Pope Francis has repeatedly branded those who oppose mass Muslim migration into Europe as un-Christian. He seems to be completely unconcerned about facts such as the following: all of the jihadis who murdered 130 people in Paris in November 2015 had just entered Europe as refugees. In February 2015, the Islamic State boasted it would soon flood Europe with as many as 500,000 refugees. The Lebanese Education Minister said in September 2015 that there were 20,000 jihadis among the refugees in camps in his country. On May 10, 2016, Patrick Calvar, the head of France’s DGSI internal intelligence agency, said that the Islamic State was using migrant routes through the Balkans to get jihadis into Europe.
And in the U.S., Somali Muslim migrant Mohammad Barry in February 2016 stabbed multiple patrons at a restaurant owned by an Israeli Arab Christian; Ahmad Khan Rahami, an Afghan Muslim migrant, in September 2016 set off bombs in New York City and New Jersey; Arcan Cetin, a Turkish Muslim migrant, in September 2016 murdered five people in a mall in Burlington, Washington; Dahir Adan, another Somali Muslim migrant, in October 2016 stabbed mall shoppers in St. Cloud while screaming “Allahu akbar”; and Abdul Razak Artan, yet another Somali Muslim migrant, in November 2016 injured nine people with car and knife attacks at Ohio State University. 72 jihad terrorists have come to the U.S. from the countries listed in Trump’s initial immigration ban.
Pope Francis has never expressed any concern about any of this. Of course, he has claimed risibly that “authentic Islam and the proper reading of the Koran are opposed to every form of violence.” This has become a superdogma in the Catholic Church: if you don’t believe that Islam is a Religion of Peace, you will be ruthlessly harassed and silenced by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the hierarchy elsewhere as well. The bishops of the Catholic Church are much more concerned that you believe that Islam is a religion of peace than that you believe in, say, the Nicene Creed. And so what possible reason could there be to be concerned about these “refugees”? It’s a religion of peace!
The U.S. Catholic bishops, of course, have 91 million reasons — indeed, 534 million reasons — to turn against the truth and disregard the safety and security of the American people: “In the Fiscal Year 2016, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) received more than $91 million in government funding for refugee resettlement. Over the past nine years, the USCCB has received a total of $534,788,660 in taxpayer dollars for refugee resettlement programs.”
As Ilhan Omar might say, it’s all about the Benjamins.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)
“Pope Francis Urges Christians to Overcome Fear of Migrants,” by Thomas D. Williams, Breitbart, February 16, 2019:
Pope Francis focused his homily on Friday on urging the faithful to resist “the wickedness and ugliness of our time” by not giving in to fears of migrants and refugees.
In these difficult times, we are tempted to “close ourselves in ourselves, in our fragile human security, in the circle of our loved ones, in our reassuring routine,” the pope said. But this withdrawal into ourselves is a “sign of defeat” that “increases our fear of others — strangers, the marginalized, foreigners — who are also the Lord’s privileged ones.”
“This is particularly evident today, in the face of the arrival of migrants and refugees who knock on our door in search of protection, security, and a better future,” Francis said.
The pope spoke these words at a Mass at the Fraterna Domus center outside Rome “in order to highlight his constant attention to the welcome of migrants,” Vatican News stated.
Francis celebrated the Mass to kick off a three-day meeting titled “Free from Fear,” organized by the Migrantes Foundation, Italian Caritas, and the Jesuit-run Astalli Center for Refugees, to discuss reception structures for migrants.
Throughout his six-year pontificate, Pope Francis has insisted that immigration and the care of migrants are primary concerns for Christians and should not be considered a second-tier issue.
In his 2018 apostolic exhortation bearing the Latin title Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), for instance, the pope said Christians have no right to treat the plight of migrants as a minor moral issue because Jesus commanded his followers to welcome the stranger.
“We often hear it said that, with respect to relativism and the flaws of our present world, the situation of migrants, for example, is a lesser issue,” Francis wrote. “Some Catholics consider it a secondary issue compared to the ‘grave’ bioethical questions.”…
Last month, the Vatican’s department for migrants and refugees published the collected teachings of Pope Francis on the issue of immigration, reiterating the pontiff’s appeal for a greater openness to migrants.
The 488-page tome, titled Lights on the Ways of Hope: Pope Francis Teaching on Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking, gathers together the pope’s addresses on immigration, underscoring how central this topic has been to his pontificate.
