Comments | fish0251: Ratzinger vs. Benedict XVI

fish0251

Ratzinger vs. Benedict XVI

Apr 26, 2005 15:01

It has been pointed out in recent articles about Pope Benedict XVI how he was previously the "stern defender of Church dogma," the "Vatican's doctrinal watchdog," a conservative who even went so far as to call other religions deficient. This is contrasted with his statements since becoming pope where he courteously pledges to reach out to other ( Read more... )

Comments 7

tisco April 27 2005, 02:10:11 UTC

I read Dominus Iesus a few years ago at the encouragement of a schoolmate of Amy's and mine. I found that I agreed with nearly everything in it, and furthermore that it was exceedingly well put, better than most anything I've seen from Protestants. I hadn't put two and two together to realize that Benedict was the prime author of this document, and it gives me greater appreciation for him.

fish0251 April 27 2005, 03:31:47 UTC

It's the Holy Spirit! :)

That's really good to hear, Matt. I have yet to read it in its entirety. I really found the Decree on Ecumenism from Vatican II (link above) to be enlightening. The Church's emphasis was not at all what I expected. Really prayer and seeking to live a more faithful life of discipleship is proposed as the primary means to Christian unity -- if you and I get closer to Jesus, we must be getting closer to each other.

ywong April 27 2005, 04:55:15 UTC

I don't think you need to go digging through the theology to figure this one out. In most hierarchical organizations who need to interact with outsiders while maintaining discipline, the top guy is usually the nice one, while the second-in-command is the stern authoritarian. Contrast this with Congressional leaders and party whips, or principals and assistant principals.

So, Ratzinger was the "bad cop" while he was second-in-command, because you don't want the top guy (John Paul) to be unlikeable to the outside, because he's the public face of the organization. I'm sure Ratzinger didn't expect to be made Pope, but now that he is, he understands what he needs to do. I don't think there's any two-faced-ness about it; it's just a matter of being more stern or more amicable.

fish0251 April 27 2005, 14:26:30 UTC

Yes, it's true that since Benedict's postion has changed his responsibilities and emphasis changed. But my point was that he wasn't really a "bad cop" to start with, just someone who upheld Catholic doctrine. He's still doing that.

anadamous April 29 2005, 18:04:17 UTC

Hey Dan, I'm Nada from Minnesota. (I don't know whether you recognized me or not in the Planned Parenthood thread ( ... )

fish0251 May 2 2005, 14:00:53 UTC

Hmm, good question. I think a bit more context helps. Plus, it looks like you're reading the King James Version. Maybe you're used to that wording, but I'm not. Here's the RSV ( ... )

anadamous May 3 2005, 05:05:35 UTC

Aha, I see! I just misunderstood the emphasis in the then-Cardinal's speech; I was reading it as "the church is the instrument for salvation", but the point was "salvation for ALL". The "for all" is perfectly captured by 30-31, I completely agree. That also makes more sense in the context of his speech. Thanks for explaining.