Pope Francis: Communists Are Really Closeted Christians
This is shocking to conservatives but, given the number of statements made by Pope Francis on economics, he is no capitalist. The Pope believes there are better systems that serve the poor, and Communism is one of them.
64 responses to Pope Francis: Communists Are Really Closeted Christians
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Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 08:21
As an unapologetic anarcho-communist, I’m offended at his attempt to attach me to his pedophile protection ring.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:36
If you and Anomaly 100 want to drive liberals who are also people of faith away from this site, you’re doing a good job. All Catholic priests are not pedophiles and there is no evidence to suggest the current pope approves of pedophiles.
Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 13:47
Feel free to disagree with me. I have no official affiliation with this or any other website. I fully acknowledge that I am probably more radical and abrasive than most others here, and I have more than my fair share of issues with mainstream “liberalism.”
The latest pope, to me, is still just “good for a pope” which is still pretty bad, as the head of an organization that has gone to great lengths to shield pedophiles and condemn LGBT people. Sorry, I don’t play nice with oppressors.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:57
You don’t have any official affiliation with this site. Anomaly 100 does.
It should occur to her that, as the new 2nd or 3rd in command at Liberaland, agreeing with a post that calls the Catholic Church a pedophile protection ring is going to be deeply offensive to some very politically liberal people who happen to be Catholic.
Some very high people in the Vatican have covered up some really hellish behavior. That doesn’t mean the current pope approves. Or most Catholic priests. Was Mother Theresa a bad person? She devoted her entire adult life to helping the poorest people on earth in Calcutta.
You are free to express your views. So is Anomaly 100. Considering her connection to his site, however, she may want to use some discretion when clicking the up arrow to agree with posts that accuse major religions of being a pedophile protection ring. Otherwise, some perfectly good liberal allies may go looking for another online home.
Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 14:02
Uhhh…fucking YES? Despite bringing in millions in donations, the shelters she set up were in horrific shape, even by “third world” standards, little more than homes for people to die in. She believed that the suffering of the poor was “beautiful” and that they should accept their lot in life, like Jesus. Of course, none of this applied to her when she was dying, as she accepted nothing less than the very finest medical care for herself. Her entire mission was to CONVERT people, even against their will, so they could suffer as Catholics, rather than to actually help alleviate said suffering.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:14
“Uhhh…fucking YES?”
Okay, you win. Your sophisticated use of the English language exceeds my own. I give up.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 17:23
Yes, but he’s not incorrect. Look it up and you’ll be in for a big surprise. You may also want to look up a priest by the name of Macial Maciel Degollado who hid a sordid past, but was praised by the Vatican, church leaders and Pope John.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 14:03
No chance of that. The liberals here are very well aware of the problems facing the Catholic church, and comment accordingly. If you’re looking for Catholic symapthizers, there are sites aplenty on the internet who’s mission it is to make the church’s bad behavior look good. Perhaps you can check them out.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:09
So you speak for all liberals on this site. That’s good to know. In your mind, being a political liberal isn’t good enough. One also has to condemn the ENTIRE catholic church, all priests and the current pope as pedophiles or they should look for another site? That’s good to know, Bunya. You’re very open-minded.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:14
Are you here to troll and criticize other readers or do you have something to add of constructive value? Your judgementalism of other readers is getting old fast.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:24
Yes. The entire Catholic Church is not a pedophile protection ring. That is my point. We all know about the Catholic Church’s history with pedophilia. We all know certain people in high places, including bishops, cardinals and even some in the Vatican worked hard to cover it up. All bad. Really bad.
My opinion, which I’m apparently not entitled to express at this site, is that the entire Catholic church is not guilty of being a pedophile protection racket. I believe the good people in the Catholic church outnumber the bad. But, according to you and others, that is not a valid opinion, is not welcome at this site and that I should go elsewhere.
There are other liberal sites that are a little more inclusive. Sites where one who isn’t ready to trash 100 percent of a major religion as a pedophile protection racket.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:37
If you don’t like it here for whatever reason you are free to leave at any time. Opinions are generally welcome, judging others harshly is often not welcome, especially on regular readers.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 17:16
I didn’t say I speak for all liberals, but thanks for assuming. As for those of us here on liberaland condemning the ENTIRE Catholic church all priests, and the current pope, you’ll need to point out where that was mentioned. I can’t seem to find it.