Terry Gain says
Christians don’t fear migrants. We fear supremacist conquerors and we loathe the ignorant in positions of authority.
Robbins says
Absolutely!
J D.S says
The pope is kinda like the three monkeys..no see…no hear…no speak..except the “no speak monkey is not in the picture” he’s out there jabbering about things he knows nothing of.
Lydia Church says
They are not the Lord’s “privileged ones” until they convert to Christianity. We should fear them just like an invading virus in the body!
My Bible verses to refute him… as usual:
IMMIGRANTS MUST ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF THE CHRISTIAN GOD OR GET OUT
WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO TAKE IN ANY MIGRANTS OTHER THAN CHRISTIAN REFUGEES
“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation OR ANY STRANGER WHO DWELLS AMONG YOU…” Leviticus 18; 26
” “Again, you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘Whoever of the children of Israel, OR OF THE STRANGERS WHO DWELL IN ISRAEL, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death.” Leviticus 20; 2
“You shall have the SAME LAW FOR THE STRANGER and for one from your own country; for I am the Lord your God.’ ” Leviticus 24; 22
“One law and one custom shall be for you AND FOR THE STRANGER who dwells with you.” Numbers 15; 16
So they must renounce sharia and profess Christianity.
Refutation: Done!
: D
Paul J says
Exactly, how can they be The Lord’s privileged ones if they reject Christianity and worship an Arabian moon god and ‘his’ nutcase prophet?
gravenimage says
Hear, hear, Terry.
Jule Bacal says
The Pope confuses migrants with Islam. They are very different things.
Frederick King says
Send the muslims to muslim countries. hey do not fit in.
FYI says
“Unchristian”?
What would Fraudulent Frankie know about Christianity?he doesn’t even follow Catholicism[as many catholics know..}
francis who lives in a WALLED compound with his own private army so he can live in luxury and security far away from any migrants..or poor people..?
francis the CEO of a wealthy organisation whose wealth won’t be going to the poor:ever?
francis the defender of islam{a religion that CURSES Christians k9:30}?
francis who loves to slobber over his muslim “brother” Ahmed whilst Christians are murdered in islamic countries?{Get a room Jorge and Ahmed!}
francis who loves to jetset around the world visiting poor people, in a virtue-signalling exercise of his imagined piety,whilst the taxpayers of that country have to PAY for the honor… whilst the vatican banks don’t pay anything?
..
francis the “pope of the Ear” who FINALLY heard the complaints, “Cardinal McWho?”, and in a political stunt, pretends to be seen to do something about it, despite being caught out lying about his knowledge of the behavior of said cardinal who he PROMOTED?
francis and his RCC administrators who are so worried about migrants and Global warming while..the Catholic churches are empty,the flock is scattered..Heresy and Apostasy,fraudulent liturgy is being introduced as many catholics{a minority} can see.?
francis who loves washing feet{as long as a photographer is nearby to capture the Great Humility…aww the humility of the man,the humility..}?
“unchristian”?Mr Bergolio is not even a catholic!
francis{nod to camera,cheesy grin,panglossian thumbs up..}
Don’t fall for all the stage-managed tricks..
Robbins says
Absolutely!
James Lincoln says
FYI,
You stated, correctly:
“the Catholic churches are empty, the flock is scattered”
Pope Francis himself is responsible for at least part of this. Catholics who were originally “on the fence” before Pope Francis took over – are leaving.
Carolyne says
There’s no business like show business.
James says
I certainly do not think we should simply open our doors. Remember what happened to Troy when they took in the horse. The Muslims should be helped in Muslim countries. They are at home there and want to live under sharia. Does the Pope want to introduce sharia to please the muslims in the West? The Muslims have billions of petrodollars from selling energy and they spend billions building mosques in the West. Let them take care of the muslims, they all want sharia, let them have it in muslim countries where it is already present. If they like to rape and rob, steal and torture people, they can try it there too. if it is sanctioned in the koran then do it in a mulsim country.
Rufluc says
I totally agree with you James. It’s the most sensible thing to do, BUT when politicians come to making these kind of decisions that have a profound effect on our lives, it is then we discover they don’t do sensible! They seem to either work to a hidden agenda, or they are totally insane.
Why do they allow a totally incompatible, intrinsically agressive and barbaric people in among us?A people who have been systematically brainwashed into hating everyone who isn’t a Muslim. What do politicians hope to achieve by doing this other than generating outright rebellion from the indigenous people, who will of course eventually oust them from power? What are they? Lemmings or just pure idiots without an ounce of common sense? And if they are the latter, why the hell do we elect them into positions of power in the first place?
