It seems like a lot of non-Catholics are up in arms over the Pope's statement on hell. I want to know why. Why would you care about a religion you don't follow?
I'm pretty sure that there are some Muslims who have stood up and said that all infidels will burn in their hell. Not Muslim, don't care. I've been told by a couple of Protestants that because I'm Catholic, I'm going to burn in hell. Not Protestant, don't care.
So, why do you care? If you're not of that religion, it shouldn't bother you. No matter how many people tell you to pack sunscreen. It never bothers me.
2007-03-28 01:59:15 · 16 answers · asked by sister steph 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I just think it is kinda funny is all.
2007-03-28 02:01:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You ask a good question and I think maybe it depends on what topic the Pope is speaking on.
He might talk about communion or church music or the sacraments and non-Catholics don't listen. But when the Pope speaks out on homosexuality or women in the priesthood or Hell non-Catholics start paying attention.
For much of the world, which does not believe in Hell or consequences for sin, they somehow get offended when someone brings up the "sore subject" and reminds them that it is still there even though they don't believe. Heaven is still open, too, by the way!
Pope Benedict is merely clarifying an issue which he feels needs attention in this day and age.
I am Catholic, too. I want to clarify to all those here that our current Pope did not "suddenly" declare Hell to be real as a previous asker charged. The Catholic Church has consistently taught from the time of Christ that Hell is a real place.
God bless.
2007-03-28 02:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Didn't actually see the pope's statement but I am a Protestant although I don't actually practise any sort of religion as I don't think God exists and I agree with you. It is ok to have an opinion on someone else's religion but to force that opinion onto someone else who obviously doesn't care is wrong.
I also find it funny that people of the Catholic and Protestant faiths say the things they say about each other when at the end of the day they are both Christian religions so who the hell cares!!!
2007-03-28 02:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely it depends on what topic the Pope speaks on - this one just doesn't happen to matter. It's no skin off my nose if anyone believes hell is real or not. But it does effect me when he says stuff about birth control and homosexuality - it effects everyone, because so many people DO take what he says as Gospel.
I'm knitting tiny little jumpers for African AIDS babies at the moment, because currently their "clothes" are just old newspapers. Just think how much pain and anguish could be avoided - and resources saved - if their parents were given condoms and taught that it was okay to use them.
2007-03-28 02:18:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am a Protestant that doesn't believe that all Roman Catholics are going to hell. Neither do I think that all Protestants are going to heaven. Those that trust God through Jesus Christ are going to heaven.
What Roman catholicism does in many cases is cause people to be misled on that issue in the respect of turning to God. Instead they have been taught that worshipping ( as prayer is a form of worship) saints and Mary is anything God ants to see. It is not!
But if they do really trust God, on either side of the RC/Protestant fence, in that Jesus is the way to eternal life with Him, then they are saved.
EDIT: I care because it matters. The truth that is. Don't you agree?
2007-03-28 02:07:51 · answer #5 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Guess i missed the pope's statement about hell... but even tho i am not catholic, i know that there is a hell because the Word of God tells us that there is... and the Word itself is complete and true and holy... and that is enough for me!
2007-03-28 02:14:50 · answer #6 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When we live on the edge of society in the shadow of the silent majorities, all that is necessary IS to paint, drink fine red wine suckled from roman vines, and ponder the alienating consequences of oppressive transparency.
We shall receive our just rewards in due course. The waiting is our penance. The End holds the prize – between withered arms. Blood will spill over the bones of unresolved partiality.
2007-03-28 02:20:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I haven't seen a recent quote by the pope so I don't feel I can answer this other than I think people are intrinsically fearful of some sort of hell. It's taken many years for me to even come close to half doubting it....maybe a little more than half. I was indoctrinated for 27 years to believe it and have really suffered a lot of emotional/spiritual damage because of it. Rather sad.
2007-03-28 02:10:08 · answer #8 · answered by Yogini 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Unfortunately, those who do not know about Christianity think the Pope is over all Christians, and of course, that is untrue.
I personally am unconcerned with what the Pope says, he is just a man with as many flaws as the next guy. His election to office isn't done by God, no matter what they say, it's a political process and this recent election proves what hard work this pope did to win himelf an election :)
2007-03-28 02:08:47 · answer #9 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Some people may not care, but they may question why one pope suddenly decides that hell is real and provides no information why the sudden change.
If I were a catholic, I would question that.
2007-03-28 02:06:12 · answer #10 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think you have a point there! There are a lot of doctrines in the Catholic church which are different from protestantism, or any other religion, so what is new if there is one more or less.
2007-03-28 02:08:01 · answer #11 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