JediSage

User Group: Members
Join date: 22-Mar-2005
Last activity: 10-Jan-2011
Posts: 2,109

Post History

Post: #101797
Topic: A Big Debate for the New Century
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101797/action/topic#101797
Time: 21-Apr-2005 8:06 AM

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Originally posted by: Commander Courage
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Originally posted by: JediSage
I too am very interested in Christian Apologetics (Duh!) :-) However, I think we need to be careful when saying science MUST match up with the bible. I think there is much evidence of the bible's historical accuracy and authenticity to be sure, however it is not going to answer how an apple falls from the tree (ie: describing how/why gravity works).

I was just saying it was ridiculous for people to say, "Because of the theory of (fill-in-the-blank), the Bible is obviously inaccurate." The key word is theory, and since creation is not testable in a laboratory, theories are all we have. Therefore, I'm going to go with the one presented in the Bible, which has yet to be proven wrong by scientifc FACT. And of course the Bible isn't a textbook explaining the likes of gravity, that is for science, true testable science. The Scientific Method itself will weed-out the nonsense.

True...all we have is supposition that fits the available facts. The scientific method is a good tool to have.

Have you ever heard the idea that in order model something, or simulate it, your model needs to be as complex/large/intricate as the actual thing you're modeling? For instance, in order to model how the human body does certain things, your model needs to be a human body.

Post: #101796
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101796/action/topic#101796
Time: 21-Apr-2005 6:58 AM

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Originally posted by: Asha
Even though the people who posted the "can't keep her legs closed" comments will probably *say* they are merely championing personal responsibility, their words belie utter contempt for women and female sexuality.

That's why I'm so glad that the right to choose forms of reproductive healthcare such as abortion remains protected. I certainly don't want the fate of my womb decided by people who make statements like the "can't keep her legs closed" routine seen here.

I've read all sorts of people who've tried to distort the bible to cover abortion. The fact of the matter is: the bible doesn't address the issue and there are as many comments in the bible which support terminating pregnancy as there are glorifying human life at every stage. Moreover, Jesus hung out with hookers all the time ... and if you were a hooker in Christ's day, you probably had an abortion or two. Yet Christ never mentioned it. Abortion was a non-issue to the J-man himself.

As for the guy who said that homosexuality was unnatural: I've a pet male peacock that regularly mounts a male rooster. The peacock doesn't like the hens ... just the rooster. My neighbor has two male lop-eared bunnies that also engage in homosexual behavior. Homosexuality is quite common in the natural world.

I agree that the quote that was stated quite distastefully about "...legs closed" should not have been said in defense of the argument. However I believe the point is still a valid one...too often abortion is used as a convenience after someone has had an unprotected "encounter". We should never confuse convenience with need. If someone can't handle the consequences, maybe they should not engage in the act?

As far as Bossk's point about rape: Two wrongs do not make a right, and something that is too often overlooked in this argument is that the unborn child is INNOCENT.

The bible addresses abortion in that it outlaws murder. Life begins at conception, therefor abortion is tantamount to murder.

With regards to the homosexuality issue, I really don't want to get into this because I was asked why the Christian faith outlawed it, which I did. However, let me ask you: Is homosexuality to be considered "natural" even though if adopted in great enough numbers it would lead to the eventual extinction of any given species?

I'm following Bossk's lead on this. I don't want any more controversy. I'll read your response but I'm done.

Post: #101784
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101784/action/topic#101784
Time: 21-Apr-2005 4:26 AM

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Originally posted by: Commander Courage
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Originally posted by: Trooperman
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All I know is I heard that Ratzinger is 100% against female clergy, contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and many other things that groups have been fighting for for years.

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But while I can see where they're coming from with the anti-women clergy, I don't think it should be a "rule." People can have their opinions sure, but that doesn't make it the law of God, even if the people with those opinions hold high postions in the clergy. So, like Warbler, I would welcome an in-depth explanation.

