April 20, 2005
Was Pope Benedict XVI (Ratzinger) a "Hitler Youth"?
It's begun. Anyone who takes a moral stance in our times will be attacked in the worst ways. And the London papers have begun.
Cardinal Ratzinger, the man who lead the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has become Pope Benedict XVI. As a child of sixteen, he was drafted by the German military into the army. Desertion was punishable by death. And yet, a year after begin forced into the army, the Holy Father deserted his position for moral reasons. Is there a better man to lead us in these morally-deficient times?
As a Cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI (it's hard not referring to him as "Cardinal Ratzinger") wrote several excellent books that are available. My favorite is Introduction to Christianity, which is used by many colleges even today. In addition, there's a great website called the Ratzinger Fan Club (the site is down right now - probably because of too many visitors, but will be back up shortly). The site includes a blog named Against the Grain. It's a great collection of the new Pope's works. So we have a great opportunity to delve into Pope Benedict XVI's thoughts through his writings.
Why did he choose the name "Benedict XVI"? I thought this would be heartwarming to our protestant readers:
The second reason offered by Ratzinger was that St. Benedict, who founded the Benedictine Order, said that "Jesus Christ is first and foremost. Everything else is secondary. [Ratzinger] said those are the reasons [he] chose the name."
From a LA Times article (Hat tip to Open Book). The first reason was that the last Pope Benedict worked hard to bring Christianity back into Europe after the first World War. In many ways, this indicates his feeling that Europe needs some work in terms of their Christian identity.
Lots of great stuff out there. Beware, though, those who resent the Church's moral teachings are going to attack like mad - no one enjoys hearing they should be living their life better.
His first statement as Pope:
Dear brothers and sisters, after our great pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God's vineyard.I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers.
In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help, and Mary, his most beloved mother, stands on our side.
Thank you.
God bless,
Jay
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I saw this comming yesterday. There will be to attack on Benedict XVI.
1. He is out of touch with most catholics
2. He was a hitler youth.
This will probably continue for a week or so.
Posted by: Frank Spina at April 20, 2005 09:36 AM
