founded by Jesus. Jesus appointed Peter the head of this Church. Read MT 16: 13-20.
Please explain your logic for that statement.
So did God say these writings in the Old Testament and these writings that currently make up the New Testament are the only writings that are Divinely Inspired. As far as I know, mankind didn't have a Moses that received the Bible from God like Moses did the 10 Commandments. There were ecumenical councils who members were part of an organized Church Church (Catholic). These members were Bishops of the Catholic Church. It was these Bishops who decided what writings made up the canon of scripture. See http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03267a.htm and http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03274a.htm
Not really. See http://www.catholic.com/tracts/hunting-the-whore-of-babylon, http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/whore_of_babylon.htm, http://phatcatholic.blogspot.com/2011/10/catholic-church-is-not-whore-of-babylon.html
Based on what I have read so far your research leaves a lot to be desired. I will defend the Catholic Church.
In post 1.25 you said: "Call no man FATHER except your Father in Heaven" In post 1.34 you sad Rabbi instead of FATHER." Why?
Therefore, if the Catholic Church isn't the whore of Babylon then the Catholic Church and all those kissing the Popes ring at the ecumenical council won't burn. God and Jesus are love. The Catholic Church teaches that no sin is greater than God's Mercy. It does require knowledge of sin, repentance and a firm purpose to commit the sin no more. From your posts, you don't seem to believe that.
God is love. 1 John 4
If God is love, there is no room for hate.
Speaking of Gawd:
Why doesn’t Jesus make an Appearance at Half Time of da Super Bowl? Wouldn’t that answer a lot of Questions and make a lot of Ministers, Priest’ etc. real Nervous.
Based on the "Vatican" Actions, it’s ok to be a “Pedophile” as long as you are Raping little boys. However being Gay is a Sin, Unacceptable and will not be Tolerated!
Why does da Pope surround himself with Armed Body Guards? Doesn’t he have Faith in Gawd?
Remember Folks….Da more you Donate Da more your Prayers are Answered.
Why do People become Really Religious when they get Really Old or go to Prison?
Why doesn't these Republican TeaBilly Conservative Religious Freaks demand to see a Birth Certificate for Gawd?
The Biggest Threat to all Religions…………………..Da Truth!
If you spoke a little more eloquently, perhaps people might take you a bit more seriously. But really, what's your argument? The (not da) Republican's are Tea Billy racists? That the Catholic Church are a bunch of hypocrites. That God (not gawd) doesn't exist?
As a gay Catholic, I have never personally been attacked by any Republican or by any Church. Sure, there are crazy nut bags on all sides. But why don't you begin to work with the Tea Party instead of attacking them with your sophomoric rhetoric. Maybe then, we can come closer to a solution.
A word of advice: show some respect and maybe you'll be heard. It's people like you who have been persecuting American's far more than the Tea Party and the Church.
Thank you ChiGuy29, well said...
Religion poisons, and all religion poisons everything.
Pope isn't so bad for an ex-hitler youth.
jstdafacts - A great post. Thanks. Logic does not exist for the religious folk - no proof needed.
Richard, there are a lot of intelligent, well-educated, and logical people that contradict your post.
C.S. Lewis was one, and still is, considered one of the foremost philosophers of modern times. He was also an outspoken Christian.
He wrote volumes explaining the reasons he believed in God and the Christian religion, and none of them related to emotionalism. All of them were based on logic and reason.
There are millions more that have lived through the ages that disagree with you as well, and thousands of them were and are well-educated and logical individuals.
Your post is only your opinion. There are no facts or proof to back it up.
I can't believe all the hate I'm hearing. If we all posted as if our mothers were looking over our shoulders, we'd see a lot more love and a lot less ignorance. One out of every six people in the world are Catholic and Catholic means universal. The Pope is exactly right in his words of prayer and encouragement for the people of the Middle East.And... that same Catholic church has the largest humanitarian organizations in the world. When my husband was stationed in NC in the 80's, Africa was having a major drought and famine. The base aid office was looking to see which international organization got most of the donated money to the people who actually needed it. The answer was Catholic Relief Services. Also the next time you go to the hospital it will be unusual if it is not a Catholic Hospital because the Catholic Hospital Network in the USA is the largest non-profit medical provider. They will also work with you if you can't afford the medical care. I could go on and on. For Catholic haters, please stop reading news headlines and open your minds a little.
