Author Topic: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???  (Read 5988 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« on: April 20, 2008, 04:22:27 PM »
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3184135
Quote
SoCalDem  (1000+ posts)       Sun Apr-20-08 03:50 PM
Original message
Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
 I am so tired of seeing mass, on every freaking channel..(or at least it seems that way)..

There ARE religious channels...LOTS of them..

Cover him when he speaks at the UN or visits the White House...but all this churchy stuff is creeping me OUT...


now I will don my flak jacket and try to evade the sniper-esque barrage of swingy smoke-filled thingies thrown at me

:( I'm not Catholic, but   :bird: Screw you, DUmbass bigot. A little guilt there?
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Carl

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19835
  • Reputation: +1616/-100
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2008, 04:27:33 PM »
I am not Catholic either but the virulent hatred on the island for anything religious and good is very revealing who their master is.

Offline franksolich

  • Scourge of the Primitives
  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 58722
  • Reputation: +3102/-173
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2008, 04:30:12 PM »
Well, my question to the low-calorie primitive is this:

Is Barry "Goldwater" Obama ever going to leave?

He's been running around a lot longer than the Pope, and in the best interests of the low-calorie primitive's own political party, the Democrats, it's probably best that Barry "Goldwater" Obama be a man, and step down in favor of Messalina Agrippina.
apres moi, le deluge

Milo Yiannopoulos "It has been obvious since 2016 that Trump carries an anointing of some kind. My American friends, are you so blind to reason, and deaf to Heaven? Can he do all this, and cannot get a crown? This man is your King. Coronate him, and watch every devil shriek, and every demon howl."

Offline Lord Undies

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11388
  • Reputation: +639/-250
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2008, 04:54:21 PM »
I haven't seen that Pope person on television once.  Not once.  What the heck or these DUmmies watching? 

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2008, 04:58:18 PM »
I've seen him several times. But it doesn't make me shriek and throw fits like the DUmmies.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Ptarmigan

  • Bunny Slayer
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24100
  • Reputation: +1013/-226
  • God Hates Bunnies
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2008, 07:51:42 PM »
I am not Catholic, but they need to get a grip. I like to see the Pope in person and even meet him.
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
-Napoleon Bonaparte

Allow enemies their space to hate; they will destroy themselves in the process.
-Lisa Du

Offline djones520

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4207
  • Reputation: +181/-146
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2008, 07:56:48 PM »
I am not Catholic, but they need to get a grip. I like to see the Pope in person and even meet him.

Me to.
"Chuck Norris once had sex in an 18 wheeler. Some of his semen dripped onto the engine. We now call that truck Optimus Prime."

Offline Dixie*Darling

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1117
  • Reputation: +133/-25
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2008, 08:19:16 PM »
This has been an historic visit.  This is only twice that a Pope has come to the US.  I feel honored that he chose to come.

DUmmies, it's not like he was riding around in the Pope mobile with a super soaker squirt gun spraying holy water!  ... On second thought, that wouldn't have been a bad idea!


Offline mamacags

  • Smells like teen spirit
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4281
  • Reputation: +444/-113
  • Little Miss Cranky Pants
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2008, 09:04:54 PM »
You know a lot of people laughed at the plot of the Left Behind Series.  About how people would blindly follow the Antichrist disguised as this great political leader.  They were so happy to get rid of the Christians so they could have a little "fun" that they didn't even realize what was going on.  Lately it seems the scenario is so much more plausible. :(
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Winston Churchill

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2008, 10:27:19 PM »
I am not Catholic either but the virulent hatred on the island for anything religious and good is very revealing who their master is.

I know I am going to get it, but the RCC pretty much believes in every major point of the liberal agenda:  Unfettered illegal immigration, unlimited social program funding, unending welfare, unstoppable and uncontrolled reproduction.

I used to be a Catholic, but the overuse of "Mat:19:24:And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" is why I left the faith. 

I worked hard.  I obtained wealth. I give to charities. A LOT. Had I literally hewed to Mat:19:24, I would have never made the money I made that allowed me to give 6 children all their immunizations, saw them through school, gave them clothes and games, provided their villages with water and generally made their lives better.

A rising tide raises all boats.  More people in the boat than it can handle swamps the boat -- drowning the rowers and the refugees.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline delilahmused

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7384
  • Reputation: +1367/-80
  • Devil Mom
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2008, 10:45:20 PM »
I am not Catholic either but the virulent hatred on the island for anything religious and good is very revealing who their master is.

