Benedict XVI to head crusade vs. secularism, democracy

[IndianaGreen]

From “grand inquisitor” to pope: Benedict XVI to head crusade vs. secularism, democracy
By Peter Schwarz
21 April 2005

Ratzinger may well have had Benedict XV in mind when he chose his name. Not because of the earlier pope’s diplomatic activities, but because he was, like Ratzinger himself, a bitter opponent of “modernity,” i.e., of rationalism, democracy and, above all, socialism.

In an apostolic letter which he published only few months after taking office, Benedict XV vehemently opposed all those who put their trust in understanding and reason. Ratzinger’s precursor thundered: “Infatuated and carried away by a lofty idea of the human intellect, by which God’s good gift has certainly made incredible progress in the study of nature, confident in their own judgment, and contemptuous of the authority of the Church, they have reached such a degree of rashness as not to hesitate to measure by the standard of their own mind even the hidden things of God and all that God has revealed to men. Hence arose the monstrous errors of ‘Modernism,’ which Our Predecessor rightly declared to be ‘the synthesis of all heresies,’ and solemnly condemned. ... Therefore it is Our will that the law of our forefathers should still be held sacred: ‘Let there be no innovation; keep to what has been handed down.’”

These words are contained in the encyclical “Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum” from November 1, 1914, which also condemns the World War. As the text of the encyclical demonstrates, the main objective of the pope was the defense of the existing order that was threatened by the impact of the war. The Vatican was motivated by fears of social upheavals and socialist uprisings, which did, in fact, take place at the end of the war—in Russia, Germany, Hungary and many other countries. For this reason, the encyclical categorically defends the existing authorities.

It condemns every form of democracy: “Ever since the source of human powers has been sought apart from God the Creator and Ruler of the Universe, in the free will of men, the bonds of duty, which should exist between superior and inferior, have been so weakened as almost to have ceased to exist.”

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/apr2005/pope-a21.shtml

[jeff30997]

1. What an asshole.

[LdyGuique]

2. Quoting from a document 90 years old doesn't really qualify

as documentation to a POV unless one can see a series of additional articles and letters over the 90 years that reinforce the same position. PJ2 was not anti-democracy and there is no proof that Benedict XVI is either.

[Botany]

3. Pope Benny the Rat # 16

Well the Pope Benny is 4 for 4.

Nazi ...... said he left the german army in May 1944 ..... turns out to be May 1945 (Big difference)

Wrote a 1962 document on how to cover up and sanitize the pedophiles and sex crimes

Injected himself into the election .... Kerry a sinner in the eyes of the Church ...... no church sacraments

And now in bed w/ the bush family "crime" business ...... a little Swiss money laundering operation.

I really do not like the bush family.

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-woch...

[fasttense]

4. In other words, quit using logic and reason. Do as I say. n/t

[Bridget Burke]

5. So--the Socialists don't like him...

Of course, most of their evidence comes from annothe Pope's encyclical--dated 1914!