"So this is, in many ways, a matter of taste."
No, it's a matter of the Pope speaking unclearly. We have minds designed to understand things. "Man is the primary way the Church must follow" makes no sense whatsoever. What or who is this abstraction "Man"? How are his multiple relations supposed to show the Church "the way"? And why is this so PRIMARY? I thought it was the other way around--that the Church was supposed to show all men the path to follow!
Since He had given the keys to Peter,gave him authority,gave him direction,and promised to send the Paraclete,Comforter,Holy Ghost to remain with the Church,it seems that Pope John Paul is just exhorting man to do what he is doing which is following Christ.
I believe Christ is the Way,the Truth and the Life and necessary for all to get to heaven,I find nothing wrong with what the Pope is saying. Man should follow Peter,who follows Christ.The Church is the vehicle to get us to heaven,the door to the vehicle is Christ,the Pope follows Christ through the door and we should follow the Pope. Some get on and get off,some choose not to even get on board and others get on and try to push everyone else off,others just block the door.
#hen I asked you and Sinkspur for your vision of the Church the other day I really hoped you both would answer,I think the split in the Church is because of differing visions and I think talking about it would be a very good thing. I am quite sure that I would disagree with both of your visions.