April 18, 2008
All of America (or at least the national media) seems to abuzz with excitement
around the current Pope's visit to the United States. Many people of different
faiths view this visit as a chance to renew their spiritual commitment and
re-focus their sense of purpose in their day-to-day lives. Many others view this
visit as an opportunity to express their displeasure at the some of the highly
publicized abuses of the Catholic Church and organized religion in general.
Personally, I'm not so caught up in this visit either way; my religion is
America, and my Church is...I don't know, maybe America too...but in any
case, I'm focused on bringing Americans together, regardless of their religion.
I should point out that I do have a few problems with the Pope. Many people
may not realize it, but the organization he represents (the Catholic Church) is
an organization that discriminates based on religion. Many years ago, when I
graduated from college, I sent a note to the Pope asking to be considered for
some kind of "Pope internship" program. I didn't have a clear career path in
mind, but I was impressed with the Pope's broad collection of funky hats and
stylish robes, and who wouldn't love to tool around town in the Pope-mobile? I
was also interested in the possibility of leading the billion plus people who
make up the Catholic congregation world-wide, and to putting my unique
imprint on a revered institution that has been around since at least the mid
1800's.
Imagine my shock and chagrin when I was told that I was not eligible to be the
Pope. And not because of my questionable morals, my excessive drinking or
my long history of sinning. No, I was told that I could not be the Pope simply
because I'm not a Catholic. I mean, it's clear that you can't be the President of
the United States if you're not an American, but in my humble opinion all
other positions and posts should be open to any candidate who applies. And I
believe this regardless of the applicant's gender, race or creed.
Don't get me wrong, the Pope seems like a nice and good guy (though not as
nice and good as the last Pope, if you ask me). I'm not attacking him, his
church or religion in general here. I'm just pointing out that, to really advance
the cause of fellowship and compassion across the globe, the Catholic Church
should not be so narrow-minded as to only pick Catholics to fill their major
positions. In my case, I'm not real interested in becoming a Cardinal or a
Deacon or a Rabbi or an Optometrist or whatever other jobs there are within
the Catholic Church, but I would be more than willing to negotiate with the
Catholic Church to become Pope after I have served my second term as
President. I think it would send a great and inclusive message to the World if I
were to become the first non-Catholic Pope.
All of America (or at least the national media) seems to abuzz with excitement
around the current Pope's visit to the United States. Many people of different
faiths view this visit as a chance to renew their spiritual commitment and
re-focus their sense of purpose in their day-to-day lives. Many others view this
visit as an opportunity to express their displeasure at the some of the highly
publicized abuses of the Catholic Church and organized religion in general.
Personally, I'm not so caught up in this visit either way; my religion is
America, and my Church is...I don't know, maybe America too...but in any
case, I'm focused on bringing Americans together, regardless of their religion.
I should point out that I do have a few problems with the Pope. Many people
may not realize it, but the organization he represents (the Catholic Church) is
an organization that discriminates based on religion. Many years ago, when I
graduated from college, I sent a note to the Pope asking to be considered for
some kind of "Pope internship" program. I didn't have a clear career path in
mind, but I was impressed with the Pope's broad collection of funky hats and
stylish robes, and who wouldn't love to tool around town in the Pope-mobile? I
was also interested in the possibility of leading the billion plus people who
make up the Catholic congregation world-wide, and to putting my unique
imprint on a revered institution that has been around since at least the mid
1800's.
Imagine my shock and chagrin when I was told that I was not eligible to be the
Pope. And not because of my questionable morals, my excessive drinking or
my long history of sinning. No, I was told that I could not be the Pope simply
because I'm not a Catholic. I mean, it's clear that you can't be the President of
the United States if you're not an American, but in my humble opinion all
other positions and posts should be open to any candidate who applies. And I
believe this regardless of the applicant's gender, race or creed.
Don't get me wrong, the Pope seems like a nice and good guy (though not as
nice and good as the last Pope, if you ask me). I'm not attacking him, his
church or religion in general here. I'm just pointing out that, to really advance
the cause of fellowship and compassion across the globe, the Catholic Church
should not be so narrow-minded as to only pick Catholics to fill their major
positions. In my case, I'm not real interested in becoming a Cardinal or a
Deacon or a Rabbi or an Optometrist or whatever other jobs there are within
the Catholic Church, but I would be more than willing to negotiate with the
Catholic Church to become Pope after I have served my second term as
President. I think it would send a great and inclusive message to the World if I
were to become the first non-Catholic Pope.
| The Pope - April 18, 2008 |
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