.


One must ask Linear, why the sudden interest in the Pope's opinion and for whose benefit? I'm the only Catholic on this particular forum - So I cannot imagine this comment will mean much to anybody else here? Tell me, do you take such notice of anything else the Pope has to say on important matters of the soul and sin? I doubt it!

The former Pope, or any previous or successive Pope/s, like any other human beings, unfortunately are also not immune to 'misinformation/error'. God's word however is non negotiable! and not subject to man's changes of opinion or fashion of the day.

I'm disappointed in any Pope that would buy into the idea of such a theory having being employed by God, when the bible is very clear on creation, original sin etc - but certainly any idea of evolution the Pope has, has no bearing whatsoever on scripture or the teachings of our church or the Catechsim. That in itself is merely an "opinion" and a very human one and possibly flawed. The Pope/s are not bullet proof to certain "advisers" within the church - some of whom are liberal/evolutionist. So it's highly likely that some of the source of information that he receives is tainted. He needs prayer too, we all do. I wonder though whether his evolution beliefs are also simply to do with "micro-evolution", so some of what he says may also be blown out of proportion.

I do not buy into anti-Catholic propoganda which attempts to demonise the Pope/s and the church and there are many out there who do this, in books/websites. I've seen it, I've read it and at times it's sickening slander. I've argued with such people before and even viewed a website where they had many lies about the church. So bad was the propoganda, it's no wonder the church is so hated and maligned!

Those in doubt can get a copy of the Catholic Catechism to become familiar with the teachings (backed up by scripture). Jack Van Impe, famous protestant evangelist also is a well studied theologian and knows an enormous amount about prophecy, the bible and church history with many years under his belt. He also made a public and very humble apology for his past demonising the Catholic church and the Pope - in reference to the whore of Babylon etc. One can get videos from his website if they are interested in his change of heart towards our church. Of course, he is now not popular amongst many protestants for standing up for the Pope.

A book I recommend for those with such doubts and cycnism or even grave concern? is "surprised by truth". Those who had also held such anti views of our church.
http://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Truth-Converts-Biblical-Historical/dp/0964261081

I came into it late, no cradle Catholic here. Would I abandon a church because of the Judas'? because of scandal and gossip? because of propoganda? No, not when I consider the fruits and the teachings, the Saints, the miracles, the incorrupt bodies etc defying natural explanation and a Pope that remains loyal to Christ despite the liberals and the hate? The mass centered around Christ? The reading of the gospel? There is much that keeps me in this church and it has nothing to do with the heretics/liberals -It's to do very much with Christ and those that stay faithful to His teachings despite the battles.

It has remained one united Church, regardless of the turmoil within and stayed standing and has done for 2000 years. Walking away from it because of that makes little sense, when there is so much to remain for. It was this church that I came into and it was Christ I found - not a demonised institution with men in robes looking for glory and worship - rather humble priests who spend their lives praying and trying to live according to Christ and shepherd others into doing the same, just as the apostles were called to do. Don't be fooled by unfair gossip! There are rotten apples in any denomination.