Pope Benedict XVI has strongly criticized atheism and blamed it for bringing about the ”greatest forms of cruelty and violations of justice” ever known in history.
In the second encyclical of his papacy, the head of the world’s one billion Catholics also criticized modern-day Christianity, saying its focus on individual salvation had ignored Jesus' message that true Christian hope involves salvation for all.
In the 76-page document titled ”Spe Salvi,“ or “Saved by Hope,” Benedict said that many people rejected religious faith because they no longer found the prospect of an eternal after-life attractive.
Instead, they had put their faith in human reason and freedom in the hope that the "kingdom of man" would emerge.
In his scholarly analysis, the 81-year-old pontiff said that these ideas had originated during two periods of political upheaval – the French and Communist revolutions.
While Benedict came down heavily on Karl Marx and the 19th and 20th century atheism spawned by his revolution, the pope acknowledged that both were responding to the deep injustices of the time.
Marxism, Benedict wrote, had left behind "a trail of appalling destruction" because it failed to realize that man could not be "merely the product of economic conditions." For man to be redeemed, he also needs God's unconditional love.
"It is no accident that this idea (Marxism/Atheism) has led to the greatest forms of cruelty and violations of justice, rather, it is grounded in the intrinsic falsity of the claim", he wrote. "A world which has to create its own justice is a world without hope."
Benedict also cited Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, and the "intermediate phase" of dictatorship that Marx saw as necessary in the revolution.
"This 'intermediate phase' we know all too well, and we also know how it then developed, not ushering in a perfect world, but leaving behind a trail of appalling destruction," the pope wrote.
Commenting on the pope’s latest encyclical, Monsignor Robert Wister, professor of church history at Seton Hall University in the United States, explained that the pope's concern “is that you have secularizing forces that are trying to eliminate religion from public and private life."
"In most countries, political Marxism is dead [but] philosophical Marxism is very much alive and it fuels the secularizing philosophy often seen in Europe and North America," Wister said, according to the Associated Press.
At the same time, Benedict also looked critically at the way modern Christianity had responded to the times, saying such a "self-critique" was also necessary.
"We must acknowledge that modern Christianity, faced with the successes of science in progressively structuring the world, has to a large extent restricted its attention to the individual and his salvation," the pope wrote. "In doing so, it has limited the horizon of its hope and has failed to recognize sufficiently the greatness of its task."
The Christian concept of hope and salvation, the pontiff stated, was not always so individual-centric.
Quoting scripture and theologians, Benedict said salvation had in the earlier church been considered "communal" — illustrating his point by using the case of monks in the Middle Ages who cloistered themselves in prayer not just for their own salvation but for that of others.
"How could the idea have developed that Jesus' message is narrowly individualistic and aimed only at each person singly? How did we arrive at this interpretation of the 'salvation of the soul' as a flight from responsibility for the whole, and how did we come to conceive the Christian project as a selfish search for salvation which rejects the idea of serving others?" he asked.
While seeking to provide answers, the pope said there are ways for the faithful to learn and practice true Christian hope – in prayer, in suffering, in taking action and in looking at the Last Judgment as a symbol of hope.
"Only God can create justice. And faith gives us the certainty that He does so. The image of the Last Judgment is not primarily an image of terror, but an image of hope; for us it may even be the decisive image of hope. Is it not also a frightening image? I would say: it is an image that evokes responsibility, an image, therefore, of that fear of which Saint Hilary spoke when he said that all our fear has its place in love. God is justice and creates justice."
The first encyclical from Pope Benedict XVI was "God is Love," released last year. The third one is expected to be on ”Faith,” as it will complete the three Christian theological virtues – faith, hope and love.
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“Oh Mother of my God and my Lady Mary, as a poor wounded and loathsome wretch presents himself to a great queen, I present my self to thee, who art the queen of heaven and earth.” (a portion of prayer in The Glories of Mary - Translated From the Italian of St. Alphonsus Liguori - New Revised Edition - 1888)
The Holy Spirit would not lead the wounded and the wretched to present themselves to Mary, but to Jesus, the one who suffered and died for all mankind.
“I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee” (Ps 41:4).
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mt 11:28-30).
Wilderness-
Were you not intimately united with your mother? Maybe it is different for Protestants, but I know that Catholics honor thy mother and father as it says in the ten commandments. Since it is a commandment and Mary was Jesus' mother, and Jesus referred to all as his brothers and sisters, Mary is our mother and we honor her as a mother. I think I have said this before... but you keep incessantly posting from sites and do not even adress it. Huh.
