A new Pope: The way the media covered the news of a new Pope and the fact the "bookies" had betting lines on who it would be leaves me with one question. Who cares? Sounds more like...

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

The way the media covered the news of a new Pope and the fact the "bookies" had betting lines on who it would be leaves me with one question. Who cares? Sounds more like the Super Bowl. Being what's best described as agnostic it will have no effect on my life whatsoever. And even if I were Catholic I still don't know why it matters. Maybe someone can explain it. Keep it simple since I have ATD or something like that. Basically I get bored really fast and don't need to know the entire history of Christianity or Catholicism. This is a simple question and I'm looking for a simple answer. I'll ask again. "What difference does it make who the Pope is."

kridlon Loc: massachusetts

He is one of the singular most powerfull people in the world, Catholic or not. His influence on world politics is immense. There is no such thing as seperation of church and state.

Do you want an idiot in this position?

the digger

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

kridlon wrote:

He is one of the singular most powerfull people in the world, Catholic or not. His influence on world politics is immense. There is no such thing as seperation of church and state.

Do you want an idiot in this position?

the digger

We have one in the White House. The Pope has really no ability to influence the biggest threats to peace in the world today. Namely North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Syria, Israel, etc. The radical Muslims don't give a damn. They'll just draw a target on his back. Go back to the drawing board and give me a better answer. :thumbup:

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Who cares? To begin with, 1.2 billion Catholics care. If you're a true agnostic than the whole question becomes irrelevant so why ask the question in the first place?
I believe you meant to say ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or was it that you couldn't keep your mind open long enough to remember that?

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

Joe F.N. wrote:

Who cares? To begin with, 1.2 billion Catholics care. If you're a true agnostic than the whole question becomes irrelevant so why ask the question in the first place?
I believe you meant to say ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or was it that you couldn't keep your mind open long enough to remember that?

Yes I did mean ADD which I really believe is lack of parenting skills but it's a convenient excuse to just drug kids instead of actually raising them. Now back to the original question. What difference does it make. There are also a a few billion Muslims in the world. They don't care.

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

I normally don't like to get involved in these p...ing contests, but this time I think I will. I don't believe the poster has any interest in an answer to his question, he simply want's to show his contempt for any religion.

"Lets move along folks, there is nothing happening here."

pounder35 Loc: "Southeast of Disorder"

treehugger wrote:

I normally don't like to get involved in these p...ing contests, but this time I think I will. I don't believe the poster has any interest in an answer to his question, he simply want's to show his contempt for any religion.

"Lets move along folks, there is nothing happening here."

There is no "contempt". I was straight up in the original post. I am actually curious. If Cardinal A is elected, selected, whatever over Cardinal B or C what will be the difference on your life. Why not answer the question instead of downgrading me and avoiding a straight answer. I really don't care but if it matters to you (A,B,C) I want to hear why.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

"What difference does it make. There are also a a few billion Muslims in the world. They don't care."
That's a rhetorical question which is indicative of someone who isn't looking for a meaningful debate but just someone who wishes to make a statement based on his preconceived ideology.

tinfoilpixels

Never play another mans game. Original poster should have set the vodka down a few hours ago. He just wants you to make an attempt to answer his question, and then argue with you that you didn't answer it right. Last call for alcohol.

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

Although I'm not Catholic, I found it interesting to watch the process strictly for its historical significance. It was inspiring to see that many people gathered together for a joyful event.

Secondly, I appreciate the fact that this leader is chosen without regard to his personal status in life ... wealth, family name, and personal ambition has nothing to do with who is chosen.

Mostly, I look forward to the day when the Saviour himself, Jesus Christ, will receive the honor and glory due to Him in Heaven and Earth, as the triune God-- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:10

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

pounder35 wrote:

quote=treehugger I normally don't like to get inv... (show quote)

You have admitted in this thread to being shallow, having a learning disability and of being less than informed....so why change now?

I think that your intent is to start an argument rather than seek knowledge. If you really wanted an answer or were truly curious you would avail yourself of the near infinite source of information both pro and con on the web or in your local library instead of being a troll.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

You've summed it up beautifully, Robert. My sentiments exactly.

mvy Loc: New Hampshire

RE: "What difference does it make who the Pope is."

Good question for which I'd reply, "Not much."

On the other hand it is an historic event that many people consider very important, and that makes it newsworthy.

My interest follows from ideas I hold about organizational behavior, primarily how organizations evolve into institutions that ultimately care more about maintaining the institution than pursuing the mission for which it was established.

I also believe this opinion applies to just about any organization humans can contrive. In sum, it seems to me that "Murphy's Law" prevails.

Mulachabu Loc: Sydney Australia

Well I am not a religious person, and this is merely my own personal view. The pope is powerful (whether you or I like it or not) because he influences the thoughts and actions of a vast number of followers, and that matters. It is not so much who the pope is (all competing cardinals are of similar conservative thinking) but rather that the pope is, and most importantly how that influential power is expressed through him. Fortunately all leaders are increasingly subject to more scrutiny these days and even the infallibility of popedom is not sufficient to avoid critique. Unfortunately power and politics have become inseparable and that is were it tends to get grubby, we will just have to wait and see what develops, but either way it will have important possibly serious consequences.

ted45 Loc: Delaware

treehugger wrote:

I normally don't like to get involved in these p...ing contests, but this time I think I will. I don't believe the poster has any interest in an answer to his question, he simply want's to show his contempt for any religion.

"Lets move along folks, there is nothing happening here."

Pounder you asked a question and received the only answer possible: "Who cares? To begin with, 1.2 billion Catholics care. If you're a true agnostic than the whole question becomes irrelevant so why ask the question in the first place? "

Treehugger is exactly correct in his summation of this tread. Question asked and answered.

BTW it is extremely rude and bad taste to make fun of someones religion. Freedom of religion is one of our basic rights.