If you compare the Lounge reaction to the new Pope to the GD reaction…
You'd think that everyone was talking about two different guys.
The Lounge's traditional irreverence has come in plenty handy.
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I am Roman Catholic, but I don't particularly pay attention either.
I am set with my own set of morality and beliefs.
I just don't believe in bashing others due to what group they are associated with, tenuous as it is.
I don't see this affecting me personally, so he to me, is just another guy.
I tend to listen to the Dalai Lama far more than I have to whichever Pope I get.
Besides, what can they expect? All they could really choose from are the Cardinals in the room. Many of them are appointed by Benedict. This will go on for at least another 3-4 generations.
I tend to think of religion as a type of citizenship. I am American, I didn't like the fact that Bush became President, once it is done, do I have a choice about it? Sure, I can bitch a little, but all in all I just have to wait till their term is over.
With religion, you have even less of a say, but one can't just leave it easily without being disassociated with many things one knows and loves, this can be family, friends, even rituals of comfort.
Case in point, both me and my older sister don't agree with much of the organized part of our religion has been doing, both of us think that their focus has become misguided towards burnishing an outdated, hypocritical image... rather than focusing on the needs of those that need help like the poor and suffering; however for my sister, she draws comfort and solace from nightly prayer which I don't. Can't hold the actions of a religion's leader against those who are associated with the religion.
I'd have liked one of the Nuns on the Bus to have gotten a more prominent role, but I don't see that happening in my lifetime.
The only thing I am a bit shocked about is the age of the guy. I was thinking they would go for someone younger this time. This is fine, I doubt the guy would last a decade.
I am sorry to say, but with Ratzinger's push to burnish an older image, they chose cardinals that have the same points of views. This won't change for at least another 3-5 generations at a minimum. So, I can't really care much about what they do or promote, all I can do is try to adhere to my own personal moral code.
Sadly, I guess people will just go off on Catholics, blaming them for "Sins of the Father"
aka the Pope), which is understandable but not completely fair. I don't mind much either, it is why I usually don't talk about religion.
--EDIT-- I WILL MAKE FUN OF THE NEW POPE AT SOME POINT.
Thing is, the first time I came in contact with the name Jorge(Hor-Hey), it was from a risque story that a friend was telling. So... I can't help but picture the guy being the Sub, completely tied up by a nun in leathers... Yes, it was that type of story.
George Bluth, Sr