Maybe if you used proper English in your argument and presented your point of view in an intelligent and thoughtful manner, "Da" outcome would be better for you.
What is da Criteria to become Pope?
Must be over 80 years Old.
Have da Posture of Quazi Motto.
Speak in Pig Latin and Mumble a lot.
Shuffle your Feet when you walk.
Have a constant Dazed, Confused, Blanks Stare.
It's Quasimodo, but hell of a comparison and I totally agree!
One more to add. Able to hide Church Organizational Facts of corruption, greed, crimes committed by them in the Church Archives. Until now when the Pope's butler dug up some smear. Bad Pope. Next time check do a Security check and find someone as devious as this Church. The rest of your points (jstdafacts) are RIGHT ON!
I am not Catholic, but am wondering why you blame this Pope for crimes committed by the Catholic Church in the past?
And I am not black, but shall we blame you personally for over 200 years of slavery in America?
Next time, do a geneological search, and you might find you had some devious ancestors yourself.
jstdafacts:: Guess that leaves me out of the running. I'm not over 80 years of age and I don't speak Pig Latin.
I do mumble to myself a lot-- after all, I want to hear an intelligent person speak once in a while.
Yes he may look, sound and walk the way you say he does but he will always have more pious love for mankind in his slow wave too his brethren than any negative words you may scribe. You may write a quasi-comical/hatefull comments on the internet while Pope Benedict reaches over 350K people in Lebanon and people all over the world for a call for peace. He's basically saying in today Mass is that Faith alone does nothing is your Christian works that will result in great reward. Love and help one another.
Popes have come in all ages and Pope Benedict was the right hand man to Pope John Paul II, a very charismatic man. I agree with Lion. Love and helping one another is a lot better than all this hateful talk. I'm surprised that people say they don't believe in God. Take a look at Akaine's website and a few books about out of body experiences and maybe they'll open your minds a little. By the way, one out of every six people in the whole world are Catholic and they have the largest humanitarian organizations in the world too including hospitals, orphanages, nursing homes, etc. When my husband was stationed in NC in the 80's, there was a terrible famine in one of the African countries and the base aid office was looking to see which international organization used donations the wisest where most of the monies actually made it to the people on the ground who needed it and where base personel could donate. The organization that they found was Catholic Relief Services. Turn off the negativity and maybe you'll have a better day tomorrow.
There are Two things you really need to watch out for in this World. Religious Extremists and da so called “Republican TeaBilly Conservative”. Neither one can be Trusted and always has an Evil Agenda.
You Bet Cha..Fer Sure.
The pope is right. Spreading the love of any God is far superior than spreading the hate of any man. We have been keeping some fair records for about 2500 years and we are still fighting the same battles. My God, your God, their God… People in American have the right to worship in the way that best meets their personal needs and beliefs. It is so unbelievable that pure ignorance, builds such hate in people. If people would only stop and educate themselves, most of the “haters” of this world would find that they so uneducated to the people of the world. This mind set that, “my God is better than your God”, is absolutely ridiculous on every level of reasoning. I am Gods eyes, I am Gods hands, I am Gods voice, I am Gods love, I am Gods compassion, I am Gods empathy, I am Gods values, I am Gods morals, I am Gods heart, I am Gods soul; I am suppose to spread all the good of God in my life. Almost every single religion in this entire world, spreads that message. No one has a right to claim their God is superior to anyone’s God, no matter what name they use for their God.
Religion is the root of all evil. Islam is the scourge on this planet. Religion is man's answer to questions that have no answer, so they make it up to "control" humans. It's all about control, the most glaring is Islam. When you can get people to face the floor 5 times a day with their rears in the air 7 days a week, that's called "complete control". Never underestimate the complete stupidity of humans.