The people of the West really need to have a reality check and start to vote for people who will truly have their own interests at heart. Poltical parties on the right would be a very good start indeed!
Michael Copeland says
Tear down that wall, Mr. Pope.
Robbins says
That would be nice if he’s so opposed to walls!
No Muzzies Here says
Fear is appropriate. Since European leaders are keeping the borders open and jailing people who protest about the rapes and murders, fear is warranted. Fear for one’s life because the elected officials are competing with each other to see who can bring in the most refugees. Fear because the Pope is on the side of the invaders.
Sam says
Is this POPE evil or stupid? I know he is not a Christian
Salome says
Is the Pope a muslim?
Martin Kochberg says
The pope is both evil and stupid.
Jule Bacal says
No, he is not evil. He lives in a very constructed world. He really does not know and has never come across what WE see today. I once did not know. But I imagine my experience is vastly different from this Pope. Before I knew, I thought, “whats the big deal? so they dress different and have some ancient customs. No big deal to me” I was curious. I really waned to know just what this was all about. So I checked extensively. Now I know it is a Huge big bad deal to me and the future.
Kilauea says
People are more afraid of pedo-Priests than migrants.
Ecosse1314 says
Stupid post. Church has a problem with a minority of priests. To compare their numbers with the millions of migrants flooding the west is pure ignorance.
don vito says
It may not be a minority of priests, been reading 1P5 .?
Ecosse1314 says
It is a minority don vito..but gets a lot of publicity. Also it is a scandal for the Church especially the actions of the hierarchy.
I should perhaps mention that there is no support for their disgusting behaviour in RC theology.
don vito says
Ecosse1314, no question that this behaviour has no support in RC theology. What I am wondering is why you are so sure that this behaviour is only a minority? You must have some knowledge and evidence to support your beliefs that the behaviour is only by a minority. Please share
what you have, if you would?
gravenimage says
Don Vito, your implication that the majority of Priests are molesting children simply makes no sense.
don vito says
Oh…. …ok….
observer says
Agree Ecosse1314.
somehistory says
“knock on our door in search of protection, security, and a better future,” Francis said.”
***************************************
Yeah, right. Seeking to force us to need protection, taking away our security and wishing to gain something better at our expense.
**********************************
“pope said Christians have no right to treat the plight of migrants as a minor moral issue because Jesus commanded his followers to welcome the stranger.”
*****************************************************
The pope has absolutely no authority to declare what is and is not a Christians’ “right.”
This moral idiot, this wolf in sheep’s clothing, this non-Christian pretending to have such knowledge of God and His Son that he can assume to tell us what is our “right” and what is not our “right,” does not know the Bible or he is twisting Scripture just like satan the devil did when Jesus was in the wilderness and satan went to “tempt” Him into sin. The pope is doing the same thing, but the Bible, Jesus, and His disciples, say otherwise.
Jesus said to “pray for” our enemies and those “who persecute” us. He did not say welcome these into our homes. He said that He “was a stranger,” but He was not there to behead anyone, stab anyone, take from anyone, rape anyone, etc. And…He left it up to each one whether or not to Welcome Him. And then, He said they did so…by taking in His “Brothers.” Not murderers and rapists and terrorists.
Jesus said some would show hospitality to His “brothers.” He did not command anyone to allow those who wish to kill us into our homes. And He did not say that showing hospitality to just anyone, would gain us entry into Life. it is showing hospitality to His “brothers” that does this.
In fact, His “beloved Disciple John” wrote, “IF anyone does not bring this teaching, never allow him into your homes. or Welcome him (2 John 1:10).” John went so far as to write, “Don’t even say a greeting to him.”
The pope is demonstrating the tactics of satan in twisting and misapplying Scripture.
carolyne says
The next to last paragraph of somehistory’s post sounds very much like the Koran. Don’t let nonbelievers enter your home and in fact don’t even speak to them, apparently as instructed by the disciple John. I believe Mohammed instructed similar behavior for his followers. How can one argue for either side when they agree with each other?
And of course there’s the biblical character who offered his daughters, not himself, to be raped by strangers. That’s carrying hospitality a bit too far. But it is an example of how little religions value females.
