The Pope never fails to attempt to make the crudest ideological arguments:
Pope Francis on Sunday argued that having received mercy, Jesus’ apostles became merciful themselves, sharing ownership over everything, calling such an arrangement “not communism, but pure Christianity.”
“The Acts of the Apostles relate that ‘no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.’ This is not communism, but pure Christianity,” he said.
Go here to read the rest. A few thoughts:
- This was done through free will donations not through the coercion of Caesar.
- Holding goods in common was a brief experiment at Jerusalem, and to a lesser extent among other Christian communities in the first decades after the Crucifixion, and swiftly abandoned, living on only in the convents and monasteries of the clergy.
- Saint Paul was already noting ill effects from this policy, and the necessity of making amendments to it: [16] If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed. [17] Let the priests that rule well, be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine: [18] For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5: 16-18)
- Comparing a brief experiment among a religiously homogeneous and small population to the economic policies of modern day nation states demonstrates that when it comes to economics, Pope Francis is an ignorant demagogue.
All’s well with voluntary “giving,” “sacrifice” for the common good, whatever, but first the Pope would do well to read and teach the Principles of Subsidiarity by a previous pope, who called the violation of those principles–“a grave evil”.
Undue pressure, that effectively takes away their rights to make basic decisions about their own lives, by either the Church or state–can be such a situation.
Surely the Apostles found out pretty quick that such sharing was counterproductive to Christian values as ‘free stuff’ only encourages deception and sloth.
“Pope Francis is an ignorant demagogue.”
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In my 25 years as a Catholic (26 or so years of Church attendance), I have yet to meet one priest who knew anything about economics, including the one who claimed to have a degree in business management and another who studied accounting. The Rich go to Hell; The Poor Heaven. The Rich can redeem themselves by voting for every Left-wing scheme to “help The Poor.”
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To a man, they needed intensive study of Thomas Sowell’s book “Basic Economics.”
And don’t forget, by the time Luke is penning his Gospel and its sequel (in which this account is found), that ideal had long since passed, and Luke would have known it. I have no doubt that is the gold standard for us, just as no sin and perfection are gold standards. It’s interesting that Pope Francis says this, however, since it’s common among progressive Christians – especially those Marxist liberation theologians – to interpret these passages as just that: communism. Given his usual sympathies, it’s interesting Pope Francis comes out and says they are wrong.
USCCB is replete with economic no nothings.
The USCCB encourages anyone to cross our southern border if they can make it to the border. Our bishops believe taxes and alms are one and the same.
My wallet is closed the parish/diocese.
Pope Francis has admitted publicly that he knows little about the economy, yet it is about economics that he centered much of his pontificate.
Let that sink in for a minute.
breitbart.com/politics/2015/07/14/pope-francis-confesses-he-knows-little-about-the-economy/#
In light of the recent financial scandals we need to remember that Ananias and his wife Sapphira experienced sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money.
Most of your criticisms of pope Francis are well founded, but you’re quite wrong this time. There is nothing in the pope’s sermon that attempts to make any ideological argument, much less to argue for socialism/communism. On the contrary, he explicitly refutes the common Communist claim that Jesus and the early Christians were actually communists it would have approved of communism. The pope simply says that the apostles were generous because Christ had shown generosity and mercy to them.
He says more than that. He states that the common sharing of goods is pure Christianity and not Communism. Thus those of us, including the vast majority of Christians who have ever lived, who do not agree with the common sharing of goods are engage in impure Christianity. His remarks also did not come out of the blue but have to be read in pari materia with his constant remarks against markets and his friendly remarks regarding Marxists and Communists. Here is one of many examples:
Show some respect for this Pontiff, Donald. – And remember Our Lord’s warning about calling a brother a “fool”, that is what you seem to have done by your “ignorant demagogue” remark. This 84 year old pope has become a sort of ‘punching bag’ for some pharisaical commentators. Have you noticed that the latest rulings by Pope Francis have gone AGAINST the many requests of liberal german bishops ?!
ignorant demagogue
I will cease calling the Pope an ignorant demagogue on economic matters when he ceases to be an ignorant demagogue on economic matters.
If you keep insulting this Pope, it will be difficult for you Don to gain a plenary indulgence this year. Pope Benedict had high praise for Francis’ Letter on St. Joseph. – To call the pope a ‘demagogue’ or a ‘heretic’, like some have done, is a travesty. Show some mercy on Pope Francis at 84…
This 84 year old pope has become a sort of ‘punching bag’ for some pharisaical commentators.
No, he’s a punching bag for people dismayed about how rotten is his supervision of the Church. If there is something he does well, he’s keeping it concealed. Oh, when do we get to hear the real reason Benedict abdicated?
To call the pope a ‘demagogue’ or a ‘heretic’, like some have done, is a travesty.
Actually, it is what is known as calling ’em as you see ’em.
A traditionalist priest of my acquaintance (and a critic of John Paul on this point) offered many years ago, “The Pope’s not supposed to say too much”. The opportunities for generating confusion about teachings by too many utterances is a real risk. The two previous Popes were men extensively schooled in philosophy and theology and had vigorous intellects. That does not describe the current incumbent. Clergymen are adepts at being big frigging disappointments. We’re not used to the Bishop of Rome being among them, but there he is.
USCCB is replete with economic no nothings.
One gets the impression that it’s an apparatus whose purpose is to provide employment for its employees. As we speak, 131 of ’em have put their CV on Linkedin. (When components of it are not generating scandal – see the Campaign for Human Development). Burn it all down.
So Art Deco admits that this pope is a ‘punching bag’ for some critics. I guess you made my case. The latest pharisaical utterance is that St. Paul VI should not have been canonized…Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit may have inspired the last conclave.
