Pope Francis: Atheists! Work With Us For Peace!

[Kromovaracun]

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/12/25/world/europe/25reuters-pope-christmas.html?_r=0

So it seems that the pope is willing (unlike a couple years ago) to encourage atheists to co-operate with the church in the interests of peace.

Haven't atheists been saying this for years? It's all very well of Francis to ask us to work for peace, when it's essentially his 'side' that seem so keen on persecuting people who disagree with them. Perhaps if he could actually get some of his supporters to stop beating everyone else over the head with the cross, his words might actually carry some weight.

[Hypognosis]

@jomifl

//Why would he think they (atheists) don't desire peace. They don't need his invitation, after all atheist don't bless tanks and battleships. //

I will look forward to any excuse to repeat that one.

Could do with some echo and reverb on this bit though
[[[[[atheists don't bless tanks and battleships]]]]]

;-)

[naomi24]

Whilst I’m sure the pope has said what he’s said with the best of intentions, the fact is most of the world’s current problems involve Islam – and since fundamentalist Islam is still fighting the ‘Crusades’, the pope is whistling in the wind if he thinks he can influence the situation. Having said that, I wonder why he is calling upon atheists to support him rather than all the other churches? Perhaps it’s because he recognises the tremendous amount of work that secular organisations do for good in this world, by far exceeding any practical help religion has ever offered.

[sandyRoe]

Acts 22:7.
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

[naomi24]

Typical religion. Criticism equals persecution. Incidentally, the pope isn’t Jesus reincarnated – but you know that, so a meaningless post all round.

[EDDIE51]

At least I am thankful that the new Pope and the new Archbishop of Canterbury both seem to be more aware of 'The Real World' than their predecessors.

[Hypognosis]

For me, a curious side-effect of growing up in a non-church-going household was that my abiding image of the church was that of the typical 1970s sitcom vicar character - always on the lookout for money for the church roof fund.

It has only just occured to me that this meme results from the C of E being financially cut off by the Papacy, as a result of a certain spat with a certain monarch of ours.

I doubt they'd be any more willing to splash the cash on fixing up Anglican real estate now than they were back then.

If they aren't willing to help out other branches of Christianity, how can he expect atheists to lend him a hand?

Also, by 'help', does he mean financially or does he mean effort, work and so on?

[ll_billym]

Looking into the detail of what he proposes here shows an imbecilic view of how the physical and human world actually works.

The main method of how peace is to be brought about seems to be via prayer, basically 'asking God to do it'. He does dress it up a bit by calling on 'Prince of Peace' to turn hearts, and 'Lord of life' to protect people, etc etc but in his deluded mind that's obviously job done - a hard day at the coal face of world peace - now lets light some candles and off for some wine and crackers.

[jomifl]

^ :o)

[beso]

I would happily work for peace with the Pope.

The first thing we need to do is make a joint declaration that basing morality on stories written by ancient ignorant misogynists is completely misguided.

Once we get past that it should be pretty straightforward.

[modeller]

Naomi // I wonder why he is calling upon atheists to support him rather than all the other churches? //

Could it be he realises that atheists can face the world without the additional baggage of religious fantasy.

[naomi24]

Modeller, Most of us have read too much into the Pope’s invitation. ll_billym has it right. The Pope doesn’t appear to have any intention of doing anything practical. He is simply enjoining believers to pray – and non-believers to ‘desire’. A fat lot of good any of that will do! He seems to forget that most of the turmoil in this world currently emanates from people who are praying to his God!!

I actually think to say, "I invite even non-believers to desire peace” is an insult. Like Jom, I have to wonder why he thinks non-believers don’t desire peace?

[beso]

The believers certainly desire peace. In their glorious Armageddon, everyone who is does not conform to the image of the doctrine shall be annihilated.

Those who remain will know peace through uniformity. Hitler had exactly the same vision. So have many other religious figures throughout history.

Religions are so many because the fascism that underpins their philosophies only works for the ruling oligarchy. Spawning of alternative oligarchs is inevitable.

Peace will never be found in fascism.

[modeller]

Hitler was brought up as a good catholic .

[beso]

Moreover, Hitler was never excommunicated by the church.