It is difficult for me to understand this Pope or any Pope at all or even the concept of a Pope. But if a Pope ever had moral authority, this silly old Argentinian has lost it. but if I did believe in Popes, devils, angels, etc. and other magical beings, this evil man would be the agent of the devil IMO.
AleX says
Caroline wrote:
‘The next to last paragraph of somehistory’s post sounds very much like the Koran. Don’t let nonbelievers enter your home and in fact don’t even speak to them, apparently as instructed by the disciple John.’
-No it doesnt!
The following paragraph from 2 John refers to the messengers AND the keepers of the faith exhorting them to not alter the doctrine:
2 John 1:
‘7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh have gone out. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for […]9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.’
I hope this is clear enough. By extension, any reasonable Christian willing to preserve the faith should avoid such uninvited, unaccompanied, cultural-enriching ‘guests’. Jesus would do the same.
somehistory says
AleX
++100
somehistory says
carolyne just can’t restrain herself from trying to equate Christians and moslims, and the Bible with the unholy book of islam. The untrue, the false, refrain, is very old and tiresome.
gravenimage says
I agree, Somehistory.
AleX says
The exercise in futility nowadays is a dangerous trend in the Marxist oratory.
We are told that all cultures are the same, and everything ‘equates’ with everything else. You know, we have the ‘same God’ in the end, and we are all ‘Abrahamic’ (sarcasm).
Yet in reality, islam and Christianity are diametrically opposed.
Every time islam is revealed as a black hole that it is, somebody somehow has to start blaming Christianity, as though these two systems were equally at fault and as though morality was equally present in both islam and Christianity throughout history.
Islam has no morality whatsoever, it is dualistic and it favors the schyzophrenic view on the world. Almost like a mental disease, if not a willful, deliberate ill-intent against humanity.
somehistory says
thank you, g,
AleX
This is all so true.
Jule Bacal says
1) Christians are to follow the new testament
2) The letter of the Bible is not taught to be followed to the letter. Even Jews have large Reform. But Islam refuses any reform at all and does say to follow to the letter all in the Qur’an today the Same as Yesterday and into tomorrow until Judgement day. Any change, any question, any criticism is considered apostasy with punishment/death. Not one single change from the days it was written is allowed.
dan christensen says
Due diligence is the investigation or exercise of care that a reasonable business or person is expected to take before entering into an agreement or contract with another party, or an act with a certain standard of care.
If you don’t exercise due diligence in relation to migrants and ignorant popes, you are bound to be screwed.
If “foreigners are also the Lord’s privileged ones” is true, Frankie Boy the catholic topdog should invite some thousands of migrants to take up free residence in the Vatican State.
It must be a blessing for any pope to live close to “the Lord’s privileged ones” – he himself is one of them.
Obviously Frankie Boy was elected to the topjob as pope by the “Peter principle”.
The Peter principle is a concept in management developed by Laurence J. Peter, which observes that people in a hierarchy tend to rise to their “level of incompetence”.
mortimer says
What does Pope Francis know about the KAFIR DOCTRINE? Or the AL WALAA WAL BARAA doctrine?
Does Pope Francis know that Islam is a supremacist POLITICAL doctrine?
Does Pope Francis know that Islam that Muslims must HATE THE KAFIR ‘for the sake of Allah’?
-Imam Abdul-Latif ibn Abdur-Rahman Rahimullah said, “It is not possible for someone to realize Tawheed (Islamic faith) and act upon it, and yet not be HOSTILE against the mushrikeen (i.e. wrong worshippers). So anyone who isn’t HOSTILE against the mushrikeen, then it cannot be said that he acts upon Tawheed nor that he realizes it.” [ad-Durar as-Saniyyah 8/167]
-“The doctrine of al Walaa wal Baraa is the REAL IMAGE for the actual practice of this faith.” – source “Al Walaa wal Baraa According to the Aqeedah of the Salaf”, by Sheikh Muhammad Saeed al Qatani, authoritative Saudi Sharia lawyer and imam at the Abu Bakr and Al Furqan Mosques in Mecca. – https://islamfuture.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/al-wala-wal-bara-according-to-the-aqeedah-of-the-salaf-parts-123/
-Shaykh Ahmad ibn ‘Atiq said:
“There isn’t in the Book of Allah the Exalted – after the issue concerning the obligation of tawheed and the forbiddance of its opposite (kufr=wrong belief)- any issue which has as so many proofs, nor so clearly explained, than the issue of al-walaa’ and al-baraa’.” (W-B is ‘Islamic apartheid’)
– Dr. Muhammad Saeed Al-Qahtaani said: “Thus, it is clear that Al-Wala’ Wal-Bara calls on Muslims to “love” their fellow Muslims and hate the non-Muslim (or Kafir).”
observer says
In dealing with the issues at stake here, you are both civil and adroit when dealing with Pope Francis’ damaging ignorance iro islamic teachings Mortimer. By playing the ball and not the man there is considerably less defection from the problem — islam.