So Art Deco admits that this pope is a ‘punching bag’ for some critics.
Actually he did the opposite:
No, he’s a punching bag for people dismayed about how rotten is his supervision of the Church. If there is something he does well, he’s keeping it concealed. Oh, when do we get to hear the real reason Benedict abdicated?
The real reason Benedict XVI resigned was recently confirmed by his assistant, Fr. George Ganswein, who attempted to dissuade him from retiring. Benedict told George that it was decided after much prayer and that his decision was final. Of course the ‘conspiracy’ promoters will not accept this, just like they won’t accept that the entire third secret of Fatima was revealed by St. John Paul 2. – Keep in mind that the 3rd secret shows the Pope mortally wounded. This could be this Pope, or the next…
That isn’t confirming a reason, Joel….
You are actually a much better target for your scolding about Matthew 5:22; that section is on anger, or unjust wrath, and repeatedly urges against personal attacks– there’s only one person in the conversation which has been attacking people rather than pointing out facts, and that is you.
Pull the beam out of your own eye.
Foxfier – I have 20-20 vision at age 69. I am merely defending pope Francis against those who have called him a ‘demagogue’ , heretic , ignorant, etc.- Catholic Tradition teaches that the Pope is ‘infallible’ in matters of Faith and Morals. The Holy Spirit does Not prevent the pope from making pastorals errors – such as allowing the pachamama statue in the Vatican, or endorsing cardinal Parolin’s terrible China policy. – I have removed the beam out of my eyes – and have seen pope Francis recently vetoing all the bad proposals of the Amazon synod, and this year refusing to bless non traditional unions, and rejecting intercommunion with non-catholics.- I spent 20 years defending Pope John Paul against liberals – this is not ‘attacking’, its called DEFENSE +
I am adding this Link to my previous comment-
https://www.churchpop.com/2021/03/15/cannot-bless-sin-pope-francis-approves-vatican-ban-on-blessings-for-same-sex-unions/
https://www.churchpop.com/2021/03/15/cannot-bless-sin-pope-francis-approves-vatican-ban-on-blessings-for-same-sex-unions/
Nah, you’re just a bog-standard bully who hijacks religion to get his high.
You browbeat folks for making factual statements you don’t like, but can’t argue against.
Whatever you say Foxman…
Making harsh accusations against this Pontiff are not ‘factual statements’. I have not “bullied” anybody. I am a Lay Dominican. And know that Francis is theologically orthodox.
My apologies Foxfier – I think you may be a woman by your picture. Pray for Francis, because he is on his last days. Call me whatever you want, but please you all, have mercy on this 84 year old pontiff. I have not been rude in this forum,, but only objected to the unkind words written about this pope.
Read this Foxfier , peace be with you
https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrCmmSq8nhg5z8AZzIPxQt.;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzMEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1618567979/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fingodscompany2.blogspot.com%2f2013%2f04%2fmirjana-pope-needs-prayers-for-hard.html/RK=2/RS=Wl3930sOPrIEi9LXRHHhZRy_QYQ-
Making harsh accusations against this Pontiff are not ‘factual statements’.
Then refute them. With facts, or at least evidence and rational arguments.
Don’t bluster, and mangle scripture in the manner of a hypocrite, crying out insults and attacks, demanding others hold silent on truths you do not agree with but cannot bring yourself to argue against rationally.
That is the very behavior that the scripture you chose to quote warns against.
OK Foxfire – You have only to read Pope Francis latest Letter on St. Joseph to realize he is a good man, even Pope Benedict said it was beautiful. – I have not quoted Scriptures on this forum, you have, – So sad that you cannot find some love in your heart for pope Francis. Read also Amoris Latetia, it was a good
exposition on traditional marriage, as pointed by Cardinal Chaput.
I meant Bishop Chaput…
Thursday, April 15, AD 2021
JOEL
Show some respect for this Pontiff, Donald. – And remember Our Lord’s warning about calling a brother a “fool”, that is what you seem to have done by your “ignorant demagogue” remark.
The Pope is our brother in Christ , he should be respected. I am not the only one who objected to Don calling him an ignorant demagogue, – The Holy Spirit inspired the conclave to elect Cardinal Bergoglio,, that is what Mirjana Soldo, the visionary from Medjugore said in an interview.
You have not shown a great deal of dedication to facts, evidence or truth thus far, Joel– but a great deal of leaning on your judgement being binding on others.
This is not a good pattern.
Joel,
Praise be to God for people like you who strive to achieve an objective participation in our Roman Catholic faith.
Thank you Foxfier and Eddie for your comments – we are in difficult times – Here is a good Link .
https://liturgicalnotes.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-prayer-against-german-schism.html
My FINAL comment – Our current fake president is the real “demagogue”. I have no respect for Biden. He has rejected the Church’s teaching on moral issues. The gates of hell will not destroy our mother Church, but they may destroy our country.
Surely you agree that a community of monks or nuns who voluntarily share all their goods are practising a purer form of Christianity than we who do not do so?
If the pope endorses socialism in some other statements, by all means criticise those statements. But I repeat, there is nothing heterodox in this particular sermon.
Surely you agree that a community of monks or nuns who voluntarily share all their goods are practising a purer form of Christianity than we who do not do so?
I certainly do not. A monk or nun might be living quite comfortably while a large family might be struggling and doing so with grace and faith. How we hold possessions says little about the quality of our internal religious life. In any case my criticism was not against people choosing a life of possessions held in common, but the crude ideological point the Pope, never the sharpest pencil in the box, was clumsily attempting to make, a common mode of operation by this, our most political of popes.