I know I am going to get it, but the RCC pretty much believes in every major point of the liberal agenda:  Unfettered illegal immigration, unlimited social program funding, unending welfare, unstoppable and uncontrolled reproduction.

I used to be a Catholic, but the overuse of "Mat:19:24:And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" is why I left the faith. 

I worked hard.  I obtained wealth. I give to charities. A LOT. Had I literally hewed to Mat:19:24, I would have never made the money I made that allowed me to give 6 children all their immunizations, saw them through school, gave them clothes and games, provided their villages with water and generally made their lives better.

A rising tide raises all boats.  More people in the boat than it can handle swamps the boat -- drowning the rowers and the refugees.


My stepfather and one of my former stepmothers is Catholic and it's always seemed a little hypocritical to me for the Catholic church to expect their flock to give up so much while they practically wallow in opulence. But I'm not Catholic so it probably makes sense to someone who is. Jesus is one size fits all...luckily His churches don't have to be.

Cindie
"If God built me a ladder to heaven, I would climb it and elbow drop the world."
Mick Foley

"I am a very good shot. I have hunted for every kind of animal. But I would never kill an animal during mating season."
Hedy Lamarr

"I'm just like any modern woman trying to have it all. Loving husband, a family. It's just, I wish I had more time to seek out the dark forces and join their hellish crusade."
Morticia Addams

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2008, 11:12:28 PM »

My stepfather and one of my former stepmothers is Catholic and it's always seemed a little hypocritical to me for the Catholic church to expect their flock to give up so much while they practically wallow in opulence. But I'm not Catholic so it probably makes sense to someone who is. Jesus is one size fits all...luckily His churches don't have to be.

Cindie

Yes -- Jesus wanted us to be happy and to help those who could not help themselves. He (IMHO) never wanted us to carry people who won't put an oar in the water.

Jesus understood the importance of self worth.  He wanted us to lift up His children.  I honestly believe He cries at how the Left abuses His principles.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Rebel

  • MAGA
  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 16934
  • Reputation: +1384/-215
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2008, 11:23:55 PM »
Wow, for once I agree with the DUmmies. I can't turn the damn TV on in the morning without something about the Pope on the tube. I apologize to the Catholics on board, but damn, I just do not care that he's here.
NAMBLA is a left-wing organization.

Quote
There's a reason why patriotism is considered a conservative value. Watch a Tea Party rally and you'll see people proudly raising the American flag and showing pride in U.S. heroes such as Thomas Jefferson. Watch an OWS rally and you'll see people burning the American flag while showing pride in communist heroes such as Che Guevera. --Bob, from some news site

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2008, 12:03:49 AM »
This was the Pope's last day in the country... he left a couple hours ago.  SoCalDem can pull her panties out of her ass now.  
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Attero Dominatus

  • VRWC Psionics Corps
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2387
  • Reputation: +164/-11
  • Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2008, 12:14:23 AM »
The DUmb****s need to take a chill pill. no one is forcing them to watch the news coverage of the pope.
Those who would trade their liberty for temporary security will get neither. --Benjamin Franklin.

Offline Rebel

  • MAGA
  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 16934
  • Reputation: +1384/-215
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2008, 12:35:03 AM »
The DUmb****s need to take a chill pill. no one is forcing them to watch the news coverage of the pope.

As with me.....but I'd like to watch SOME news. Dude, he's been monopolizing all of it.
NAMBLA is a left-wing organization.

Quote
There's a reason why patriotism is considered a conservative value. Watch a Tea Party rally and you'll see people proudly raising the American flag and showing pride in U.S. heroes such as Thomas Jefferson. Watch an OWS rally and you'll see people burning the American flag while showing pride in communist heroes such as Che Guevera. --Bob, from some news site

Offline LC EFA

  • Hickus Australianus
  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4527
  • Reputation: +414/-33
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #16 on: April 21, 2008, 02:22:59 AM »
Quote from: Dixie*Darling
This has been an historic visit.  This is only twice that a Pope has come to the US.  I feel honored that he chose to come.

DUmmies, it's not like he was riding around in the Pope mobile with a super soaker squirt gun spraying holy water!  ... On second thought, that wouldn't have been a bad idea!

