Reply #7: The disconnect is stunning and sickening.

[AngryOldDem]

A few years ago I got into a rather nasty debate on another forum (not DU) about this very subject. People there were saying the such finery glorfies God and is therefore quite acceptable and appropriate.

I've never understood that since Christ preached and lived the total opposite.

I don't need the eccelastical equivalent of a Vegas floor show to feel reverence and awe at God's presence. In fact, some of the most spiritual times I've had have been in the exact opposite environments of what I've seen on TV.

But if the Pope wants to wear 500 yards of expensive linens and wear $500 Gucci shoes...well, it looks nice. I guess.

I'll be glad when he gets on the Popeplane and goes home. Getting tired of the nonstop coverage, getting tired of the "next best thing to God" references.