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Pope Francis says Atheists are good if they ‘do good’
by Robyn Pennacchia Dec 23, 2013
Pope Francis continued down the road of awesomeness this weekend with an especially existentialist statement regarding non-believers in his papal homily this Sunday:
He told the story of a Catholic who asked a priest if even atheists had been redeemed by Jesus.
Even them, everyone, the pope answered, according to Vatican Radio. We all have the duty to do good, he said.
Just do good, and well find a meeting point, the pope said in a hypothetical conversation in which someone told a priest: But I dont believe. Im an atheist.
Even them, everyone, the pope answered, according to Vatican Radio. We all have the duty to do good, he said.
Just do good, and well find a meeting point, the pope said in a hypothetical conversation in which someone told a priest: But I dont believe. Im an atheist.
Now, some atheists may take offense at the idea of someone saying theyve been redeemed by Jesus. I dont, because I think that a statement like that is coming from a good place in someones heart. At least when its put this way. Its certainly more preferable than someone openly stating that they hope you burn for all eternity. Pope Francis seems like a genuinely kind person, and I am happy to take a kindness in the spirit in which it was given.
Ive always been a big believer in the idea of existence precedes essence that what you actually do is far more important that an intangible thing like who you are deep down. This seems to be what the Pope is saying, and I think thats pretty freaking cool of him. Personally, I care a lot more about how people act and what they do than I care about what they happen to believe in.
Although a lot of people are very surprised at the Popes attitudeparticularly given the attitude of his predecessorIm really not. His attitude is far more representative of the attitude of most of the Catholics Ive known in my life, particularly those affiliated with the Catholic Worker movement.
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/211818/pope-francis-says-atheists-are-good-if-they-do-good/
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Pope Francis says Atheists are good if they ‘do good’ (Original Post)
rug
Dec 2013
OP
OffWithTheirHeads
(10,337 posts)1. This athiest is not the least bit offended. I love this guy!
I have no problem with the teachings of Jesus. It's the fire and brimstone and Leviticus shit I have a huge problem with.
rug
(82,333 posts)2. “Just do good, and we’ll find a meeting point.”
OffWithTheirHeads
(10,337 posts)4. Works for me!
otherone
(973 posts)5. me too..
TommyCelt
(838 posts)3. “Just do good, and we’ll find a meeting point"
Wow. Just....wow.
We all have a responsibility to this world. If we do good, that's the preaching of the Gospel right there, no matter what creed, if any, we profess. Preach on, Papa!
Paraphrasing sage old Jacob Marley...Mankind is our business. The common welfare is our business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence is all our business. ALL of us.
Kingofalldems
(38,458 posts)6. Xaverian Brothers taught this when I was in school.