However, if you’re going to come here an whine, ad nauseum, about the Catholic church being forever victimized, I merely suggested that perhaps you’d be happier visiting another site that you’d find more welcoming.
Nobody’s condemning you. Nobody’s judging you. We simply have enough sanctimonious, self-righteous Christians pointing our (what they perceive as) flaws. Wer really don’t need more, thank you.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 14:19
Bye
I have a feeling you visit this site under different names anyway. You’re feelings don’t matter to me, get used to that fact and you will have a happy internet life.
If you and other catholics would stand up against the people who committed child rape instead of attacking those that point out the crime your organized religion would have better reputation with the general public.
Besides, you do realize, probably the only reason you’re a Christian (Catholic) is parental decision & geography, I find that unimpressive.
Have some spice and practice Islam or Hindu for a year, if you come back to Catholicism because of the lental fish fry’s you know its a been dietary decision all along, and not founded on a supernatural belief that jesus was a zombie.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:29
I’m not Catholic. I have never joined a church, Catholic or Protestant. I do not attend any church services.
And what evidence do you have that I visit this site under different names? Do you have access to the ISP numbers of people who post here?
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 14:47
You desperately need to read ‘The Case Of The Pope’ by Geoffrey Robertson. I recommend this book to all who sympathize with the Catholic Church, or at least with the attitude of a few bad apples scenerio. Now, prepare yourself, its a very hard read for those who have a conscience.
You’re welcome.
No evidence, just a hunch.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:53
good hunch
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 15:09
Thank you for the recommendation. I just ordered the paperback at Amazon for $8.99. The book has good reviews and the author has solid credentials. I happen to agree that Benedict XVI was a slime-ball. An ABC reporter attempted to ask him a question about a Vatican document with his signature on it when he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Ratzinger was rude to him, to say the least. I met a Catholic priest once who confided in me that he hoped “Benedict would die soon” because he had such contempt for the man. Pretty strong words from a Catholic priest. But he was an example of a priest who had a conscience. I like to believe most do have a conscience. And I hope that the current pope will turn any evidence he can find over to law enforcement. I sincerely hope he does. Justice needs to prevail and a price needs to be paid for all those broken lives.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 15:49
If religion helps you to be a better person than for goodness sake believe. Religion should be a personal lifestyle choice, some forget the personal part.
I believe doing the right thing shouldn’t have boundries and conditions, imo.
Good stuff, be safe and Happy 4th
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 16:17
Agreed. A safe and happy 4th to you as well.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 16:08
” . . . if you come back to Catholicism because of the lental fish fry’s you
know its a been dietary decision all along, and not founded on a
supernatural belief that jesus was a zombie.”
One last question and then I’ll be on my way. Do you ridicule Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism too? If you can ridicule Christians for the “zombie Jesus” thing then Hindus should be fair game for thinking their Aunt Zelda reincarnated as a cow, right? Just curious.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 17:54
Come back as a muslim and try convince the board that islam is a misunderstood religion, or perhaps an israeli and preach that you’re a chosen one, hindu as a……yeah I don’t have a snarky response to a religion who thinks cows are sacred, that alone speaks for itself.
C’mon, I dares ya
Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 08:21
As an unapologetic anarcho-communist, I’m offended at his attempt to attach me to his pedophile protection ring.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:36
If you want to drive liberals who are also people of faith away from this site, you’re doing a good job. All Catholic priests are not pedophiles and there is no evidence to suggest the current pope approves of pedophiles.
Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 13:47
Feel free to disagree with me. I have no official affiliation with this or any other website. I fully acknowledge that I am probably more radical and abrasive than most others here, and I have more than my fair share of issues with mainstream “liberalism.”
The latest pope, to me, is still just “good for a pope” which is still pretty bad, as the head of an organization that has gone to great lengths to shield pedophiles and condemn LGBT people. Sorry, I don’t play nice with oppressors.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:57
Calling the Catholic Church a pedophile protection ring is going to be deeply offensive to some very politically liberal people who happen to be Catholic.
Some very high people in the Vatican have covered up some really hellish behavior. That doesn’t mean the current pope approves. Or most Catholic priests. Was Mother Theresa a bad person? She devoted her entire adult life to helping the poorest people on earth in Calcutta.
