Do you have any examples of when advocating too hard for equality resulted in less equality? Nobody is saying progress is being made in many socities. Can we point to any progress in the church which is used as justification to restrict the freedoms of many minorities?
My comments is on pushback culture, not trying to establish analogies to events that may/may not have the indirect cause (plus an infinite number of other variables).
There is nothing I can say as proof. I'm merely commenting on what I believe to be a basic response when a group of people feel attacked. They just attack right back.
I think that explains the current political climate with borderline insane ring wing Christians being disillusioned on so many subjects, that they even seek extreme now for the vatican. I believe their more and more extreme tone has been sharpened by the pushback from the left, which often has been justified against their insane views, but never the less, it ups the ante and then you're stuck in a stallmate.
You don't have to go all in and ask for reforms immediately, but at least be vocal about wanting these reforms is a good start. This is progress. Talking is talking. The Pope being nice to people isn't going to change the Church's stance on homosexuality or the other backwards ideas they have.
I'm with you on that. I'm not advocating that you don't talk about the issue. I'm only refering to the posters who are completely forgetting what a repulsive piece evil shit his predecessor was.
Francis has done a lot by just talking about reform and his views. His blessing to women who have abortions has been important for religious women being able to receive priests blessings, which is hugely important to them.
He has inspired catholics on many subjects. He Has spoken out on the importance of recognizing climate change (something right wing religious people in the US have been dangerously in denial about for a long time) and about christian homes taking in refugees.
He has acknowledged the horrors of child abuse and asked for forgiveness for what they have done. He has brought to light some of the forgotten horrors committed by the church in the past.
None of these things are not enough, and we should not stop until there is freedom for all, but it seems clear that this popes intentions honestly are good, and that he is trying to walk the paradoxical life between being the head of the most damming and evil institution in the history of the world, while at the same time preaching the love for all people, which is an impossible task.
It's just not realistic that he can just say crazy stuff that goes against everyone of their beliefs just because he is the pope. He has great power as the figurehead, but his power is not absolute.
What makes you say that these thing the pope talks about don't have an effect or causes things to change? A new pope was not elected no matter how people complained, threatened and protested the horrible things they did with the abuse of those children who were molested.
