And people who believe that ARE the folks who prove the old adage, "There's a sucker born every minute"
I hope such folks have been saving their nickels and dimes so they can buy all the books and DVDs the same "insightful prophecy experts" who have said the same thing at least three times since the sixties are busy rushing to press now that they know what name stick into the appropriate blanks they left in their manuscripts.
After all, there's a new Ferrari out that the better known experts will have to sell a lot of books and get a lot of fat speaking fees to add one of those babies to their collection.
You don’t have to “believe” anything, just an ability to count beyond double digits.
Just a few “Protestant Observations”
First, congratulations to all my Catholic Brothers and Sisters on your new Pope. While I’m not a Catholic, Its very important to me not to divide the Body of Christ (as I’ve said before, we’re going to spend eternity together, which is plenty of time for Jesus to sort out sprinkling vs. total immersion), and its important to all Christians everywhere that visable Christian leaders be effective and sterling representitives of Christ. I wish him well.
Second, there seems to be a lot to like about this guy. If there is one trait that we desperately need more of from ministers in the public eye, it is humility, and this man seems to have that. I have to admit I cringe a little at the phrase “Social Justice” because it usually means “Government Program”....but at least from the little I have read so far, this man tends to see it in terms of Social Christian outreach and involvement, which is absolutely in line with Biblical principles of taking personal responsibility to reach out to the poor and infirm. I hope the reputation that preceeds him in this respect continues and expands.
Finally, an observation on the matter of his age. While at first glance it might be a temptation to say “why not pick a younger guy”, that is a double edged sword. While a longer term leader would give more stability in the position, if you pick a younger guy, and he turns out to be the “progressive reformer” type, you may be stuck with him for 30 years....this way you avoid that situation, and even if you get someone who tries to radically change things, you have a sooner chance to make corrections if needed.
Again, congrats to the Catholics on this important day for you, and God’s blessings on all of you and the new Pope.