I hope this is only the first of major changes that we will see. I agree with Lucy about selling that ridiculous throne and giving the money to the poor. The pope is "the vicar of Christ". Maybe this one will actually follow the rules laid down by Christ--house the homeless, feed the hungry, give away your wealth, etc. I'm not holding my breath, though.
God's church has done all those things, and more, for a thousand years as well as giving due respect to God's representative on earth. If all we worried about was the poor, we would fall apart within days. The Church has many uses on money. Don't say that we should only do one.
It really is a promising move. The scurrilousness practiced by Ratzinger was not unique, but certainly a reminder.
Here is a picture of Pope John Paul II on that same (Pope Francis' new one), or a similar, chair. Notice that there appears to be another to the Pope's right. Maybe they are just "the chairs" in the Vatican. At least not thrones:
In the interest of openness, there are photos of PJPII in the BIG throne. But they appear to be from toward the end, when he might not have been the one making those decisions. I bet Pope Francis just felt...uncomfortable...in the same way he seems to feel uncomfortable in rich trappings and vestments among those in need.
Point still valid, but the picture of PJPII is in a chair with a SLIGHTLY lower back. I missed that when I first saw it. So apparently there are at least three that look the same and are built in a similar style but with varying back heights.
I understamd that the people here would like the pope to sell the throne for the poor and it is a good idea. But that stuff are not his to sell it. Those things are donations by royalty and rich people, even if he wanted to he isnt allowed to sell it.
"That stuff are not his to sell it." As God's duly elected "infallible" representative on earth, he should be able to do what he wants with the trappings.
You're speaking as if donations by rich people and royalty are somehow more important (can't be sold) than the widow's 2 mites. I think you may have missed some important bits in the bible. There's also one about really expensive perfume, but I'm not sure that applies here.
Let me know when the Vatican gets to Danish modern!
ReplyDeleteIt would be more impressive if he sold the other one and gave the proceeds to the poor.
ReplyDeleteLucy
But the new one has electric massage features and a built in toilet.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what point you're trying to make.
DeleteWoosh, it's a joke..
Deleteok. But you're wandering from your usual well-reasoned commentary to something a bit more trollish.
DeleteInspired by The Simpsons...
Deletehttp://simpsonswiki.net/wiki/Lazy_Man_Toilet_Seat
That stone backdrop is more impressive than any amount of gilt. Good choice to show it off.
ReplyDeleteWow, quite the contrast. That is beautiful marble behind it - well worth showing off.
ReplyDeleteThe lack ruby-encrusted red shoes and fancy vestments is welcome news, also.
ReplyDeleteLove the toilet joke, Steve,
I hope this is only the first of major changes that we will see. I agree with Lucy about selling that ridiculous throne and giving the money to the poor. The pope is "the vicar of Christ". Maybe this one will actually follow the rules laid down by Christ--house the homeless, feed the hungry, give away your wealth, etc. I'm not holding my breath, though.
ReplyDeleteGod's church has done all those things, and more, for a thousand years as well as giving due respect to God's representative on earth. If all we worried about was the poor, we would fall apart within days. The Church has many uses on money. Don't say that we should only do one.
DeleteiPope
ReplyDeleteIt really is a promising move. The scurrilousness practiced by Ratzinger was not unique, but certainly a reminder.
ReplyDeleteHere is a picture of Pope John Paul II on that same (Pope Francis' new one), or a similar, chair. Notice that there appears to be another to the Pope's right. Maybe they are just "the chairs" in the Vatican. At least not thrones:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYkt5Oiidug/Tc2DBzaKgbI/AAAAAAAABXA/2N2-YBY4_s0/s1600/John_Paul_II_George_W._Bush_Medal_of_Freedom_2004.jpg
In the interest of openness, there are photos of PJPII in the BIG throne. But they appear to be from toward the end, when he might not have been the one making those decisions. I bet Pope Francis just felt...uncomfortable...in the same way he seems to feel uncomfortable in rich trappings and vestments among those in need.
...and he seems to care about those in need...
Oops.
DeletePoint still valid, but the picture of PJPII is in a chair with a SLIGHTLY lower back. I missed that when I first saw it. So apparently there are at least three that look the same and are built in a similar style but with varying back heights.
I am not Catholic - thanks to that rebel Martin Luther - but I already prefer this one. Thanks for the illustration as to why.
ReplyDeleteI understamd that the people here would like the pope to sell the throne for the poor and it is a good idea. But that stuff are not his to sell it. Those things are donations by royalty and rich people, even if he wanted to he isnt allowed to sell it.
ReplyDelete"That stuff are not his to sell it." As God's duly elected "infallible" representative on earth, he should be able to do what he wants with the trappings.
ReplyDeleteYou're speaking as if donations by rich people and royalty are somehow more important (can't be sold) than the widow's 2 mites. I think you may have missed some important bits in the bible. There's also one about really expensive perfume, but I'm not sure that applies here.