I don't see any quotes where he said that, but I'll accept that that's what he said.
When Pres. Bush said, ""In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror and murder and hate..." he obviously wasn't referring to himself, but he could have.
As for the 200 protesters (against the Catholic Church for instances of pedophilia), what do you suppose they want? An inquisition? To abolish the church?
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
"Saying he had come as a friend of the United States, Pope Benedict urged Americans and their leaders on Wednesday to base their political and social decisions on moral principles and create a more just society."
The Pope is a religious leader. He can say whatever he wants to Catholics, and they can do as they wish with his message. As a non-Catholic American, I find it presumptuous that he would tell our political leaders how to form their decisions. What he considers moral is a far cry from what I consider to be moral.
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
I'm an ex-Catholic and there are many many things I take issue with that church.
In this case however, I see this not so much as trying to tell us how to run our country but rather to take a harder look at the long term ramifications of prospective policies.
If the Dali Lama said the same thing I would take it the same way.
I know its kinda pablum, but its the type of message I would expect from a man in his position.
All laws to one degree or another are based on moral standards, so I dont see this as anything particularly controversial.
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
Originally Posted by Spider
"Saying he had come as a friend of the United States, Pope Benedict urged Americans and their leaders on Wednesday to base their political and social decisions on moral principles and create a more just society."
The Pope is a religious leader. He can say whatever he wants to Catholics, and they can do as they wish with his message. As a non-Catholic American, I find it presumptuous that he would tell our political leaders how to form their decisions. What he considers moral is a far cry from what I consider to be moral.
Spider, according to Bush you and I are insignificant:
As nearly 10,000 people applauded, Bush cited the role of faith in U.S. life, saying, "Here in America, you'll find a nation of prayer."
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
Bush says US life and Nation of prayer meaning Spider and I are not like US. He could have said in the lives of many Americans. I don't have any faith or prayer in my life and I live in America.
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
Originally Posted by Tight-Waist
In light of the fact that the vast majority of Americans believe in God, what did Bush say that was incorrect?
And what is it about prayer itself that is antithetical to America or even good government?
There's nothing wrong with prayer and it isn't antithetical to America or good government, it just shouldn't be referred to as representative of America or be any part of government. We're not a "nation of prayer," we're a nation of people, many of whom pray. There's a big difference.
I understand that Bush was simply pointing out to the Pope that most Americans believe in God and pray, just as he would have pointed out to a visiting foreign film director that most Americans go to the movies.
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
Originally Posted by Tight-Waist
All laws to one degree or another are based on moral standards, so I dont see this as anything particularly controversial.
Some moral standards are based on things that are accessible to everybody. Every moral agent can see for herself the evidence for unjustified harm being wrong. However, moral standards based on religious beliefs are not accessible to everybody. I don't think we in the US should make laws based on the second sort of moral beliefs.
Re: Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S.
Originally Posted by Spider
There's nothing wrong with prayer and it isn't antithetical to America or good government, it just shouldn't be referred to as representative of America or be any part of government. We're not a "nation of prayer," we're a nation of people, many of whom pray. There's a big difference.
I understand that Bush was simply pointing out to the Pope that most Americans believe in God and pray, just as he would have pointed out to a visiting foreign film director that most Americans go to the movies.
I see what you're saying and frankly I think its largely a matter of semantics as well, but there is a long history and tradition of prayer by both citizens and officials (Thanksgiving for instance) and was endorsed by our founding fathers.
I guess one can read as much or as little into his statement as their own mores dictate.
Base decisions on moral principles, Pope sayeth to U.S. 
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