It helps to stay focused instead of becoming embroiled in an islamic-type putting down of others on this website.
You posed some excellent questions to Pope Francis there. I hope he has grace enough to explore them with honesty and courage.
I am deeply concerned about his stance but must be guided by conscience before the Pope on this matter.
Thank you for the trouble you take to keep us informed… I lack the capacity to retain all the detail but have certainly arrived at the bigger picture.
Sewnya says
I’m not afraid of migrants. I’m afraid of the cost to our welfare system. 63% of migrants are on some type of welfare. After 10 years it’s 70%. We are paying $116 BILLION each year plus interest over the amount they contribute in taxes. (not including the cost to our legal system) With $22 TRILLION in debt, WHY are we paying for people who can’t make it on their own and crossed our border illegally? It’s not going to get better if we let it continue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPjzfGChGlE
Mike Stevens says
This is also our problem in Europe. When billions are struggling to survive on two dollars a day, every “migrant” who has reached our shores has paid THOUSANDS of dollars in transport costs or, most often, to people smugglers. THEY ARE NOT THE WORLD’S POOR and we should not even be considering helping them when there are billions who desperately need DO need our support.
A television programme in the UK about “migrants” stuck in Greece interviewed three women from Nigeria (a country not at war) who were complaining that because of sealed borders they were unable to get North and West and on to Britain, and also complaining that they had each paid TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS to people smugglers.
Keys says
Why indeed !
Alinskite Democrat leaders, and RINO politicians mostly.
Keys says
Alinsyite, as practioners of Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals and worse.
Mike Stevens says
The problem is that these “migrants” are not like migrants of the past; for example, those leaving their countries in search of a new life after WW2, who were educated, civilised people moving to be with other civilised people – prepared to contribute, integrate and co-exist, with shared values. And grateful to the host nation.
Virtually all the “migrants” now on the move are from the world’s two most violent and backward cultures: Muslim and black African. The two cultures the most alien to our own so the least likely to integrate. The two cultures of low intelligence and most likely to end up on the welfare roll. The two cultures with the least enlightened attitude to women. The two cultures with no concept of, or interest in, birth control.
A very different proposition, Pope Francis.
Manuek 2 Paleologus says
This Pope is for the Catholics exactly the same what Obama (Musobama) was for Americans. Pope Francis is destroying every conservative remnant in the Universal Church left after the liberal Vatican II. I could never imagine to have a Pope who urges the West to open the borders to these muslims who do not care at all for us, who hate us 100% and intend to annihilate the western culture. They hate each other. This Pope is an anti-Catholic, a blind guide who knows how to mislead many and to promote all the liberal clergies and to hide those who gay. It is unbelievable to hear this pontiff, his words in favor of islam and to support the destructive muslim immigration. I pray God will free His Church from this evil pope from Vatican. I am reluctant to write this but this is how many Catholics all over the world feel.
andrew mc kendrick says
Agree entirely ,however, the fightback is on ,visit Church Militant..The Vortex….for a flavour of the response to this Pope from the laity.
mrs.nilu Das says
I am an hindu Indian woman I know what muslims do when they acquire power..my story is similar to Brigitte gabriel..i was born in Bangladesh I was kicked out when I turned three along with my entire family and millions of other Hindus my muslims..it was a genocide which is going on still now in a subtle form..America n Europe wake up n start fighting
don vito says
Thank You Ma’am. I appreciate your comment and relating your family’s experience.
observer says
I also appreciate your comment Mrs Das.
It’s a terrifying reality for all whose lives are affected by this ongoing horror.
I believe that – as Joel Richardson says – it is not going to go away. But that doesn’t mean we should be passive before it…
God help all who suffer because of this scourge.
gravenimage says
+1
Carol the 1st says
The Apostate Prophet discusses the Islamic intention to eventually conquer India. He believes it will never happen and let’s hope he’s right:
The Islamic Conquest of India Prophecy (Ghazwa-e-Hind)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUqNNMhsYdo
Jule Bacal says
I heard a prophesy……China, Japan, Korea(even north) Russia, US, India, Israel, New Zealand, Samoa. Australia, Poland, Hungary…even some on the fence band together to destroy Islam Just before it seems all end. After that Europe, Canada join against Islam with many x-Muslims & some Muslim leaders who decide to purge Qur’an of warlord lies & destroy the Hadiths. They will find out the truth.
