Originally posted by KazetNagorra
Do you really think that the Pope bases his statements on what American catholics may or may not think?

You tell me?

Originally posted by USArmyParatrooper
I'm still failing to see how Socialism is even relevant to this topic though.[/b]

Both are political/societal issues that the Vatican hss chosen to stick its nose in. However, the Vatican only is attacked by making a stand on birth control, not socialism.

Originally posted by whodey
You tell me?

Well, he doesn't.

Originally posted by whodey
Both are political/societal issues that the Vatican hss chosen to stick its nose in. However, the Vatican only is attacked by making a stand on birth control, not socialism.

There is nothing socialist about the Vatican. Socialist ideologies are usually either anti-religion (such as communism) or secular (as most social-democratic groups are). In general, religion can be seen as an obstruction to providing equality of opportunity.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
There is nothing socialist about the Vatican. Socialist ideologies are usually either anti-religion (such as communism) or secular (as most social-democratic groups are). In general, religion can be seen as an obstruction to providing equality of opportunity.

So then why do you suppose he has apparently come out in favor of it?

Originally posted by whodey
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/08/g8-summit-pope/

Here is an article in which Pope Benedict blasts capitalism by trying to reveal its ills. This article is for all you rabid athiest socialist loving kids out there. So should there still be a seperation of church and state now that it appears he is on your side economically?

"Above all, the intention to do good must not be considered incompatible with the effective capacity to produce goods," Benedict said. "Financiers must rediscover the genuinely ethical foundation of their activity, so as not to abuse the sophisticated instruments which can serve to betray the interests of savers."

Where in that quote or any other from the article do you find an endorcement of socialism.
The Pope is a rightwing religious fanatic, even other extremists should be able to tell so.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
There is nothing socialist about the Vatican. Socialist ideologies are usually either anti-religion (such as communism) or secular (as most social-democratic groups are). In general, religion can be seen as an obstruction to providing equality of opportunity.

Among the Christian religions, the Catholics take perhaps the strongest stance on social justice. The Protestants tend to be concerned only about their own personal salvation. I agree, however, that the Vatican is not socialist. Far from it. But there are segments of the Catholic Church that actively embrace socialism. Liberation Theology, in Latin America, for example. They are the shining light of Christian socialism. For as we should all know by now, Jesus was a socialist.

Originally posted by whodey
My only point here is, have you ever seen threads bashing the Pope and Catholic church for teaching against birth control? The attacks are spectacular as they accuse the Vatican of causing untold deaths, particularly in the third world. But just as you say, if they are not Catholic, who cares? In fact, I would think if you were going to listen to the Pope ...[text shortened]... t has been my observation from talking to them. So how about it Catholics? Is God a socialist?

The vatican is but one of many of our masters.

Originally posted by whodey
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/08/g8-summit-pope/

Here is an article in which Pope Benedict blasts capitalism by trying to reveal its ills. This article is for all you rabid athiest socialist loving kids out there. So should there still be a seperation of church and state now that it appears he is on your side economically?

Did the pope mention his stance on pedophilia?