My sister and I were just talking about how much we like the new Pope, whilst snickering that he probably has a bounty on his head from other members of the Arch Daises.  I just finished reading a TIME article about this very subject matter and it truly opened my eyes.  The position that the article was taking was that the Pope isn’t a new breed of radical…rather he is a radical traditionalist.  Most of the media does report the full interviews that showcase all of what the new Pope is trying to express.

 

When he says that we pay too much attention to the downfalls of homosexuality, abortion, and birth control…what he was trying to say is that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  He for one as well as most of his followers believe in the moral code laid out in the pages of the Bible.  He encourages his followers to remain steady in their faith, but in order to remain steady in your faith you must not forget the very basis of Christianity…which is that God gave us free will.  Christians are guilty of forgetting that one important piece of information.  God laid out a series of moral guidelines which he encourages his followers to use as a guidepost to life.  However, for those that do not believe the words He has written, they are free to make their own choices.

 

Mandating someone to follow your moral code is doing exactly what the Almighty didn’t want.  If you believe that true judgment will come from God at the end of your journey…why waste so much time judging those here on Earth.  Therein I believe is what the Pope was trying to get at.  In a follow up interview that was much less sensational, the Pope said that our purpose here on Earth was to heal our fellow man and by being so outspoken in your judgment of others decisions you rob yourself of fulfilling your purpose.  Instead he encouraged his followers to open their hearts and minds so that you can be a healing force and plant the seed of your faith with your actions.

 

Furthermore he pointed out that the number of souls needing healing in today’s world is greater than ever and requires those with faith to be a stronger light for refuge and hope.  Powerful stuff!   So I sum this up by saying that I REALLY like this new Pope because he isn’t encouraging people to throw away their beliefs…he is simply saying that your faith should be measured by your kindness and willingness to not just heal those that agree with you but to go out and proactively search out those most in need of your greatest gift…the gift of healing the broken and lost.  This is the humanitarian outlook that could make drastic changes in the world…because we already tried the harsh, judgmental method and it simply doesn’t work.  I feel ever renewed in my efforts to continue to let my love for my fellow people to be what guides me in my daily interactions and I can only hope that this is the next thing trending on Google J  Also I am guilty of looking down on others that do not agree with my liberal views…and so this was a great reminder that if we are to agree with the Pope it should be in the sense that we take it to heart in our own lives even if we are not governed by a spiritual mindset…two sides to every coin and all that.