Posted on 04/13/2007 6:54:57 AM PDT by Frank Sheed
Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.
Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.
When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.
``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.
``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''
Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.
Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Good Morning!
Toomuchworktododriveby.....
His excitement for the possibilities of the future sometimes over-rides logic and enters the realm of pure fantasy.
I suspect he just wants to get noticed. Kinda like a kid making a lot of noise in class. I’m not any more impressed...
Actually, I’m more impressed with YOUR ideas than his.
Hurry back!
That may be more a matter of timescale and optimism than anything. His theories rely entirely too much on "perfect execution" in regards to his suppositions. Information noise, world conflict, or even possible environmental calamity could cause major set backs in the progress towards Singularity. Further, the informational singularity may not be what we think it is nor will its effects be devoid of "unintended consequences" both good and bad.
I think my theories "look" better because I think "closer in" on the timescale. A lot of the things I come up with are in some form "do-able".
That may be more a matter of timescale and optimism than anything. His theories rely entirely too much on "perfect execution" in regards to his suppositions. Information noise, world conflict, or even possible environmental calamity could cause major set backs in the progress towards Singularity. Further, the informational singularity may not be what we think it is nor will its effects be devoid of "unintended consequences" both good and bad.
I think my theories "look" better because I think "closer in" on the timescale. A lot of the things I come up with are in some form "do-able".
Dang copy/paste. Proxy here at work is giving us fits. Makes refreshing webpages and submitting posts difficult.
Hugh so phunny
I know your thoughts and ideas are well thought out. It shows when you post them.
They are also easier to understand. :o])
And beta, and gamma.
He needs to learn about the really cool ones. Delta, phi, theta, omega. And the giant bad boy pi.
bump for later perusal.
Man, 1 post to the thread in the last year and I killed it. I’m sorry. Come back.
Man, 1 post to the thread in the last year and I killed it. I’m sorry. Come back.
And a double post at that.
Hey, guys. This isn’t funny. Come back. I promise not to cause trouble. I feel like I interrupted a secret meeting. I’ll be good. I promise.
One letter at a time. Writing is difficult for Pat, since he’s only 5, so it takes him quite a while to make a page of gammas.
Good afternoon! How are you? It’s hot here. My oldest daughter is going to a concert tonight (high school chorus) and my two oldest boys are going on a Cessna flight.
I’ll be here washing up and doing laundry, and hopefully catching up with my Undead FRiends when most of the Offspring have retired.
LOL — it’s hard to kill the Undead Thread! Just when you thing you have it safely buried, it comes back to life... er, semi-life... er, undead... er, never mind.
I think it’s dead now.
Of course, our network guys could have their heads up their behinds again too...
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