Rising Tide

I am going to guess that many of you have heard about the new Pope, Francis the First. At present, there are roughly two views towards him on behalf of his congregation. One side views him with relative indifference, or the same attitude they have felt towards all previous Popes of their lifetime. This is usually comprised of very casual or less strict members. However, there are also many who fear the rise of this man to power. They are worried that he might be a more liberal or modernist Pope, and thus might make “reforms” that would be considered heretical by many strict or orthodox Catholics. This is partially because he is a Jesuit, which is a sort of sub group within the church that focuses on reforming the doctrine and cannon of Catholicism. If these concerns turn out to be valid, the consequences could echo within the church for ages. A more liberal Pope could be deadly for any hardcore devoted Catholic.

Why would it be so deadly, you may ask? Because the Pope has the ability to make infallible statements. Back in history, when the Papal States were robbed of their power, the current Pope at that time feared the disintegration of the Catholic church. In order to counteract this, they made certain changes which included decreeing that a Pope could make a statement infallible, or definitively and eternally correct. Consider the implications this would have with a Pope who is in favor of more modernist reforms. What if he were to declare that a woman can become a priest? What if he were to sanction abortion? What if he were to acknowledge and allow gay marriage and practices? Such statements are directly opposed to the Catholic faith, they are instances of heresy. A Pope who would make them not only verbally, but infallible, could destroy the foundation of their faith completely. As such, you can see why so many are worried about this prospect. Their concerns may not be realized, but in the context of their faith, they are serious indeed.

However, there could come out of such a Pope, a very necessary realization in the Church. In Catholic doctrine, there are actually quite a few inconsistencies between the doctrines of today, and the doctrines of yesterday. Many points of belief are drastically different as time progresses. For instance, it used to be ruthlessly taught that the Catholic church was the only way to heaven, and I do mean the only way. If you were not a member, you would burn in hell. End of story. Today, while some still adhere to that, many take the view that we are all brothers in Christ, and do not necessarily condemn Protestants. A liberal Pope will force members of the church to confront the kinds of inconsistencies in their faith. The paradox that would be created by his decrees would shine a light on key problems that some do not even recognize. It will force a confrontation with the idea that the Pope is not able to make absolutely definitive statements, because if he were able to then heresy would become definitive. Confronting this leads to confronting other problems or inconsistencies with Church cannon. So while it may be angering or distressing for many during such a time, the scriptural benefit might outweigh any trepidation or hardship they may endure.

-BlackFox

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