How 350,000 can gather to see a "queen" aka The Pope, that amazes me. He is a "gay man" dressed in the wardrobe of a king. Nothing wrong with being "gay", but there is something way wrong in the Catholic Church.
Our leaders, (religious and political) are saying the right things and staying calm when a few criminals are disrupting the world.
A few criminals do not create reality for billions of people.
I have known good Catholics, my grandmother was one.
I have worked with good Muslims.
There are good people everywhere no matter their religion.
I am glad I live in America where the Constitution protects all religious points of view and allows free speech.
It is best to let the innocent religious practice their faith and put the criminals in jail.
Actually, JCB, the love of money is considered to be the root of all evil.
Greed.
jstdafcts - It so interesting to see that so much of your comments and statement are missing as much truth and honesty as your words are missing letters. You really need to get a better education in both subjects, spelling and knowledge. I believe i her your mother calling, it's time to take out the trash!! You wouldn't know a religious extremeist if he blew your head off, you wouldn't know what to be looking for in the first place.
If you look up the word “Explosion” in an Arabic dictionary, it means “A call to Prayer”. This is a way of Llife and Mentality for the Muslims and people from the Middle East. It's all they know. These Whack Job Extremist use "Religion" as a front and an excuse to carry out their "Evil Agendas”.
Why don’t we just “Bomb” da Middle East with Sarah Palin Books and Empty Chairs…lol.
You BetCha……Fer Sure.
you are killing it in this post. spot on!
Our prayers are with the Holy Father. May the world hear and act on his message of peace.
Religion is the worst thing that ever happened to this world...Tons & tons of books about religions of the world have been printed. The figure is beyond count. Many religious people are totally blinded by the good deeds system. They have no concept of the doctrine of the total depravity of man (that ALL men are corrupt, evil, sinful and unable to please God in their own human efforts). They think of "total depravity" in terms of people who lie around in the gutter. Actually, those individuals who lie around in the gutters might be respectable compared to some religious people...
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, saves us from the pain of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen, Debbie!
Amen, Debbie, Amen
Forgive them Father, as they know not what they do.
For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who do not, no proof will ever be enough.
Peace? No Peace. Never has been Peace. The World is never going to be at Peace. Be it the Pope, World Leaders, Rev Moon (RIP), Captain Kangaroo or anyone else for that matter. Just YOU can make Peace. Since YOU is everyone in the World it ain't a gonna happen folks because of Bigotry, Hatred and just plain ignorance and stupidity of the Human Race. Peace ha! Kill someone else for what a clown made a movie about your God you have to be one sick demented moronic Human Being. Leaders can't control their people that want them removed from power, hell just shoot them down in the streets. Peace is just a word that IS NOT attainable in the World WE ALL live in.
Imagine peace. I am not the only one. Most of us imagine peace. Most of us want peace but there are a few that don't.
Few? Millions if not Billions. Ever hear of War. You know the ones that millions of other folks kill millions of others? Hate is everyone. Tyranny is everywhere. People are being killed everywhere. Please if you would take off your rose-colored glasses. I do imagine what Peace might be, but I know that it has never been or will ever be.
What do you want me to do? Go kill everyone I can see?
I would rather imagine peace on earth.
I certainly DON'T want you to kill anyone. Why would I want that? You can imagine whatever you wish. I thought maybe you were a little versed in matters of History, World Affairs and what our World has become. I am truly sorry if I have upset you. Never said you were a bad person. You are good no doubt. Keep the good thoughts.
The ex-Nazi sounds good when he takes the podium behind bullet proof glass with tens of thousands of body guards. Wonder what he would say if he walked in rags and sandels like the man he calls Savior?
He managed a trip to Latin America a short while back and not one word of the Catholic Churches here that worship and follow Pachamama, Moshiman, San Simon and Santa Muerte (the dark side of Mary, mother of Jesus). The corrupt priests and actions that are, in the words of Bruce Cockburn, "too sickening to relate."
After living around what the Papa calls "ethnic Christianity" a few decades, my nephew had his head and arms hacked off last year by some ethnic catholics (he was a city cop), I am amazed that people can seriously say that Muslims are more barbaric that some people who call themselves "Christian."