“The perfect example of this type of spiritual and apostolic life is the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, who while leading the life common to all here on earth, one filled with family concerns and labors, was always intimately united with her Son and in an entirely unique way cooperated in the work of the Savior.” (Pope Paul VI - Decree on the Apostolate of Laity - 1965)
Paul VI says that Mary “was always intimately united with her son…” According to the Word of God, that would not be correct:
Luke 2:42-50
Matthew 12:47-50
John 2:1-4
Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
How did Luke 1:28 get to…
Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of Virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good Counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of peace. (Litany of Loreto)
Mother of love and indulgence, Mother of the golden light, Honor of the sky, Harbinger of peace, Gate of heaven, Golden casket, Couch of love and mercy, Temple of the Divinity, Beauty of virgins, Mistress of the tribes, Fountain of the gardens, Cleansing of sins, Washing of souls, Mother of orphans, Breast of the infants, Refuge of the wretched, Star of the sea, Handmaid of God, Mother of Christ, Abode of the Godhead, Graceful as the dove, Serene like the moon, Resplendent like the sun, Destruction of Eve s disgrace, Regeneration of life, Perfection of women, Chief of the virgins, Garden enclosed, Fountain sealed, Mother of God, Perpetual Virgin, Holy Virgin, Prudent Virgin, Serene Virgin, Chaste Virgin, Temple of the Living God, Throne of the Eternal King, Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, Virgin of the root of Jesse, Cedar of Mount Lebanon, Cypress of Mount Sion, Crimson rose in the land of Jacob, Fruitful like the olive, Blooming like the palm, Glorious son-bearer, Light of Nazareth, Glory of Jerusalem, Beauty of the world, Noblest born of the Christian people, Queen of life, Ladder of Heaven. (Ancient Irish Litany)
I believe God gave Jesus, not Mary, a name above every name. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11).
Truthandjustice1,
That proves nothing; what are you trying to accomplish by reveling in recent political events?
Yes, but I'm sure the two Catholics who signed the constitution would be very happy that the Church now has official ties with the US...thank you Ronald Reagan. I don't see the two as in conflict with each other. As for the Peter - Pope debate - I could give you verses (like I did last time) and around and around we go.
Truthandjustice1,
I disagree. The Presidential candidate should be elected for his willingness to support the constitution of the U.S. – period. Since you brought up Peter again; I would say –
The scriptures say the exact opposite; If Peter was supreme, the disciples would not have been debating among themselves as to who was considered the greatest - Luke 22:24-30.
Paul says that he was not inferior to any other apostle in 2Corinthians 12:11 and Paul is the prominent figure in Acts 13-28.
The papacy is not mentioned in the church structure recorded in 1Corinthians 12:28 - which includes apostles, prophets, and teachers.
If Peter was supreme, he would have been the one sending others instead of being sent by others to Samaria - Acts 8:14.
James is the dominant person at the Jerusalem council - Acts 15:13-35 and Paul rebuked Peter to his face because he was in error - Galatians 2:11-14. The fact that there is no mention of Peter visiting Paul in prison at Rome says he was not there and Paul who wrote Romans while in Rome never greets Peter in his letter.
Finally, the scriptures teach that Jesus is the Rock on which he would be his church –
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed –Romans 9:23.
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ – 1Corinthians 10:4.
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed – 1Peter 2:8
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; - Ephesians 2:20.
Archdiocese of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, on World Youth Day: "The Prime Minister has been a very strong supporter of World Youth Day 2008, and we remain grateful for his personal commitment to the event and for the support of the government at all levels."
Online4Him,
I think the bible is pretty clear about our duties to spread the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Since I feel that the Church was the Church that was mentioned in the bible and the keys to it were given to Peter then I should help in the spread and strengthening of the Church.
For example,
The Australian government is kicking in about 100million to make this a reality: http://www.wyd2008.org/
That is why it's important to get involved in government. Give to Cesar what is Cesar's but give to God what is God's.
truthandjustice1,
. . . . . . . . the person chosen needs to pro-Catholic. Why would he NEED to be pro Catholic?
Well we will agree to disagree, but right now I have to get involved in the political direction of this country because the person chosen needs to pro-Catholic.
wilderness,
Thumbs up!
Pope Pius IX said…
“Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet Mother of mercy and grace in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts and fears…” (The Immaculate Conception - 1854)
The Word of God says…
“For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Pr 3:26)
“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3:11, 12)
Pius IX exhorts one to have confidence in Mary, but the Word of God exhorts one to have confidence in the Lord. Shall we believe God or man?
Truthandjustice1,
Actually, I did read the article that you recommended. The author of the article asked:
What is the point in quoting these words?
Does it really matter how long ago the pope said what he said? No, he still said it. I don't agree with his interpretation of James chapter 2. We have talked about this on another occaision; James was talking about someone who "said" or claimed he had faith. He actually did not.
Pope Pius IX said…
“Let all the children of the Catholic Church, who are so very dear to us, hear these words of ours. With a still more ardent zeal for piety, religion and love, let them continue to venerate, invoke and pray to the most Blessed Virgin Mary…” (The Immaculate Conception - 1854)
Jesus said…
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
Somebody is lying. Who is it? Would it be better to obey God or man?