tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post176275378342782850..comments2024-03-23T12:05:23.537-05:00Comments on The Wild Reed: "We Are Facing a Structural Problem . . ."Michael J. Baylyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087458490602152648noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-37482147091446836432009-02-27T23:11:00.000-06:002009-02-27T23:11:00.000-06:00While I agree with the general premise of Fr. Kung...While I agree with the general premise of Fr. Kung's comments, again, I think he's being a little too harsh towards the Holy Father even if he does make fair accusations against him. In defense of Pope Benedict I know that he isn't really as sheltered as Hans Kung would make it out to be. He has travelled throughout the world and as another observer noted on another blog he lived several years on his own in a house with his sister. So his entire existance hasn't necessarily been spent within the confines of an eccelesiastical vacuum. <BR/><BR/>I do however agree with Fr. Kung's critiques of the Holy Father's papal style. Of course, as he was as Cardinal Ratzinger, he is very consersative and is not phased that much from differing views or dissenting opinions. but really, is this so surprising? This has always been the personality and persona of Joseph Ratzinger, why should it have changed after he became Pontiff of Rome? <BR/><BR/>By the same token, it is a little discouraging that His Holiness doesn't seem to take divergent opinions from his own into consideration that much. When he was elected he had promised that he would not pursue solely his own ideas but would try to listen to ALL of the Church. Perhaps he's convinced that he does listen, but that he acts in accordance with what he sees fit as carrying out God's will. Again, should we expect him to start making a complete turn around in terms of his long held conservative views? No, that wouldn't be realistic. But what would be reasonable would be to see him at least make some concessions to progressive thinkers who might hold different views from his. Even Pope John Paul II allowed liberal Bishops to paint the spectrum of the espscopal college with a tolerant diversity which signified that although he might not agree with them he still allowed them to exist and offer their own unique opinions and contributions to the Universal Church. But now with Pope Benedict's episcopal appointments it seems that a progressive contingent is gradually dissapearing and it is becoming harder and harder for liberal minded leaders within the hiearchy to make their own opinions known for fear of punishment or even excommunication. <BR/><BR/>So, the fact that Pope Benedict does not allow opposite points of view to be tolerated is somewhat troubling. As Fr. Kung says, the "democratic "element" does indeed look as if it is slowly dissapearing and is being replaced with rigid, conservative ideaology. <BR/><BR/>The question is: what, as the People of God can we do to stop this trend, if anything? And how can we ensure that progressive thinking, intertwined with both FAITH and REASON, is not lost as a way of thought within the Church? <BR/><BR/>I still have hope that the Holy Spirit will one day deliver us with more forward thinking ecclesiastical leaders...but right now...the hopes for the future are understandably a bit dim...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com