Are Pope Benedict's words being taken out of context?

Question

Or is he really losing his mind when he speaks? First it was the statement about the islamic prophet mohammad and now it's about the Christian churches aren't true believers because they are not Catholic.

Answer 1

Did he say they "aren't true believers" or did he simply say that they aren't true churches, but rather ecclesial communities? Technically, they don't fit the definition of what a "church" is, but that doesn't mean they aren't saved. The fact that you haven't gone to the source for your information tells me you aren't looking for truth, but biased opinions.


*edit*

GLSigma3 - The Catholic Church has not always believed that if you aren't Catholic you will not go to Heaven. In fact, the teaching of the Church is quite the contrary. You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about...and it's because of people like you that there are so many misconceptions about the Catholic Church. Do not go around stating things as fact when you've never gone to the source to verify it. Ignorance breeds ignorance.

Answer 2

It's interesting that the reports we are getting is how uneasy the Roman Catholic diocese was uneasy with the tact and length of John Paul II's stay on that seat. So this was supposed to be better?

This guy is obviously a bit rough around the edges, and has things to uphold that are not well accepted by Non RC's. To me, it was supposed to happen. I think that a Pope will have to be the False Prophet of the Book of Revelation, maybe not this one but perhaps he is, perhaps the next one.

We'll see!

As far as what Pope Benedict actually said, I haven't seen a defense that includes the actual statement translated into English. All I have is a defense that doesn't include it, and articles against what he said with excerpts of what he said.

I am not one to trust in Popes, and I think that Pope Benedict is unfortunately not saying things that are true nor Christian.

Answer 3

The Pope did not even speak on the subject. He simply approved a new document that states nothing new: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html

Most Christian denominations believe that each of them is the fullest version of the Church of Christ.

While the Catholic Church also believes that she is "the highest exemplar" of the mystery that is the Church of Christ, she does not claim that non-Catholic Churches are not truly Christian. The Catholic Church teaches:

Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.

Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church.

All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 819: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p3.htm#819

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

If you are a protestant, why do you even care what he says? The Pope is not the leader of all Christians, just Catholics. Give him respect for being true to his own theology and refusing to be PC, and stop whining that his theology is different from yours. The point of the Protestant reformation was that people can read the Bible for themselves and decide what to believe based on their own conscience and reasoning, and that they don't have to follow the Pope. Many people died to give you that freedom, so don't take it for granted. If you want to follow the Pope, go to your local Catholic Church and join its adult conversion program. If you don't want to follow the Pope, stay out of/ get out of the Catholic Church, and read the Bible for yourself, and find a local protestant church with like minded believers.

Answer 5

Yeah, in both cases, his words are being taken out of context. You don't even seem to realize that he was quoting somebody ELSE when he referred to Mohammad and everybody in the media went nuts on him. And all you have to do is go read the document about "true believers" to see that it says EXACTLY the opposite of what you say here!

Another case in point -- the above commentator who calls the pope a Nazi. Get a grip, people. EVERY kid had to belong to Hitler's Nazi Youth program. It wasn't optional. It was mandatory. Joseph Ratzinger was a CHILD who couldn't help what he was FORCED to do by law. It doesn't mean he agreed with Nazi philosophy, and indeed, nothing in his actions indicates that he has ever agreed with it.

Answer 6

Catholics have always believed that if you're not a Catholic then you're not going to heaven. It's not new news, he's just re-declaring it for this generation.

Even Reformation leaders like Martin Luther--when he was excommunicated from the Catholic Church he felt that he was going to hell, despite the fact that he preached the true gospel for his whole life.

Answer 7

When you smell smoke there usually is a FIRE.

Apparently, from all I have read from the catholics, it's just BUSINESS as usual; most try to put a blanket on the fire and cover it up, the cry is:

"We are shameless, we'll take anyone's money as we expose our effeminate bodies and the bodies of our wives and children".

he should be working a little harder on those whom harm children in his own cult, those who deserve to have a millstone hung around their neck and tossed into the Atlantic.

Answer 8

Can you give us sources?

If we can't read the whole statements how can we know the context?

Answer 9

who cares, hes just an old man, its not like he's santa or anything.

becides, most people arent true believers, they just follow the trend cos thats what they've been told to do!

Answer 10

He's drawing out the heretics so he can smash them with his Templars. Or he wishes that were the case. Maybe its just a product of his hitler youth training.