This is a doctrine spelled out in the New Testament (Titus 1:5-7 KJV, which I've just realized is also a prime argument against homosexuals serving in the clergy). If it had been written in the Old Testament, there may have been some wiggle room given that Christians are no longer under Mosaic law. However there isn't. And before you start talking about which bible is correct, etc: This doctrine was handed down in Greek NT manuscripts predating the printing press. This is not a matter of sexism, this goes to what I was discussing before: If you don't like the rules you don't have to join the club. Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything against their will. The issues stated above are beyond debate for Christians, and those that do strive for these changes within the churches are grossly ill-informed about the faith they profess. People need to realize their church is not a democracy. Some Reformed (by Reformed I mean non-Catholic Christian) churches give their laity significant power in oversight on church finances and control, yes, however all issues of doctrine are derived from the bible. Any pastor that deviates from it can and should be removed.

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As for contraceptives, I take it this is going by the verse about God knowing you since *before* you were in your mother's womb. That raises a very interesting topic; are contraceptives on par with abortion in preventign would-be babies from being born?

This is an interesting point....one that I've not considered before. I was on the fence about this, given that I believed that there was no biblical basis against contraceptives. However this may change things for me.

Post: #101741
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101741/action/topic#101741
Time: 20-Apr-2005 5:35 PM

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Originally posted by: Trooperman
Perhaps he thinks that you're putting your remarks into multiple posts so as to raise your count and advance out of the "Padawan Learner" stage

No...that was not my intention.

Post: #101738
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101738/action/topic#101738
Time: 20-Apr-2005 5:15 PM

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Originally posted by: Shimraa
BTW dont post like that

Like what?

Post: #101736
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101736/action/topic#101736
Time: 20-Apr-2005 4:57 PM

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Originally posted by: Trooperman
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All I know is I heard that Ratzinger is 100% against female clergy, contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and many other things that groups have been fighting for for years.

Thank God for that. Homosexuality is not normal, it's a disorder. It's not something to be "proud" of. So are homosexuals automatically evil and guilty of grave sin? Of course not. They're human beings like the rest of us and should be respected as such. It's the actions (like marriage to one another, anal sex, etc.) that make them sinful.

And abortion is MURDER. Somehow, killing innocent human life before they even leave a woman's womb doesn't quite fit in with the Christian beliefs. A woman's right to choose? Heck, she already chose when she had sex in the first place. Makes me sick.

Abortion can never be defended. There's not a legitimate scientist on the planet who will say life does not begin at conception. From the time the child is conceived for the rest of his/her life, the child has DNA code that is completely different from the mother.

Post: #101732
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101732/action/topic#101732
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:14 PM

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Originally posted by: TheSessler
Oh well, this can become our new spam thread

BTW: Who was Mitch Hedberg?

Post: #101731
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101731/action/topic#101731
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:13 PM

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Originally posted by: ricarleite
BTW, I recently became a Jedi Master.

Congrats

Post: #101730
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101730/action/topic#101730
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:12 PM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
Here are the official ranks...

Title (Posts Required)
Padawan Learner (0)
I am ready for the trials! (250)
Jedi Knight (1000)
Jedi Master (3000)
Jedi Council Member (5000)
Jedi Spirit (10000)

Some people have custom titles and those were requested special from the webmaster. I'm not sure if he's doing those anymore, though. May just have to work your way up through the official system. Not everyone from day 1 got them. Jay held a contest a couple years ago and anyone who answered correctly could have a custom title. I answered and had a custom, but decided to go back to the actual title system once I hit Jedi Spirit. I wanted the actual title more since there are only two people on this forum with that level of posts.

Get postin'!

Wow! You Senior Citizen you!!

Post: #101729
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101729/action/topic#101729
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:12 PM

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Originally posted by: Darth Chaltab
Don't we already have a thread for this? Anyway. Congrads Ric. Now you are a Jedi, like you gerbil before you.

Sorry...did not realize there was a previous

Post: #101728
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101728/action/topic#101728
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:10 PM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
But by believing everything that organized Christianity claims and what the Bible says, then yes, anyone who is not of Christian faith is burning in hell or sitting in limbo (take your pick).