Rusty Shackleford July 1st, 2014 at 14:02
Uhhh…fucking YES? Despite bringing in millions in donations, the shelters she set up were in horrific shape, even by “third world” standards, little more than homes for people to die in. She believed that the suffering of the poor was “beautiful” and that they should accept their lot in life, like Jesus. Of course, none of this applied to her when she was dying, as she accepted nothing less than the very finest medical care for herself. Her entire mission was to CONVERT people, even against their will, so they could suffer as Catholics, rather than to actually help alleviate said suffering.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:14
“Uhhh…fucking YES?”
Okay, you win. Your sophisticated use of the English language exceeds my own. I give up.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 17:23
Yes, but he’s not incorrect. Look it up and you’ll be in for a big surprise. You may also want to look up a priest by the name of Macial Maciel Degollado who hid a sordid past, but was praised by the Vatican, church leaders and Pope John.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 14:03
No chance of that. The liberals here are very well aware of the problems facing the Catholic church, and comment accordingly. If you’re looking for Catholic symapthizers, there are sites aplenty on the internet who’s mission it is to make the church’s bad behavior look good. Perhaps you can check them out.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:09
So you speak for all liberals on this site. That’s good to know. In your mind, being a political liberal isn’t good enough. One also has to condemn the ENTIRE catholic church, all priests and the current pope as pedophiles or they should look for another site? That’s good to know, Bunya. You’re very open-minded. Very liberal.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:14
Are you here to troll and criticize other readers or do you have something to add of constructive value? Your judgementalism of other readers is getting old fast.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:24
Yes. The entire Catholic Church is not a pedophile protection ring. That is my point. We all know about the Catholic Church’s history with pedophilia. We all know certain people in high places, including bishops, cardinals and even some in the Vatican worked hard to cover it up. All bad. Really bad.
My opinion, which I’m apparently not entitled to express at this site, is that the entire Catholic church is not guilty of being a pedophile protection racket. I believe the good people in the Catholic church outnumber the bad. But, according to you and others, that is not a valid opinion, is not welcome at this site and that I should go elsewhere.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:37
If you don’t like it here for whatever reason you are free to leave at any time. Opinions are generally welcome, judging others harshly is often not welcome, especially on regular readers.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 17:16
I didn’t say I speak for all liberals, but thanks for assuming. As for those of us here on liberaland condemning the ENTIRE Catholic church all priests, and the current pope, you’ll need to point out where that was mentioned. I can’t seem to find it.
However, if you’re going to come here an whine, ad nauseum, about the Catholic church being forever victimized, I merely suggested that perhaps you’d be happier visiting another site that you’d find more welcoming.
Nobody’s condemning you. Nobody’s judging you. We simply have enough sanctimonious, self-righteous Christians pointing our (what they perceive as) flaws. Wer really don’t need more, thank you.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 14:19
Bye
I have a feeling you visit this site under different names anyway. Your feelings don’t matter to me, get used to that fact and you will have a happy internet life.
If you and other catholics would stand up against the people who committed child rape instead of attacking those that point out the crime your organized religion would have better reputation with the general public.
Besides, you do realize, probably the only reason you’re a Christian (Catholic) is parental decision & geography, I find that unimpressive.
Have some spice and practice Islam or Hindu for a year, if you come back to Catholicism because of the lental fish fry’s you know its a been dietary decision all along, and not founded on a supernatural belief that jesus was a zombie.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 14:29
I’m not Catholic. I have never joined a church, Catholic or Protestant. I do not attend any church services.
I do not believe it is fair to condemn the entire Catholic Church because of the horrible, unforgivable actions of what I perceive to be the actions of a minority. I also do not condemn the entire world of Islam for 9-11, al-Qaeda and ISIS.
If that makes me an unreasonable person, then I’m guilty. So far four or five of you have told me to hit the road. If that’s the feeling here, then I’ll hit the road.
Finally, what evidence do you have that I visit this site under different names? Do you have access to the ISP numbers of people who post here? You’ve made an accusation. Now you need to provide the evidence. DO YOU have access to the ISP numbers of those who post here? That’s the only way you would know.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 14:47
You desperately need to read ‘The Case Of The Pope’ by Geoffrey Robertson. I recommend this book to all who sympathize with the Catholic Church, or at least with the attitude of a few bad apples scenerio. Now, prepare yourself, its a very hard read for those who have a conscience.
You’re welcome.
No evidence, just a hunch.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:53
good hunch
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 15:09
Thank you for the recommendation. I just ordered the paperback at Amazon for $8.99. The book has good reviews and the author has solid credentials. From the book description at Amazon, it would appear the author aims the bulk of his criticism at Benedict. He recognizes the good works of the Catholic Church. But I’ll read the book and find out.
