I'm no expert on the Papacy, but it is disturbing. Disappointing as well, it's times like this when I understand why some people feel the way they do about religion. I believe real faith is a matter between a person and God, no middle man required. Faith can be a bridge between people, religion often becomes a wall. So I an wary of men in robes from any faith. Too many personal agendas wrapped in scripture.

The Pope is losing any good will he might have had with the United States with his anti U.S. screed. He sounds more Liberation Theology every time he opens his mouth.

Too close to my own motto-
Today Religion-Tomorrow None.

Maybe close, Syl, but for 2 different reasons. I suspect you are coming at it from a Marxist "no religion" perspective (and we know how that turned out), while the Muslim meaning is exactly the opposite - namely no religion except Islam.

I am extremely thankful that I live in a country that recognizes religious choice, even if that choice is not to be religious. And, while I'm not a big fan of organized religion, I think the central themes of most religions form a stable framework for peaceful co-existence. If the damn fanatics would just all disappear, no problems.

I can think of a lot worse ways to live your life than by following the 10 commanments - even if you don't believe in God.

I don't know a whole lot about Marxism.
I'm thinking religion is the cause of the world's ills. If there were no Islam, there would be no Islamic Extremists. Applies to all religions.
The moral framework has been distorted to a degree that it's hardly recognizeable any more.
I can't think of any religion that doesn't have more flaws than good points. I feel it confuses more than clarifies. Faith is one thing-religion quite another. One is belief from a personal perspective, as it should be, the other is cult-mentality. Faith doesn't require conversion, literal interpretations of ancient fables, or putting a little dot of ash on your forehead like I saw on Hannity today. Faith is private, as it should always be. When it permeates groups of people, that's where the problems begin. When it involves ritual, such as dots of ash, then it's just a Cult with lots of members.
Bush doesn't keep his faith private. He's an evangelist. That bothers me.

Well, Syl, I happen to make the same distinction that you do. I do think that there is a lot of good that can come out of religion, but I am not a big fan of organized religion. And I'm not a fan of how judgemental a lot of religions are towards those who don't share their faith.