Jule Bacal says
Thank you. We are with you.
liberty3 says
At this point we fear the Pope of Pravda.
The migrant caravans are a Plot to Destabilize and Transform America. And the democrats and majority of Republicans are on board with it. A clever, weaponized Trojan Horse.
SB says
I’ve yet to see him kiss a black woman’s feet. He’s a white Pope who envelope’s himself with black men.
carolyne says
I have read and I actually have personal knowledge of one case, that priests and even Popes have a female “Housekeeper” who follows him from parish to parish. Not being Catholic, I don’t care, but I do wonder why such a ridiculous lifestyle would be forced on priestly adherents of a certain religion. We, unlike other mammals are physically able to engage in sex year round. If there were a magical being who gave us this ability, why would it be denied a certain group. Nonsense.
Jule Bacal says
Well, that comment helps no one.
Wellington says
That the present Pope is doing great damage to the Roman Catholic Church (and by extension to Western Civilization) I do not think can be disputed by informed and sensible people. Only the degree of damage can be in dispute and not the possibility that no damage is occurring because of this man’s pontificate. Though an agnostic, I want the Roman Catholic Church to be a beacon of reason, compassion tempered by realism and a sense of justice, and a proponent of freedom in the political, economic and societal spheres.
Ain’t now.
carolyne says
I don’t want the Catholic church or any religion to exhibit the morals you describe nor have any power over me. It would be really nice to have a government exhibit those values, justice, reason, compassion though.
Wellington says
Well, carolyne, do you then prefer that the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations be neutral on, or actually against, reason, compassion tempered by realism and a sense of justice and various freedoms? And do you want government to be shorn of any religious influence? Is this wise? Do the results of completely secular states like the USSR and Nazi Germany not make you pause here?
You know, many of the Founding Fathers of America were not conventionally religious but all thought that religion should play a major role in American society. For instance, in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 it states in Section 14, Article 3 that “religion, morality and knowledge are necessary to good government….”
Do you disagree and, if so, what do you think you know that men like Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and Washington did not? As Ben Franklin said, if man is bad with religion, imagine what he would be without it. I of course would make Islam the exception to the rule here as I am sure Franklin would have if he had known more about Islam, say the amount that John Quincy Adams did.
Be careful, what you wish for, carolyne, because you might get it. A post-Christian Western Europe is “getting it” right now. I trust you see my point of view and hope you will reconsider things.
abad says
Unfortunately I agree with Carolyne.
Wellington, instead of looking at the Founding Fathers and their religious beliefs (BTW they were all Freemasons, NOT Christians) you may want to read Thomas Paine and WHY he had the views that he did on religion, government and why both NEED to be kept separate.
Did you know Paine is the one man who enabled America to have its Revolution, the Father of the Founding Fathers?
Our government needs to remain secular in nature.
The First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
As for the Roman Catholic Church, given the really ugly history it has had at times (I am talking about the Dark Ages all the way up to its “contemporary” witch hunts of the 18th century), Pope Francis is a figurehead who is trying to reach, but is not succeeding.
Wellington says
abad: OK, I’ll take your points one by one. First, respecting those who signed the Declaration of Independence and/or the Constitution, at most 1/3 were Masons. And many Masons also described themselves as Christians. The two were by no means considered exclusive. In fact, for centuries many bishops of the Church of England were also Masons. In any case, of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 in Philadelphia almost all were affiliated with a Christian Church, the most represented were Anglicans (Episcopalians) with 28.
Second point: You way overvalue Thomas Paine. The vast majority of historians recognize his contribution to the American Revolution and independence because of his work Common Sense but he also ended up as a radical in France and wrote a scathing denouncement of George Washington both as a commander and a President. He was a deist and did not like any organized religion, contra the vast majority of the Founding Fathers who, while many had deistic inclinations, saw great value in various Christian denominations for society at large which Paine surely did not.
