[chajin]

First of all, I appreciate the Martin Luther quote :-)

Perhaps I am oversimplifying this, but my impression, based on the above blog (and I tried to read the whole item), is that Benedict XVI’s perspective is more like Augustine, grounded in the difficulties that come from original sin, while Francis’ perspective is more like Aquinas, grounded in the sense of conscience leading to God’s will via natural law. Since Luther was much more Augustinian than Aquina-n, that might explain why, as a Lutheran, I sense myself having more in common doctrinally with Ratzinger than with Bergoglio—though to be sure, this is a debate within Christianity, between two groups of thinkers who are experiencing their relationship with Christ in different ways.

[Alex Murphy]

Perhaps I am oversimplifying this, but my impression, based on the above blog (and I tried to read the whole item), is that Benedict XVI’s perspective is more like Augustine, grounded in the difficulties that come from original sin, while Francis’ perspective is more like Aquinas, grounded in the sense of conscience leading to God’s will via natural law.

Interesting observation. I will have to mull this over!

[mountainlion]

Let me start out by saying admitting that I did not see the title “Atheists should follow their conscience” in the excerpt and did not read the article. My question would be as to whether Atheists have conscience?