Posted on 12/05/2014 6:03:41 PM PST by Lorianne
It is mistaken to call this "hypocrisy". It is not so. Any more than the existence of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, built according to specifications laid out by God in the Books of Moses in all is costly magnificence --- the Temple where Jesus himself observed the Jewish feasts -- was an example of hypocrisy on the part of the Jews. Their law always said their first fruits, their "best," should go to God. It is not wrong, but it is deeply right, for people to want their best buildings, their best art works, their best music, to be devoted to God.
What would you do with the magnificent and artistically splendid churches? Strip them of gold for the pockets of the favorite courtiersm as Henry VIII did? Or --- like the Bolsheviks and the Cromwellians --- desecrate the sanctuaries and stable horses there?
I have been to Rome and toured the Roman Catholic Church's treasures... They ARE magnificent and awe inspiring. Going into St Peter's Basilica, right through the front doors, prominently displayed is Michelangelo's Pieta, exquisite in loveliness and one can feel Mary's deep sadness as she holds Jesus’s body... To see this up close is a one in a lifetime treat! I spent hours in the Sistine Chapel also admiring the glory to God Michelangelo painted there, as well as wondrous works of worship by Rafael and Caravaggio, too.
The fact is, all these works are freely viewable by anyone—Christian or otherwise, rich, poor on middle class.
Your absolutely right, they should NEVER be for sale, but give Glory to God, for ALL people to admire, and reflect on His glory.
Anyone remember who that was?
Judas?
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The cathedrals can remain and be maintained if their congregations wish and support it. The works of art? Any museum would do. And you dodge the question. I did not say Rome did not have a right to hold its wealth. Like any private owner it may do as it wishes with its possessions.
I question whom the wealth and opulence serves. Rome? the large amount of functionaries of Rome? the pope and cardinals? or God? That is a question for Rome and God to answer, not me. I was merely pointing out that on a tour of the vatican, they were the ones bragging about their accumulated wealth and possessions. They are the ones that just don’t track millions euros in their accounts.
Attitudes like yours that do not hold Rome to account for their actions because they are somehow sacred and above us is what allows for the sloth and gross incompetence displayed by them at times.
I was going to say "at least from the time of St. Catherine of Siena, the great curial reformer (1347-1380)" but actually --- well before then.
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I would suppose then that those “department” funds are whats called “walking around money” that is expended to influence the locals, especially at election time or for some other purpose.
But Pell is the new head guy, and has a well-deserved reputation as smart and honest. One of Pope Francis' more astute appointments. So if he says it was just a bookkeeping headache but not malfeasance, I'll take that under advisement.
I wouldn't believe all of those guys -- "Trust but verify" --- but I think Pell is a straight-up guy.
I would also like to point out that most of that treasure and art was donated to the Church with the understanding that it was not to be sold.
Thank you, DarkWaters.
Was that done to avoid all those homosexual pedophile priests they were being sued over?
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