2007-07-28 08:12:05 · 12 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's not intended to be materialistic or demeaning. Gold has traditionally been a symbol of spiritual purity. The ring represents his marriage to the church. People who genuflect or kiss the ring are doing so as an expression of their faith and love. And yes, they do feel some humility but it is voluntary as they are symbolically subordinating themselves to the Pope's authority and showing humility before God. It's an act of reverence. Nothing more is implied.
2007-07-28 08:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by Brant 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Popes began having their rings kissed in the middle ages. It was then a symbol of the ROYALTY of the papal office. Popes were considered to be on the same social level as kings and other rulers, which allowed them to mediate wars and help countries to live peacably with their neighbors. Royalty would kiss the ring of the pope to indicate that they would honor the teaching of the church in how they governed their people. So much of the teaching that we have received from the Bible or the church comes from a place of societal mores, rather than the knowledge each person has of the Deity.
2007-07-28 08:27:42 · answer #2 · answered by Deb W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everything that happens in this world is mentioned in the Bible. That-basically would be impossible. The ring is an earthly symbol of the Pope's dedication to God. He is the highest symbol of the priesthood in the Catholic church. Kissing the Pope's ring is a sign of respect. Why do you question someone else's religion? Perhaps you should focus on the religion you believe and give Catholics the freedom to
worsip what they believe. Thank you for your consideration.
2007-07-28 08:21:54 · answer #3 · answered by phlada64 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I took care of a Priest once...and he had a gold ring...and I asked him about it...
When you become a priest you get that gold ring...and to kiss it is a sign of respect that you feel for him...
2007-07-28 08:20:18 · answer #4 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your right, it sure isn't, unless were speaking in reference to false prophets, etc !! What a wonder that The Holy Spirit can not only find us, but deliver us, and empower us by His Word of Truth,in the midst of all the trash and chaos. What a God we serve! Thanks Lord, once again!!!!!!!!!!!!Saved not by the will of men, but the will and mercies of God, through Him who died in my place, offered His blood shed once and for all, offered In The Holy of Holies by The Son of righteousness, and Perfect, spotless Lamb of God, His Only begotten, Beloved Son in who He is well pleased, and whom our lives are hid with God in Christ Jesus,and is alive now and forever,in His people, and in His Kingdom! Thanks Father, for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-28 08:47:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go watch the movie, "The Godfather"...
By kissing his ring you show he is your master and you are his slave.
Odd considering that Jesus came "to set men free".
Something's not right.
2007-07-28 08:17:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
And the Roman Catholic church claims to be poor. Makes you wonder does it not?
2007-07-28 09:01:02 · answer #7 · answered by 1saintofGod 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats because Catholicism isnt biblical
2007-07-28 08:15:00 · answer #8 · answered by ReliableLogic 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Tell ya something? Why yes it is biblical - all about false power.
2007-07-28 08:18:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
It is a sign of respect for his office.It's your choice, but it's highly unlikely that you will ever get that close.
2007-07-28 08:17:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