By the way, I am not Muslim or Catholic. I follow Jesus Christ. The word "Christian" did not exist until Constantine invented it to install the Roman Catholic Church on the foundations of the temples of Mars.
Wonder how you'd survive as a child under nazi rule? We'll find out soon enough-- the Muslims are coming!
If as a TEENAGER (not a young child) I had voluntarily participated in Nazi activities, I would at least have the good grace as an adult to APOLOGIZE for this! AND I would not use my position to oppress women or use my authority to shield child molesters.
I consider teens children. And didn't Germany become nazi b4 he was a teen? Who is to say so smuggley what people would do or have to do while living under a dictatorship? Even American youth didn't have a say back then as to be soldiers or not. In every country involved, young men had to join their service. That's pretty self evident, but u probably just wanted to b!tch anyway.
It's kind of hard to believe in peace when your neighbors try to kill you and your family because you aren't Muslim.
Believe in peace, but keep your gun loaded at all times.
Call the police first if your neighbors are trying to kill you.
If it is not truly self-defence you may end up where Travon's killer is.
I'm pretty sure Gil was speaking about the middle east and not America.
how many people have been confronted by a Muslim extremist who is trying to kill you and your family? Show of hands guys... how many times has that happened? My college dorms were full of Muslims and they were never a problem. In fact - it was mostly the crazy Jehovahs Witnesses who bothered us and passed out their cheap little bibles. I bet most Americans have never been directly assaulted by a Muslim looking to kill them. You're being bullied by fear mongerers. Muslims are not the biggest threat to America.
Sarah Palin can see the Vatican from her Kitchen Window. Oh look Todd, there goes a bunch of wheel barrows full of money thru the back door again. You Bet Cha….Fer Sure.
Stop bolding? Who do you think you are?
I have found that posters who bold or capitalize everything are generally people whose posts have little substance.
Bolding and capitalizing, just like italics, should be used sparingly to emphasis certain words or phrases.
lets have peace as long as i get mine from little boys the popes says.
Hey pope, shut your yap you filthy scumbag! Clean your own house first before chastizing anyone else. You can start by turning yourself in for aiding and abetting child rape[and possible raping children yourself?] and tell the authorities EVERYTHING you know about the coverup.
Wow. And how come you don't have to go into hiding now?
Hiding? Why, does the pope have hitmen that are going to come after me for posting the truth about him? Now that I think about it, you may have something there Un. Perhaps I should have thought twice before posting.
Really that dense? I was comparing the severity of your statement to what's happening to the director of that film. Now that I think of it, maybe you should.
Ok, I've found an atheist hostel to hole up in. We throw darts at pictures of Jesus and the so called "virgin" Mary all day, it's fun! The pope's hitmen will never find me here...
Extremely ignorant of people seening the Catholic church as pedophiles. Where there are many more times pedophiles in other religions. But since the liberal media has a thing against the Catholics, that's all you hear and all you believe.
Liberal media my ass. It's because people want to assign the pedophilia to identifiable perpetrators so they can fantasize about it more easily, and get angy about it more 'righteously'. Not that I'm standing up for Catholicism or any religion, they're all equally mythical and pointless, for anyone with a brain cell in their head.
Church documents detailing the coverup of child rape have been discovered dating as far back as the 3 and 400s. The catholic church is nothing but a cartel of child raping thieves that has been raping children with impunity and taking people's money for centuries!
So is the internet part of the Catholic church?
Over the Course of History there has been 2.85 trillion prayers for Peace. I wonder if it takes 10 trillion prayers to kick in or what the what this figure might be? Hmmmm....anyone one of you have this answer? There's NO Peace. Prayers DON'T make Peace. YOU do <<<<<<<< means EVERYONE. Since there are 7.040 Billion folks in the World always fighting ,full of bigotry and pure hatred with inane ideas on how EVERYONE should live their lives and can't agree on anything among themselves. Peace is not attainable in the World we live in. How about people just not trod on others for a start. It's easy and does not hurt a bit. Ah, but the folks around the block want to control what you do in life so that won't work. Nice species Humans are. There will be NO Peace!
