tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post3353961922466283694..comments2024-03-10T10:54:59.776-07:00Comments on Ben Witherington: POPE BENEDICT VISITS AMERICABen Witheringtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017701050859255865noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-38086395099178489212008-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:002008-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00The bishop of Rome is called Holy Father (a title ...The bishop of Rome is called Holy Father (a title that belongs to God the Father). He is called the Head of the Church, and now it seems Chief Shepherd (titles that belong to God the Son). He is called the Vicar of Christ (a title that belongs to God the Holy Spirit). How is the Church "in a better place" when we stand by and let someone get away with this blasphemy?John Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01830750848604385456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-49693562508964563962008-04-24T19:23:00.000-07:002008-04-24T19:23:00.000-07:00I think that was a nice presentation the Pope did ...I think that was a nice presentation the Pope did at the White House. Thanks for printing it here. I was brought up Catholic, but I now am not attending church, but doing much reading by N.T. Wright, some of the emerging church leaders, and blogging away over on the Parchment and Pen blog thanks to Michael Patten and gang. I also stop by this blog of yours from time to time, Ben, and like what you have to say. I also saw you on the introductory part of Erwin McManus' film series, "Cravings." Very nice!<BR/><BR/>Practicing a form of Christian prayer called Centering Prayer as taught by Catholic monk-priest, Thomas Keating, also helps me in so many ways. <BR/><BR/>Joanie D.Joanie D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09041403062323815537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-25204884323946743172008-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:002008-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:00Raffi,I'm afraid that history shows that Protestan...Raffi,<BR/><BR/>I'm afraid that history shows that Protestantism has done more of the changing than Catholicism has.Shawn Bracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10603380405719498288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-43591486363399458422008-04-23T03:41:00.000-07:002008-04-23T03:41:00.000-07:00Vatican 2 was perfectly clear that "the separated ...Vatican 2 was perfectly clear that "the separated brethren are nonetheless brothers and sisters in Christ". I doubt that the document you meant would contradict the official position of the RC Church. And as for Protestant ecclesiology, I understand their concern. Any group that splits into 500 denominations has a weak ecclesiology!<BR/><BR/>BW3Ben Witheringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06017701050859255865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-34389398007037481392008-04-22T19:28:00.000-07:002008-04-22T19:28:00.000-07:00I guess I do find it a bit troubling that this is ...I guess I do find it a bit troubling that this is the same Pope who has endorsed the Vatican document which clearly states that churches born out of the Reformation cannot really be called churches. I of course consider Catholics to be Christian but I feel that this document seems to say that Protestants are not. Am I misunderstanding their position?Jeff Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13044167956663751192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-60575740048700401802008-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:002008-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:00I am quite sure that the Pope, being a German, did...I am quite sure that the Pope, being a German, did not mean the phrase 'God bless America' to be exclusive in any way shape or form. <BR/><BR/>BW3Ben Witheringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06017701050859255865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-76704784223487218792008-04-21T11:12:00.000-07:002008-04-21T11:12:00.000-07:00Dr. Witherington,How are you doing? I have read y...Dr. Witherington,<BR/><BR/>How are you doing? I have read your blog on occasion and have decided to join in some of the discussions. Do you find the Pope's use of the phrase "God Bless America" problematic? Personally, I am troubled by the phrase, as it is implicitly divisive. However, most who would use the phrase do not have divisive intentions, but the divisiveness arises implicitly. When one says, "God Bless America," essentially they are asking God to bless America and no one else. I believe that God wishes to bless all of humanity and not just America. Any thoughts?<BR/><BR/>JustinMargueasiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11217427440162259653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-44095728382717935212008-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:002008-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:00Shawn,In answer to your question, I think, or I ho...Shawn,<BR/><BR/>In answer to your question, I think, or I hope, that they would see that the Papcy today is a different thing than was the Papacy in their day. Not entirely different, and not entirely the same. I also wonder if these great Reformers would have something to say about the institutions that have developed based on their revolutionary ideals. In sum, I think its important to view these things in their historical contexts. <BR/><BR/>Just something to think about...<BR/><BR/>Grace and Peace,<BR/>Raffi Shahinian<BR/><A HREF="http://parablesofaprodigalworld.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Parables of a Prodigal World</A>Raffi Shahinianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01981706290799593546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11840313.post-27980706870794768012008-04-19T21:12:00.000-07:002008-04-19T21:12:00.000-07:00Interesting thoughts. But I am left wondering: are...Interesting thoughts. <BR/><BR/>But I am left wondering: are we not in danger of betraying the Reformation when we attempt to join hands with Catholicism? This is not to say that we should stigmatize all Catholics, but it seems to me that Luther, Calvin, Hus, Zwingli, et al, had some pretty strong things to say about the Papacy. I wonder what they would say if they could see our reverence for Rome today.<BR/><BR/>Just something to think about . . .Shawn Bracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10603380405719498288noreply@blogger.com