Third point: I completely agree that the American government should remain secular but there is a difference between freedom of religion and freedom from religion. With the sole exception of Thomas Paine, I can’t think of a single Founding Father who would have objected to a voluntary, non-denominational school prayer which was, I think stupidly, deemed unconstitutional by the Warren Court in 1962. A secular government infused by Judeo-Christian values does not violate the American Constitution, though many today would have you believe it does. References to the importance of God and religion are found throughout the founding documents of our country, including the Declaration of Independence, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and even the Constitution where in Article VII reference is made to “the Year of our Lord” which I don’t believe means the pub owner in Philly selling the cheapest beer at that time. Also, let’s not forget that George Washington (and all subsequent Presidents) took the oath of office with one hand on a Bible—gee, think this might mean something?
Finally, I do not share your very dim view of Roman Catholicism. It has given us the intellectual architecture of Erigena, Anselm and Aquinas, actual architecture like Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, masterful religious painters (do I really have to mention the Italian Renaissance?), great sculptors, including arguably the greatest sculptor of them all, Michelangelo, schools and universities aplenty, hospitals aplenty (my own father was chief ophthalmologist at a Catholic hospital) and has inspired untold millions of people to live an ethical life. Yes, there have been travesties committed by Catholics, including clergy, but the institution as a whole I view positively and it is possessed of probably the greatest artistic heritage of any religion in history. As for Pope Francis, I consider him a Latin American leftist who does not understand capitalism, the only economic system which has produced wealth and which embraces freedom, does not understand the USA, does not appreciate the greatness of Western Civilization, who is more concerned about carbon emissions than the slaughter of Christians in the Middle East and who is a rank apologist for the worst religion ever created by man, Islam. He is a travesty in the making and has betrayed the best and wisest elements of Catholicism.
This is enough for now. Your turn if you care.
gravenimage says
Fine post, Wellington.
Jule Bacal says
I seem to remember something about this happening once before. I should look it up (I will look it up) but there was a Pope 6or700 AD i think, who took Islam in, said how wonderful it was & and equated it with Catholicism but he was finally thrown out & denounced.
ntesdorf says
Pope Francis is ignorant of Christianity and even more ignorant about Islam, but this does not inhibit him from continually stupid pronouncements on both and how they should relate.
carolyne says
I Hope Wellington is sitting down because I agree that the Supreme Court ruling ending prayer in schools was stupid. Those who wish to participate should be able to do so and those who do not should feel free not to. If done, it should be quietly with no special direction, such as East and no special floor covering furnished or used. No special arrangements should be made and no room set aside for prayer. As I recall, saying a prayer each morning at school sort of calmed us Dow, ready for the school day to begin. The only religion of which I am aware which causes harm is Islam which should be outlawed.
Martin says
video – Bergoglio in Mass with refugees: fear is the origin of slavery and dictatorship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR9crFnMZf4
carolyne says
I do not consider the concept of slavery being caused by fear as demonstrable, nor do I believe that that concept even makes sense. Slavery, mostly propagated by Muslims , had an economic basis. Anyone, even a Pope, can make a foolish statement as this one so often does.
gravenimage says
Agreed, Carolyne–enslaving people is not about fear.
With Muslims, the intent is also to humiliate Infidels.
Georg says
Didn’t you know? Pretentious, groovy-sounding nonsensical phrases are the new basis for policy. Like Ocasio-Cortez talking about “the right to mobility” regarding violating our sovereignty or “frontline communities (in relation to climate change).” Contempt is the basis for salmonella poisoning now that’s I’ve said it. And having just thought about it, class fragility is inseparable from values given in the periodic table of elements. Nothing is what is seems, but only as Marxists say.
And don’t forget: “Oceania was at war with Eastasia: Oceania had always been at war with Eastasia. A large part of the political literature of five years was now completely obsolete.” Just a small sample of the wisdom from *1984* we’re now immersed in.
Carol the 1st says
The pope looks like he’s taking stupid pills. He provides no backing or justification for his pap and demonstrates a complete lack of care for the damage to Western people while he busies himself virtue-signalling with slave-condoning muslim leaders whose broods are largely deliberate locusts to any host society. Give him a heavier dose and cart him away.
Martin says
video – Bergoglio meets president of Muslim charity organization
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxUoB9lxCw
Riky says
It’s not fear pope a dope we want our laws followed you know the leave on to Ceaser thing GET IT?
Georg says
“foreigners are also the Lord’s privileged ones” [the Pope said]
Everyone’s a foreigner to someone, you nitwit. And it’s a mathematical impossibility for everyone to be “privileged.”