It would work better if it was soapy water. The improvement in air quality around the protesters would be astonishing.

'Course they'd wanna charge us all with "cruel and inhumane" treatment for it.

Offline VivisMom

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 910
  • Reputation: +140/-19
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #17 on: April 21, 2008, 08:58:14 AM »
I am not Catholic either but the virulent hatred on the island for anything religious and good is very revealing who their master is.

I know I am going to get it, but the RCC pretty much believes in every major point of the liberal agenda:  Unfettered illegal immigration, unlimited social program funding, unending welfare, unstoppable and uncontrolled reproduction.

I used to be a Catholic, but the overuse of "Mat:19:24:And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" is why I left the faith. 

I worked hard.  I obtained wealth. I give to charities. A LOT. Had I literally hewed to Mat:19:24, I would have never made the money I made that allowed me to give 6 children all their immunizations, saw them through school, gave them clothes and games, provided their villages with water and generally made their lives better.

A rising tide raises all boats.  More people in the boat than it can handle swamps the boat -- drowning the rowers and the refugees.


Okay, some minor nit-picky points:

The Catholic Church does NOT support unfettered illegal immigration.

Quote
As a matter of public policy, the Catholic Church does not support open borders, illegal immigration or even “amnesty” in the sense of a blanket grant of legal status to the undocumented. It believes that nations have a legitimate responsibility to promote the common good by denying admission to certain migrants and by regulating the flow of all those who are seeking to enter.

The “Justice for Immigrants” campaign supports increased development in immigrant-sending countries; allowing necessary undocumented workers to earn the right to remain (permanently) through their labor, good moral character, and payment of a fine (a proportional punishment); and expansion of avenues for employment- and family-based immigration. It opposes “reform” that would turn otherwise law-abiding people into felons and would potentially criminalize acts of charity.


http://www.catholic.org/views/views_news.php?id=19737&pid=0


Or unending welfare:

Quote
"By intervening directly and depriving society of its
responsibility, the Social Assistance State leads to a loss of
human energies and an <inordinate increase of public agencies>,
which are <dominated more by bureaucratic ways of thinking> than
by concern for serving their clients, and which are accompanied by
an <enormous increase in spending>" (n.48-emphasis added).

http://www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/ATRISK.TXT


or "Unfettered and Uncontrolled Reproduction":


Quote
Hence conjugal love requires in husband and wife an awareness of their mission of "responsible parenthood," which today is rightly much insisted upon, and which also must be exactly understood. Consequently it is to be considered under different aspects which are legitimate and connected with one another.

In relation to the biological processes, responsible parenthood means the knowledge and respect of their functions; human intellect discovers in the power of giving life biological laws which are part of the human person.9

In relation to the tendencies of instinct or passion, responsible parenthood means that necessary dominion which reason and will must exercise over them.

In relation to physical, economic, psychological and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised, either by the deliberate and generous decision to raise a numerous family, or by the decision, made for grave motives and with due respect for the moral law, to avoid for the time being, or even for an indeterminate period, a new birth.

Responsible parenthood also and above all implies a more profound relationship to the objective moral order established by God, of which a right conscience is the faithful interpreter. The responsible exercise of parenthood implies, therefore, that husband and wife recognize fully their own duties towards God, towards themselves, towards the family and towards society, in a correct hierarchy of values.

In the task of transmitting life, therefore, they are not free to proceed completely at will, as if they could determine in a wholly autonomous way the honest path to follow; but they must conform their activity to the creative intention of God, expressed in the very nature of marriage and of its acts, and manifested by the constant teaching of the Church.10

11. These acts, by which husband and wife are united in chaste intimacy, and by means of which human life is transmitted, are, as the Council recalled, "noble and worthy,"11 and they do not cease to be lawful if, for causes independent of the will of husband and wife, they are foreseen to be infecund, since they always remain ordained towards expressing and consolidating their union. In fact, as experience bears witness, not every conjugal act is followed by a new life. God has wisely disposed natural laws and rhythms of fecundity which, of themselves, cause a separation in the succession of births. Nonetheless the Church, calling men back to the observance of the norms of the natural law, as interpreted by their constant doctrine, teaches that each and every marriage act (quilibet matrimonii usus) must remain open to the transmission of life.