Speaking as a Christian: Anyone who died after the ministry of Christ is not saved unless they are justified by faith (this doctrine is in conflict with the doctrine of the Catholic church that teaches we are justified by faith and works). That is correct. The bible is unclear about people who have not heard of him or who died before his ministry.

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I don't know that salad bar religion is necessarily bad. I think having everyone buy into all the same belief patterns is inherently more dangerous. One people, one thought, one way of living. Sounds rather robotic and Nazi to me.

If the world were united in practice of the Christian faith, this would be a much better world. However, as a Christian I know that this is not possible because man is inherently evil. My point is that the Christian faith is based upon a finite set of doctrine that has been around for thousands of years. Some people who claim to be believers want to have it both ways. It's kind of like being a member of a fraternal organization: There are those who want all the benefits, but don't want to play by the rules of the club. Should we denounce the officers of the club as being insensitive? Or should we tell the people what the rules are and point out that if they want to be a member, they have to abide by them or face the consequences?

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I think the Salad Bar theory allows for people to pick a belief system that works best for them.

So we're reducing religion to a utilitarian concern? Meaning, whatever allows me to feel good for myself while not imposing any kind of rules or objective standard for my behavior.

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All I think is important is that you believe in God and celebrate him somehow.

Leads to relativism, which teaches us that all beliefs are valid, even when they're in direct contradiction with eachother.

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I know so many people who go to church on a regular basis but somehow think that's all it takes. The other six days of the week are their's to do with as they please and, consequently, they often times come off as some of the most Godless people around. Religion should not be reserved for one day a week.

No argument here. Church attendence is not enough.

Post: #101727
Topic: Under-Rated Sci-Fi Films
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101727/action/topic#101727
Time: 20-Apr-2005 1:40 PM

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Originally posted by: Windexed
Haha, I was actually going to bring up Blade Runner, Sessler. Good call! However, I don't necessarily see it as being underrated. It's generally thought of as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, and it'd be my personal favorite if not for Star Wars.

Huuhhhhh....GOD. Only sf movie I've ever fallen asleep during. Second only to Plan 9 from Outter Space in terms of worst ever made, IMO

Post: #101690
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101690/action/topic#101690
Time: 20-Apr-2005 7:20 AM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
These Christian doctrines may date back to before Gutenberg (1454 AD) and they may even predate the Chinese invention of moveable type (1040 AD), but they don't date back further than year 0. Buddhism, Islam, and several other religions do, however. So all those people are burning in hell? I refuse to believe that.

I did not say they were burning in hell. What I said was that the NT Greek Manuscripts predate Gutenberg and that salad bar Christianity is dangerous.

Actually, there was no year 0...only a year 1 (That's what so many people were arguing about 2k for...the millenium didn't actually start until 01). And...Islam did not begin until around the year 640 AD. Speaking of Islam, the Islamic faith does make a lot of reference to the Judeo-Christian faith, going so far as to mention Christ many times and ascirbing to him divine attributes. I believe the Quran refers to Jewish People and Christians as "People of the Book".

Post: #101686
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101686/action/topic#101686
Time: 20-Apr-2005 7:06 AM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
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Originally posted by: Warbler
I think that is a matter of opinion. Many people have many different interpretation of the Bible.

And that is exactly the problem. Which one do you subscribe to? And how can you discount another person who interprets it a different way? That's just sheer ignorance.

Many Christians of today are too often attempting to pick and choose that which they believe. This leads to the "salad bar" type of Christianity, meaning: "Well I'll take a little bit of heaven, but I don't believe Christianity is the only answer, I believe in the salvation spelled out in the New Testament, but I don't want to accept the rules". They cannot have it both ways. This type of thinking is dangerous from a doctrinal standpoint, as it tends to allow people to equivocate between diametrically opposed religions. For example: Buddhists and Christians: Neither is better, they are both equally valid.