I happen to agree that Benedict XVI was a slime-ball. An ABC reporter attempted to ask him a question about a Vatican document with his signature on it when he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Ratzinger was rude to him, to say the least. I met a Catholic priest once who confided in me that he hoped Benedict “would die soon” because he had such contempt for the man. Pretty strong words from a Catholic priest. He was an example of a priest who had a conscience. I like to believe most Catholic priests have a conscience and are doing the best job they can.
When my mom was dying, a Catholic priest came to her room and spent at least an hour with us, knowing neither my mom nor I were Catholic. He said a blessing for her. It was very much appreciated. Another good priest. He passed away at the age of 52 last year of pancreatic cancer. He did not tell anyone in his parish about his terminal condition until he could no longer conceal the pain he was in and had to leave. He didn’t want to worry them. He was a good man. A very good man.
Maybe I’m naive. I like to believe the good outnumber the bad.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 15:49
If religion helps you to be a better person than for goodness sake believe. Religion should be a personal lifestyle choice, some forget the personal part.
I believe doing the right thing shouldn’t have boundries and conditions, imo.
Good stuff, be safe and Happy 4th
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 16:17
Agreed. A safe and happy 4th to you as well.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 16:08
” . . . if you come back to Catholicism because of the lental fish fry’s you
know its a been dietary decision all along, and not founded on a
supernatural belief that jesus was a zombie.”
One last question and then I’ll be on my way. Do you ridicule Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism too? If you can ridicule Christians for the “zombie Jesus” thing then Hindus should be fair game for thinking their Aunt Zelda reincarnated as a cow, right? Just curious.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 17:54
Come back as a muslim and try convince the board that islam is a misunderstood religion, or perhaps an israeli and preach that you’re a chosen one, hindu as a……yeah I don’t have a snarky response to a religion who thinks cows are sacred, that alone speaks for itself.
C’mon, I dares ya
Anomaly 100 July 1st, 2014 at 09:39
I have such a Pope-crush.
Anomaly 100 July 1st, 2014 at 09:39
I have such a Pope-crush.
Suzanne McFly July 1st, 2014 at 10:51
Why cant this Pope just behave himself and focus on the money he can raise to help fund a powerful church? Instead he seems to feel the need to preach the words of Jesus by helping out the needy and feeding the hungry, he needs to get his priorities straight.
//being very sarcastic here BTW.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 13:58
I wondered that, too. Who ever heard of a pope who actually preached what Jesus taught? What is this world coming to?
Suzanne McFly July 1st, 2014 at 17:04
If we follow his words, the world will be a much better place for all of us
Suzanne McFly July 1st, 2014 at 10:51
Why cant this Pope just behave himself and focus on the money he can raise to help fund a powerful church? Instead he seems to feel the need to preach the words of Jesus by helping out the needy and feeding the hungry, he needs to get his priorities straight.
//being very sarcastic here BTW.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 13:58
I wondered that, too. Who ever heard of a pope who actually preached what Jesus taught? What is this world coming to?
Suzanne McFly July 1st, 2014 at 17:04
If we follow his words, the world will be a much better place for all of us
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 10:54
He certainly says the right things, and he walks the walk.
Whats that huge lump underneath the rug?
Until the great confession takes place, an act of contrition as it were, there will be no forgiveness or healing.
craig7120 July 1st, 2014 at 10:54
He certainly says the right things, and he walks the walk.
Whats that huge lump underneath the rug?
Until the great confession takes place, an act of contrition as it were, there will be no forgiveness or healing.
Dwendt44 July 1st, 2014 at 11:24
He has a point. Karl Marx used the bible as one of his sources for his ideas of Marxism which lead to communism.
Jesus practiced ‘communalism’ which is a form of communism.
‘From each according to his talents; to each according to his needs’ is an easy connection between christianity and communism.
The conflict between the communist state(s) and the Catholic Church is largely about who runs the show.
Dwendt44 July 1st, 2014 at 11:24
He has a point. Karl Marx used the bible as one of his sources for his ideas of Marxism which lead to communism.
Jesus practiced ‘communalism’ which is a form of communism.
‘From each according to his talents; to each according to his needs’ is an easy connection between christianity and communism.