The honest practice of regulation of birth demands first of all that husband and wife acquire and possess solid convictions concerning the true values of life and of the family, and that they tend towards securing perfect self-mastery. To dominate instinct by means of one's reason and free will undoubtedly requires ascetical practices, so that the affective manifestations of conjugal life may observe the correct order, in particular with regard to the observance of periodic continence. Yet this discipline which is proper to the purity of married couples, far from harming conjugal love, rather confers on it a higher human value. It demands continual effort yet, thanks to its beneficent influence, husband and wife fully develop their personalities, being enriched with spiritual values. Such discipline bestows upon family life fruits of serenity and peace, and facilitates the solution of other problems; it favors attention for one's partner, helps both parties to drive out selfishness, the enemy of true love; and deepens their sense of responsibility. By its means, parents acquire the capacity of having a deeper and more efficacious influence in the education of their offspring; little children and youths grow up with a just appraisal of human values, and in the serene and harmonious development of their spiritual and sensitive faculties.

22. On this occasion, we wish to draw the attention of educators, and of all who perform duties of responsibility in regard to the common good of human society, to the need of creating an atmosphere favorable to education in chastity, that is, to the triumph of healthy liberty over license by means of respect for the moral order.

http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Paul06/p6humana.htm


I've very rarely heard Catholics invoke the scripture passage to which you refer. I do not believe that the Church wants its people to be poor, nor do I believe that the Church (as a collective) abuses the funds it does have. Now I'm speaking very generally about that, because I'm sure there are some parishes that do abuse their funds, and I have an issue with the collection plate being passed for each and every little thing (I won't get into my spiel on foreign missions.) However, even Jesus said to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's.

I can only guess that you were very poorly catechized as a child.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #18 on: April 21, 2008, 09:37:13 AM »
Quote from: VivisMom
I can only guess that you were very poorly catechized as a child.
None of that came up (Catechism really didn't cover political or even social issues back then).  I left the Church when I was in my teens, long before these were issues.

I speak fro practical experience.  Archbishop Mahoney has been actively supporting illegal aliens for years. And you know that the name for people who practice the only allowable birth control -- the Rhythm Method -- is "Parents."  And, again in many public speaking engagements, I have heard Mahoney and other Archbishops and Church spokepeople chide people with wealth for wanting to retain it instead of paying more taxes.  I can't find the speeches, but I have heard then with my own ears (they make a lot of local news since The Church has designated my favorite station as The Enemy).
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline DixieBelle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12143
  • Reputation: +512/-49
  • Still looking for my pony.....
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #19 on: April 21, 2008, 10:22:14 AM »
Speaking as an outsider here. I'm not Catholic but I have been in many Catholic churches and it is mind boggling to me how opulent they are. (At the ones I've seen)

I had a real hard time going into the churches in South America. Beggars accosting you right outside the church. Priceless art and untold wealth on display inside. And before I get flamed and accused of not knowing all of the facts, I realize the Church has done charitable deeds and continues to fund such organizations. But you cannot ignore the elephant in the room. One church we visited in S.A. was filled with so much gold/silver and priceless art that a lot of the people in our group were dumbfounded. Even the tour guide (who was a local) addressed it. I felt sorry for her. She was understandably sympathetic to us "wealthy Americans" (tee hee) who didn't understand the juxtaposition of crushing poverty and Church wealth.
I can see November 2 from my house!!!

Spread my work ethic, not my wealth.

Forget change, bring back common sense.
-------------------------------------------------

No, my friends, there’s only one really progressive idea. And that is the idea of legally limiting the power of the government. That one genuinely liberal, genuinely progressive idea — the Why in 1776, the How in 1787 — is what needs to be conserved. We need to conserve that fundamentally liberal idea. That is why we are conservatives. --Bill Whittle

Offline Toastedturningtidelegs

  • Holy Crap! Look at my
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3759
  • Reputation: +218/-69
  • OBAMA PHONE!
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #20 on: April 21, 2008, 12:13:41 PM »
Quote
unstoppable and uncontrolled reproduction.
Since when is that part of the liberal agenda? Just the opposite last time I checked :o
Call me "Asshole" One more time!

Offline WinOne4TheGipper

  • Enemy of DU
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2603
  • Reputation: +171/-59
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #21 on: April 21, 2008, 12:18:50 PM »
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3184135
Quote
SoCalDem  (1000+ posts)       Sun Apr-20-08 03:50 PM
Original message
Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
 I am so tired of seeing mass, on every freaking channel..(or at least it seems that way)..

