re: #52 Mark Winter

Lidane, I knew why I had to stress the fact so much that I’m an agnostic. I am definitely NOT an apologetic for the Vatican.

You claim agnosticism, yet offer up every defense of the Vatican. Sorry. I don’t buy it.

And why shouldn’t there be a reformer in the Vatican at some point? The next Pope will probably come from a Third World country.

You clearly haven’t been paying attention. Many of the cardinals and bishops from many Third World countries hardliners (see: Brazil). Even if someone comes from the Third World and becomes Pope, that’s no automatic guarantee of any sort of reform. Liberation theology is considered a heresy by the Church. Anything less than strict adherence to the teachings of Church doesn’t get you elected Pope.

The idea that the Holy See would choose someone who doesn’t follow the most stringent version of the faith to lead the Church is laughable. Won’t happen. Ever.

They will need to reform or they won’t survive this century.

People have been saying that since Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door. If they’ve survived the Protestant Reformation, they’ll damn well survive a bunch of people disagreeing with their backwards views on sex and birth control.