elcid. I’m not a Catholic. But I have been a big admirer of the Church as it has stood for hard biblical principles when a lot of its protestant allies were pretty wimpy. Although I do not believe he was selected as God’s representative on Earth, I do believe the Pope has a huge role as the most prominent spokesman for Christianity in the world. No close second.
Obviously, I’m not guided by having to think he is somehow specially chosen by God as God’s personal leader of all Christians. I evaluate him as a man who won a very important election and then by who he becomes as a leader. (Caveat, I do believe he is chosen by God in the Pauline sense that God raises up and destroys nations and leaders. But that does not mean God necessarily approves of each and all of them.)
The video seems to me a valid, if biting, criticism of Francis’ performance as a leader so far. He’s either very sloppy or he is working to pull the Church away from rather clear scripture. The later would be consistent with the odd way he came to power—suggesting something like a coup in the Vatican. In his actions, IMO, he has undermined the entire Christian faith—Christians cannot deny scripture and have much left and he is tiptoeing very close to that line.
That’s from a Christian who loves my Catholic friends, admired Benedict very much as a great leader, and expects to meet many Catholics in New Jerusalem.
Criticism from the people who love you should sometimes be listened to.
Thank you for your thoughtful & well thought out reply.
So here’s some food for thought: a lot of us oldfashioned pre-Vatican II Catholics have said for years,
“Never trust a Jesuit”
Jevvies seem to seesaw between orthodox defenders of the Faith, or wild experimenting revolutionaries. In both instances they regard themselves among Catholics as the best trained, best focused & best qualified to ponder weighty issues within the Church.
Look up their history. Several Popes have banned them.