Peace on earth, good will to men. Love makes the world go round.
What you think is what you become.
Are you caught up on Old Wives Tales, Fairy Tales or Make Believe? Have you NOT seen the History of OUR World? Those make good stories but not what is really happening. It's NOT what I think, it's what it is. Not sure what World you have been living in but it's sure not reality. Someone is killing someone every second of the day. Fighting Wars over Religious, Bigoted, Hatred and Political Rhetoric. You want Peace, I want Peace don't make it so. That's why there is like 50 post on this board out of Billions of folks. I can only give you the facts you can believe what you wish about Mankind.
I have lived on this earth for almost 60 years. I am one of the old wives. Most of what the old wives say have some truth.
Peace on earth, good will to you.
Age has little to do with it. I am a couple years older then you. Old Wives Tales was not meant to offend older women or such. It means one of Folklore, Superstition, unverified claims with exaggerated and/or untrue details. Fairy Tales are made from these other Tales. I can not help what the World has been or the World is. Only everyone can.
Imagine if we all lived peaceful lives and let others do so.
You can only control your own actions. Letting others do what you imagine is just not going to happen. They don't care what you or I imagine. They have their own ideas and agendas on how everyone should live their own lives. I am going to give you the best advice your going to get and it's not going to be Political or Religious. It's going to be plain old Common Sense. Live your life and don't trod on others. That's for everyone so don't take it personnel.
Alan, you counted all those prayers did you?
There are a great many good people in the world who do NOT fight, are not full of bigotry and hatred. The ones who do hate or fight are the small minority that hit the papers.
Religion doesn't make a person good or bad. Lack of belief doesn't either.
I'm not sure either that we can ever live in peace. For as long as there are those who expect EVERYONE to believe or live as they do, then I doubt we ever will.
But until that time, I WILL continue to pray for peace.
Janine, Well I stopped counting 2 years ago (sarcastically). The total prayers by number who really cares. My point was prayers don't now or have ever stopped the World from Tyranny, Hatred, Wars or anything to do with Peace. If you live in a "Sandy Duncan" World of "Everything is Nice" and pretend that "Everything is going to be okay" because you believe it so. Best to look around and see what is really happening across the street or around the World you might be totally amazed the amount of people that are just for themselves and NOBODY else. I'm on your side for wanting Peace but I was not born yesterday and I know fact from fiction. Proof is in the pudding hon. Keep the good thoughts.
I pretty sure that no matter which god you listen to he/she is really trying to tell you to kill everyone and rape kids.
I dont follow a religion myself but it seems all churchs end up with the same message at some point.
Waiting for the Pope to tell Rightwing Christians: to be like Jesus! Stop the hate,bigotry and selfcenterness! Love the poor,the destitute and the sick. Reject the rich greed mongers. I'm guessing the Righties will then call the Pope: a Liberal,Communist,Marxist,Muslim sympathizer!
I cannot post a link, but if you google "Young Turks Pope Benedict", you will catch the liberal Young Turks broadcast initially showing a mystery man who has done exactly what you have asked for, TONYWARVET, and then they reveal him to be ---- why, Pope Benedict himself! Check it out, you will be impressed.
Waiting for the Pope to turn in all the pedophile priests into law enforcement, to be prosecuted for child rape.
He cannot do that himself, since this is the responsibility of the bishop of whatever diocese the crime has occurred. Some have not done well in doing this (recently, Bishop Finn), but others have been spot on and have followed the 2002 procedures. Most cases are decades though, and so arrests cannot be done due to statutes of limitations. That was my situation with the priest who harmed me and many other boys, but still Pope Benedict defrocked the priest, holding him accountable even though the civil authorities could not.
The hatemonger pastor Terry Jones is responsible for the deaths of brave Americans. This scumbag is many a Rightwingers:role model.
Tony , please stop talking about things you do not understand. Did u know a Bible was burned Sat. outside an embassy. I did not run out to rape an kill anyone for this. Read the Bible please.