There are new testament manuscripts that date back to well before Guttenberg. The amount of Tacitus and Josephus historical manuscripts is pretty much miniscule compared to NT Greek Manuscripts. There's a mountain of New Testament manuscripts. While yes, there was probably some "wiggle" room that found it's way into the oral Hebrew tradition, it is generally accepted that the majority of the material in the Old Testament was handed down reliably.

Post: #101673
Topic: Under-Rated Sci-Fi Films
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101673/action/topic#101673
Time: 20-Apr-2005 5:21 AM

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Originally posted by: Darth Simon
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Originally posted by: Commander Courage
Does Equilibrium count as a sci-fi film? If so, it is extremely underrated. It is so much more than the Matrix rip-off some make it out to be.

I actually thought this was a pretty bad movie, and Im pretty lax on what i consider bad. Yeah it had some cool sequances and such (that whole gun based kung fu he used was pretty sweet) but the movie as a whole i found poorly done.

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***

My main problem (this may have just been the actors, but i think it was based more in the script) is the amount of emotion the characters showed, even the ones that were still under complete control of the drug used to supress emotion, was way too much. The main characters 'partner' who started to 'hunt' him after he stopped taking the drug was way to emotionally involved in the persuit...he took it personally and all his responses were riddled with emotion. And he wasnt really the only one, but he was the main one. That basically ruined the whole premise of the movie for me, thus killing my suspension of disbelief and all that jazz, and ultimatly ruined the movie for me.

***END SPOILER***

-Darth Simon

I agree 100%. I thought it was an interesting premise, however the overall movie I thought was weak to say the least, and totally contradictory.

Post: #101671
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101671/action/topic#101671
Time: 20-Apr-2005 5:09 AM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
All I know is I heard that Ratzinger is 100% against female clergy, contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and many other things that groups have been fighting for for years.

My wife, who is Catholic, sees the religion taking several steps backwards as a result of Ratzinger as the new Pope.

Well...(please keep in mind I have no wish to offend), speaking as an ex-Catholic, I still realize that some things within Christian doctrine are not open to debate, such as the items you listed above (with the possible exception of contraceptives). The rules against those issues are biblical in nature, not dogmatic in nature.

Post: #101670
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101670/action/topic#101670
Time: 20-Apr-2005 5:04 AM

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Originally posted by: Bossk
I'm waiting to see a bunch of Cardinals armed with large crosses enter Ratzinger's office and say, "you are under arrest for treason!"

"Are you threatening me, Master Cardinal?"

LOL

Post: #101655
Topic: Question on My Profile - Post Rankings
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101655/action/topic#101655
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:37 AM — Edited 18-Feb-2020 7:35 PM

How does one advance through the stages, ie: Padawan Learner, etc; ? I’ve noticed that I’m there now, but that other people have different stuff in theirs, like “I am ready for the trials”.

Post: #101654
Topic: Under-Rated Sci-Fi Films
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101654/action/topic#101654
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:33 AM

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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
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Originally posted by: JediSage
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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
Transformers the movie. So much more than a long commercial for some toys.

AWESOME!! I grew up on the original Transformers. Cool flick, although it's been quite a while so I don't remember it quite like I did back then. Have you picked up the dvds yet?
I haven't got the DVDs because the TV show, although I remember it with fondness, where really little more than commercials for new toys and the animation and script were shoddy, but the Movie was fucking great, another league entirely, and I have it but only on VHS. I urge anyone who watched it when they were young to watch it again - it still packs a punch.

I remember that I was just at the age when people were starting to wonder why I was still watching it when the movie came out. So, unfortunately, I was kind of embarrased about it at the time. The show for me: I was pretty young so I didn't really appreciate the commercialism they were ramming down our throats. I thought that it was unbelievable at the time. However, I did notice a HUGE difference in the comic book series that Marvel was running. Was astounded at how dark and different it was.

Post: #101653
Topic: Computer Question
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101653/action/topic#101653
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:29 AM

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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
But then they'll just figure out a way to simultae a pulse by surgically attaching the thumb to their own hand or something.

