Papal Infallibility
According to the Writer’s Almanac, it was on this day in 1870 that the First Vatican Council declared the doctrine of Papal Infallibility.
This, of course, raises some eyebrows of people outside the church. To accept this, one has to believe that God is speaking to and through a mortal man, a notion that some folks might find dubious, especially in light of some of the pieces of the Catholic platform. Does God really consider contraception to be a sin, given that the alternative is literally billions of unwanted children, massive overpopulation and widespread starvation? Some would say that this is inconsistent with the concept of an omniscient and loving God.
Having said all this, aren’t we a thousand times happier thinking that Pope Francis is infallible than any of his predecessors? If someone’s going to be right about everything, it’s very good that he believes in tolerance, peace, and the betterment of the human race–and in that regard, he gets a big “thumbs up” from every decent person on this planet.
Craig,
I’m always baffled by people who want to debate religious belief.
If you are a Roman Catholic you must accept the beliefs, tenets and teachings of the Church. The Roman Creed is not a democracy.
If you have a more secular philosophy or find the doctrine too restrictive, but wish to remain within the Christian community, then countless other Protestant creeds exist.
If you are an atheist, what do you care what others think or believe, unless you are so insecure, or arrogant that you feel compelled to force others to adhere to your beliefs.
For those believers in other faiths, what does it matter? Most modern nations and societies agree on the doctrine of separation of Religious and State Authority.
Fortunately, this doctrine allows everyone the freedom to practice their religious beliefs in private, without restriction, while preserving a common franchise as the basis for legislation and administration.
As Pope Benedict XV observed sadly in 1916, ” all the combatants claim “God is on our side!”, but it appears no one is on God’s side ! ”
I suspect the answer to Craig’s question.
” Does God really consider contraception to be a sin, given that the alternative is literally billions of unwanted children, massive overpopulation and widespread starvation? Some would say that this is inconsistent with the concept of an omniscient and loving God.”
I would imagine that a believer would reply, ” as a true believer, I trust in God.” ” If everyone followed God’s teachings, there would be no unwanted children, no widespread starvation, etc” .
Such an idealistic approach may be impractical and impossible to implement, but it’s not without logic.
Attacking any religious belief on a pragmatic or even rational basis, is pointless.