The conflict between the communist state(s) and the Catholic Church is largely about who runs the show.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:24
The Communism forced on people by the USSR, China and other countries in the 20th century was an evil, dictatorial system. The economic version of communism, however, is completely different. The Old Order Amish, so common in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania practice economic communism. Someone needs a new barn? The community builds the person a barn. If someone is hospitalized and runs up huge medical bills – the community pays their medical bills. It’s all for one and one for all.
As for the pedophilia comments, I think some people should not paint with such a broad brush. The majority of Catholic priests are not pedophiles. And the Catholic church is one of the few religious organizations that puts its money where its mouth is. Most cities, even relatively small ones, have an office of Catholic charities where people of any faith – or no faith – can get help.
Please don’t assume one has to be an atheist to be liberal. There are many people of faith, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and more who have liberal political beliefs and devote their lives to doing good things for their fellow humans.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 13:56
I believe not all priests are pedophiles, but most are gay. My problem with the Catholic church is their double standard. They KNEW of the ongoing pedophelia problem, but instead of doing something to rectify it, they merely transferred suspect priests to different parishes, endangering other children. Very few (if any) were excommunicated.
Now, take the case in Brazil a few years back. A 9 year old girl was impregnated by her stepfather who continually raped her. She was carrying twins and the doctors informed her mother that, because of the child’s age, she could not carry the fetus’ to term because it may cause serious health problems or even death, and recommended an abortion. The mother agreed. Here is what happened when the bishop found out:
The mother was excommunicated
The daughter was excommunicated
The doctors and anybody else involved in the abortion was excommunicated
The rapist step father was NOT excommunicated.
This truly disgusted me.
This new pope talks a good game, but I’m suspicious of his intent. I’m holding my opinion of him until I see what happens.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:08
Rusty throws out more snark than anything else. If you really want to know what he thinks, ask him and he will tell you. His stand alone comments are not always what they seem to be at face value. Trying to judge other people from their giving a like vote to something you don’t fully understand in context is highly questionable.
Abby Normal July 1st, 2014 at 13:24
The Communism forced on people by the USSR, China and other countries in the 20th century was an evil, dictatorial system. The economic version of communism, however, is completely different. The Old Order Amish, so common in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania practice economic communism. Someone needs a new barn? The community builds the person a barn. If someone is hospitalized and runs up huge medical bills – the community pays their medical bills. It’s all for one and one for all.
As for the pedophilia comments, I think some people should not paint with such a broad brush. The majority of Catholic priests are not pedophiles. And the Catholic church is one of the few religious organizations that puts its money where its mouth is. Most cities, even relatively small ones, have an office of Catholic charities where people of any faith – or no faith – can get help.
Sure, the Catholic church has a lot to answer for. The pedophile priest situation and the way the church dealt with them, by simply moving them to another parish, is shameful beyond words. Benedict was a lousy pope and a poor excuse of a human being. Maybe that’s why he resigned. Hopefully, Francis will root out the corruption.
But to paint with a broad brush and suggest all Catholics support pedophilia is wrong – and hardly liberal. I expected more from people at this site.
Bunya July 1st, 2014 at 13:56
I believe not all priests are pedophiles, but most are gay. My problem with the Catholic church is their double standard. They KNEW of the ongoing pedophelia problem, but instead of doing something to rectify it, they merely transferred suspect priests to different parishes, endangering other children. Very few (if any) were excommunicated.
Now, take the case in Brazil a few years back. A 9 year old girl was impregnated by her stepfather who continually raped her. She was carrying twins and the doctors informed her mother that, because of the child’s age, she could not carry the fetus’ to term because it may cause serious health problems or even death, and recommended an abortion. The mother agreed. Here is what happened when the bishop found out:
The mother was excommunicated
The daughter was excommunicated
The doctors and anybody else involved in the abortion was excommunicated
The rapist step father was NOT excommunicated.
This truly disgusted me.
This new pope talks a good game, but I’m suspicious of his intent. I’m holding my opinion of him until I see what happens.
mea_mark July 1st, 2014 at 14:08
Rusty throws out more snark than anything else. If you really want to know what he thinks, ask him and he will tell you. His stand alone comments are not always what they seem to be at face value. Trying to judge other people from their giving a like vote to something you don’t fully understand in context is highly questionable.
R.J. Carter July 1st, 2014 at 13:57
Lighten up, Francis.
R.J. Carter July 1st, 2014 at 13:57
Lighten up, Francis.