Reminds me of something I heard on Deep Space 9 at one point. When Sisko was wondering if his father was a changeling, his father says "Go ahead and take your blood tests. Don't you realize that there isn't a test in the world a smart man can't figure his way around".

Post: #101652
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101652/action/topic#101652
Time: 20-Apr-2005 3:27 AM

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Originally posted by: ricarleite
I wanted the nigerian one to win, if not him then Claudio Hummes... But no, the church chose to stick to its white european creepy looking Pope...

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Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
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Originally posted by: ricarleite
I've read that Ratzinger was once part of the "Hitler Youth"... I don't know, I'm not trying to be disrespectful here, but he seems kinda evil to me... Some sort of a "Palpatinesque" way about him, like he pressured the cardinals to vote for him or something...
I have the same bad feeling. I don't know why. I don't really watch TV so I've only seen a picture of the new Pope on the cover of somebody else's newspaper on my way to work this morning...but I just get a bad feeling.

I'm not kidding, this Ratzinger guy has some evil aurea over him... It's kinda suspicious him winning this conclave... Feels like he threatned the cardinals to vote for him...

I've made a conscious decision to leave the church. I now consider myself to be of the Protestant/Reformed faith (although no official affiliation yet). So, I have a problem with the entire notion of papal authority to begin with. The institution is too easily corrupted, and the position seems to have falled to an almost idolatrous one within the entire body. This guy...time will tell obviously. I can just hear him start his first encyclic: "From this time forward, every Jedi is to be considered an enem....ooops, wrong speech".

Post: #101646
Topic: What're You Reading Right Now
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101646/action/topic#101646
Time: 20-Apr-2005 2:33 AM

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Originally posted by: Commander Courage
"Still Me" by Christopher Reeve.

I'm a big Superman fan, so naturally Reeve and of course his tragic accidnet was of great interest to me. But this autobigoraphy isn't about the DC Comics character; it gives you a window into the mind of one of teh great symbols of hope and perserverance of our time. To read of Reeve's struggles and reflections of the life he had before is quite moving, especially when he gets into the specifics of how the accident affects his everyday life. His optimistic outlook on his situation and determination to walk again is indeed heartbreaking now that he has passed, but I recommend it to anyone. It really makes you stop and appreciate the little things in life to many of us take for granted.

The word hero is used so inappropriately these days. I would be hesitant to ascribe it to anyone to tell you the truth. However, for people who ae suffering from a debilitating illness, who have to struggle just to get out of bed in the morning, who the pain or symptoms are so bad for that they feel trapped and begin to think about suicide, but don't. Those are the ones who are worthy of our acknowledgement. Sounds like a good read.

Post: #101645
Topic: Computer Question
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101645/action/topic#101645
Time: 20-Apr-2005 2:26 AM

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Originally posted by: starkiller
I heard a similar story, but it wasn't the same.

It happened in Taiwan or China or somewhere in Southeast Asia. Some corporate head-honcho was kidnapped and had his thumb removed for the same reason. The kidnappers used the thumb to get into corporate HQ.

I recently read about biometrics that are being developed that also check for body-heat, which would remove the possibility of removing body parts.

Found it! Was in Malyasia...

Thumb Story

When they make changes, they need to publicize them so the thieves know the thumb alone will not help them!

Post: #101644
Topic: Under-Rated Sci-Fi Films
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101644/action/topic#101644
Time: 20-Apr-2005 2:21 AM

What about Flash Gordon? *FLASH......ahhh AHHHHH!!!!*

Good for the babe value alone

Post: #101643
Topic: The Pope
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/101643/action/topic#101643
Time: 20-Apr-2005 2:18 AM

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Originally posted by: Warbler
As far as the Nazi Youth thing, he may have been forced to join. But even so I can't say I'm crazy about their choice for Pope. I was hoping they would choose an African or Latin American.

This is a good point. As an ex-Catholic, IMO: He should have been African or Middle/East Asian. The church is making great strides in Africa and the Eastern world, and they are doctrinally more conservative than most.