Samstag, 19. September 2015

The Pope, America & Prophecy



Protestants in America have a history of mistrusting the Catholic Church, but attitudes are rapidly changing as many—from all faiths and no faith at all—are opening their arms to welcome Pope Francis on his first visit to the United States. Is this a good sign?

He believes in protecting the environment. He is committed to social justice. He dresses modestly and reaches out to the marginalized. He has washed the feet of prisoners and opened Vatican doors to the homeless. Who wouldn’t like this pope? Baptists, Methodists, Jews, Muslims, former Catholics, and even atheists are all speaking favorably about Pope Francis.

In a recent CNN article titled, “The Pope: Not just for Catholics anymore,” Jessica Ravitz writes, “A variety of celebrities and other public figures across a variety of faiths have expressed support for Pope Francis.” [1] Though he is the “head honcho of the world’s largest Christian church,” she explains, “he’s captured hearts across religious—and even nonreligious—lines.”

How has the “Francis effect” been catching the attention of leaders toward the head of the Roman Catholic Church? It’s quite apparent as America gears up for his big visit to Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia from September 22 to 27, 2015. Not only has a slew of memorabilia been created (T-shirts, mugs, coins, bumper sticks, and even a life-size pop-ups of the pontiff), but congress is rolling out the red carpet. The pope will speak to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on September 24. The following day he will address the United Nations General Assembly.

In the wake of his popularity, a chorus of voices is saying we should put aside the past, focus on unity, link hands across faith differences, find common ground, and concentrate on loving others. Even the president of Maryland’s Islamic Affairs Council went so far as to say, “Theological differences should be set aside in the pursuit of a better world for all.” [2]The United States has not always been so welcoming of Catholics. In his article, “America’s dark and not-very-distant history of hating Catholics,” Rory Carroll highlights several examples of discrimination. Quoting Kenneth Davis of the Smithsonian, he states this “dwindled in the 20th century, especially after John F. Kennedy became the first Catholic president, bequeathing a sort of amnesia.” [3] But should we completely forget about why there have been concerns?


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