[Sparrow]

nobody's denying that the catholic church is full of sin, control, violence, and abuse. and, ya know, keith is right that the pope is not advocating a change in belief, BUT a change in conversation and behavior is long been needful for the catholic masses; the folks who aren't touching kids, ya know, the guy down your block or the nice family next door. they've been whipped into a political frenzy over these hot, controversial issues (on purpose for the churches agenda) and it's drowning out /everything/ else.

it would be nice if petitioning for a change in doctrine were easy, but it isn't, not even for a pope. there's a tornado of fists and razorblades over abortion, birth control, and homosexuality. to think a body could change the hearts of folks in that state is ridiculous; they can't hear.

i applaud his search for common ground and examples of humility. these are good things. being able to exist together despite our differences is a good message. it's not changing EVERYTHING AT ONCE! which would be a fruitless effort anyway, but reminding people to treat others a little more christ-like. maybe everybody's holding the same sticks they've always held, keith, but stopping beating each other with them is a good way towards putting them down.