How much of the Pope hysteria is due to technology?

Never before has the comments by a Pope been capable of being published and swirl around the world in a matter of minutes, out of context of both the interview and larger picture of Catholic teaching. Never before has the comments by a Pope been so subject to misunderstanding and manipulation.

I spent some time going through a few old interviews of Cardinal Ratzinger this morning, and pretending to make up headlines.

“Pope Defends Prostitution, Calls for Legalization” — this is true. He made the comments in Salt of the Earth, citing St. Augustine.

“Don’t Condemn Divorced Catholics, Says Pope” — same interview

“Pope Says there are ‘No Final Answers'” — speaking about the attainment of truth in this life.

“Sex ‘Not Sinful'” Says Pope” — same interview, regarding whether sexuality results from the fall.

“Pope Defends Interfaith Prayer Services” — same interview

And so on.

It’s best to not get wrapped up in the hysteria. More thoughts at NLM.

2 Replies to “How much of the Pope hysteria is due to technology?”

  1. Thanks, Jeffrey. Very enlightening. I, too, have felt that sometimes the internet leads to less understanding rather than more.

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