There ARE religious channels...LOTS of them..

Cover him when he speaks at the UN or visits the White House...but all this churchy stuff is creeping me OUT...


now I will don my flak jacket and try to evade the sniper-esque barrage of swingy smoke-filled thingies thrown at me

:( I'm not Catholic, but   :bird: Screw you, DUmbass bigot. A little guilt there?

When there is an event (outside of sports) that 30,000 people are attending, it's sort of expected that the news media just might cover it.  I know that seems strange to a DUmmie.  You guys can't get 30,000 people to care about your little whinefests that you throw in DC every once in a while.
“Sometimes the curses of the godless sound better than the hallelujahs of the pious.”

Martin Luther

Offline jtyangel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9116
  • Reputation: +497/-110
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #22 on: April 21, 2008, 12:26:58 PM »
What should trouble ALL conservatives is the intention behind the a$$hole post there and it is to quiet Christian thinking whether it be Catholic or Fundamentalism. What you see on view there today, and nearly everyday, is just how much hate they have for anything associated with the holy name of Jesus. The pope is despised merely because he is a representative of Christianity. Any airtime anything remotely Christian gets its 'disturbing' to the Christian haters over there. The sad reality for them that they fear is that it will invigorate both Catholics and other Christians alike.

Offline BlueStateSaint

  • Here I come to save the day, because I'm a
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 32553
  • Reputation: +1560/-191
  • RIP FDNY Lt. Rich Nappi d. 4/16/12
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #23 on: April 21, 2008, 12:36:57 PM »
What should trouble ALL conservatives is the intention behind the a$$hole post there and it is to quiet Christian thinking whether it be Catholic or Fundamentalism. What you see on view there today, and nearly everyday, is just how much hate they have for anything associated with the holy name of Jesus. The pope is despised merely because he is a representative of Christianity. Any airtime anything remotely Christian gets its 'disturbing' to the Christian haters over there. The sad reality for them that they fear is that it will invigorate both Catholics and other Christians alike.

H5!
"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty." - Thomas Jefferson

"All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it - walk!" -Ayn Rand
 
"Those that trust God with their safety must yet use proper means for their safety, otherwise they tempt Him, and do not trust Him.  God will provide, but so must we also." - Matthew Henry, Commentary on 2 Chronicles 32, from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

"These anti-gun fools are more dangerous to liberty than street criminals or foreign spies."--Theodore Haas, Dachau Survivor

Chase her.
Chase her even when she's yours.
That's the only way you'll be assured to never lose her.

Offline VivisMom

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 910
  • Reputation: +140/-19
Re: Is the Pope ever gonna LEAVE???
« Reply #24 on: April 21, 2008, 12:49:00 PM »
Speaking as an outsider here. I'm not Catholic but I have been in many Catholic churches and it is mind boggling to me how opulent they are. (At the ones I've seen)

I had a real hard time going into the churches in South America. Beggars accosting you right outside the church. Priceless art and untold wealth on display inside. And before I get flamed and accused of not knowing all of the facts, I realize the Church has done charitable deeds and continues to fund such organizations. But you cannot ignore the elephant in the room. One church we visited in S.A. was filled with so much gold/silver and priceless art that a lot of the people in our group were dumbfounded. Even the tour guide (who was a local) addressed it. I felt sorry for her. She was understandably sympathetic to us "wealthy Americans" (tee hee) who didn't understand the juxtaposition of crushing poverty and Church wealth.

For this, I have two answers.

1) Some of the items used during the sacrifice of the Mass-chalices, vestments, etc.-are the personal property of the priest. Oftentimes, they are given them as gifts upon their priestly ordination. These items are indeed expensive and often opulent, but they are usually the property of individual priests and not the Church as a whole. Also, keep in mind that not every priest takes a vow of poverty.

2) Catholics believe that through the miracle of transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the Body of Jesus. It is only fitting that Jesus be exalted and treated royally. The fancy art? Why wouldn't a king have priceless art in His home?

I guess what it boils down to is that yes, it is a weird juxtaposition. But if you think about Christ as the King, and a church building as His home, it makes a little more sense. Why shouldn't we honor our Savior with the finest things we can afford?