Carolyne says
I find this kind of funny as I am a foreigner to Francis. Do I get all those goodies he wants to give to foreigners? I’d better get in line.
Georg says
No offense, but you don’t sound like his type.
abad says
““foreigners are also the Lord’s privileged ones””
“Moslems are Satan’s privileged ones”
Fixed it.
Mixtli says
+1. 🙂
gravenimage says
Pope Francis urges Christians to overcome “fear” of migrants: “foreigners are also the Lord’s privileged ones”
……………..
In other words, allow your loved ones to be raped and murdered by Muslims, because they are better than you are.
Muslims certainly agree with the Pope on this…
Billy Chickens says
In other words the pope wants us to have no fear of anything evil, wicked or satanic. No fear at all! Just invite evil into our lives.
Georg says
Right. Not exactly an expert in game theory.
gravenimage says
And not exactly an expert in Christian morality, either…
dan christensen says
Already as a young man the pope was an old idiot.
He is unwanted – dead or alive.
Carol the 1st says
Maybe Frankie plans to set the incense thuribles swinging in order to purify his new friends. But how will he get them into an actual church? I doubt muslims will accept thuribles in their fortresses. – too much of a distraction from Allah.
Robert Laity says
With all due respect to the Pope, Islam/Sharia Law is inextricable and is NOT in keeping with Christian values. Islam is ANATHEMA!! I pray that the Pope will recognize the fact that he is in error. The Jews are God’s chosen people. Jesus was a Jew and gentiles who believe in Jesus later joined that flock of chosen people. Islam is an invented “religion” that did not appear until SIX CENTURIES after Christianity. Islam was invented by a perverted pedophile named Muhammad. Again, Islam is ANATHEMA!!
Robert Christopher Laity says
Islam is inextricable with Sharia Law and is incompatible with Judeo-Christian values. Islam is EVIL. Islam is ANATHEMA!! With all due respect to the Pope, he is in error.
Islamaphone says
Fear is your friend. Courage is the ability to act in spite of fear.
Rufluc says
What a fool this pope has turned out to be. Talk about ‘blind faith’! He is totally blind to the fact that he is being used as a means to an end. The end of Christianity if the Muslims have their way!!
He has become a liability to all Christians with his foolhardy preachings. Does he not learn and see the truth like the rest of us do? He has clearly become a Muslim puppet that is being used and abused by the Islamic heathens who want our lands and our women for their sexual perversions.
Their quest for world domination show no bounds and they are now using him to try and pursuade the rest of us that Islam is a religion of peace when clearly IT ISN’T!! It is a vile ideology full of hatred against all non Muslims, which Satan is using against us all. The whole process is full of deception, lies and falsehoods.
It preys on the weak minded. Those who are easily manipulated and mind controlled. This is how Satan succeeds in spreading his evil. These are worrying times, and all Christians of the world need to recognise what is really going on and fight against it, because their papal leader certainly isn’t!
Jule Bacal says
I was surprised how many Popes early on fought and called out the military and made alliances to stop Arab Muslims from taking over Italy. (I was also surprised to read how many popes were no saints and actually deplorable in actions with some killed for it…of course their were some very sincere ones also but…)
Dano says
“Foreigners are also the Lord’s privileged ones.” No they aren’t. They are the politician’s privileged ones.
Marigold says
If Pope Francis trusts Islam as much as he seems to I suggest he have the Vatican walls dismanteled and have done with it ! Pope St Leo IV[ 847 – 855] had them built to deter the Saracens from attacking St Peter’s.
Antiislamicman says
Christians don’t fear foreigner’s they fear Islam as they know about the false prophet Muhammad. Muhammad kicked all non Muslims out of Mecca once he had total power. The warning is there so don’t ignore it.
el Cid 2 says
Wellington & Mortimer – well said.
Common sense ain’t so common – and this pope seems devoid of the virtue.
As a Catholic he is a great disappointment. I no longer attend mass, but instead attend a protestant service (in protest).
gravenimage says
El Cid, you may be able to find a traditional mass near you.
saf says
yes foreigners are the privileged ones… they get FREE everything in America paid for by WORKING PEOPLE who PAY TAXES!
John Rapking says
I am a practicing Catholic, but I object to being preached to by a Pope who is nothing short of a Muslim Apologist. What can I do to turn the conversation around and condemn the lies and coverups?
gravenimage says
You are already speaking out, John–a good thing.