Why would it not be??? :dunno: The canonical literature of the church says nothing of God creating/not creating other planets capable of sustaining life or even creating life on other planets. It only strictly deals with the creation of the universe, and then subsequently, earth and it's environs. There is nothing (to my knowledge) at this point in time that could lead anyone to say, "There is no other life in the universe." It is far too vast, and our knowledge is dwarfed by our lack of understanding, as the good Rev. Funes has pointed out.

I have never been one to accuse the Catholic Church of thinking logically, but it appears they are doing so in this case. Bravo for them.:up:

 

Seems logical.

 

Uncle Pagan is amazed that people still look to the Vatican to tell them what and what not to believe.

 

Why? It's still one of the largest religions in the world.

 

Because if a person is that much of a sheep that he or she needs a human appointed figure to tell them what's real and what isn't instead of thinking for themselves, they should just throw themselves in front of the next crosstown bus and hasten the inevitable.

 

We need more buses if everyone who fit that description took your advice, unfortunately.

 

Sad, innit?

 

The bible does not say that there are any life forms outside earth. It also does not say that there is. It does relate to us as a unique and special creation which would lead one to think that we are alone and unique and special etc.....

The Catholic Church can keep an open mind on the matter, but they have gotten it wrong on so many occasion in the past, I wouldn't bet on them having it right this time.

Just my .02

 

why? You are both unique and special, yet you are not the only human on earth.

 

They better say it's ok. Did you see what pope JP looked like before death?

 

And what I said before also applies to believing a book verbatim. ;)

 

Shrug. That's your opinion, but don't be so arrogant as to assume that you hold the only way of looking at religious issues.

 

You mean like being arrogant enough to tell a whole populace what to believe? ;)

Yes it's my opinion. You don't like it, don't read it bro. That's the beauty of message boards. Either that, or counter it with something of substance.

Calling me arrogant is ignorant. I stated what I believe, just like anyone else states what they believe. Don't put words in my mouth....or be arrogant enough to assume you know my intent.

Shrug.

 

Well, I don't believe in their version of god, so I don't believe he has any divine authority. HE, though, probably does believe that. I don't know if that's arrogant or not...I believe he's mistaken and guilty of the same wishful thinking that most people are. But I don't blame people for believing what they want to believe any more than I fault you for believing in pagan gods. I find both equally unlikely.

 

they tend to be open minded about everything but sex... so i guess as long as the aliens aren't having sex, or you promise not to have sex with aliens. Catholic church don't mind what you think.

 

it's also the largest and richest organization in the world.

 

my daughter is unique and special. if i have another child, will she no longer be unique and special?

 

You see, this is where you misunderstood me completely. What I said had nothing to do with their god. If you want to believe in any deity, that's all well and good. Faith in moderation is a good thing.

However, when some guy in a funny hat who's appointed by other guys in funny hats all of a sudden starts to determine what is okay to believe in, and somehow thinks that his word is the word of their god....well, that's another story.

Believe in the gods or goddesses, not some "earthly representative".

 

with some there seems to be an equation of "alone" and "unique and special". can't have one without the other. my daughter will always be unique and special, there will never be another like her. i will never experience things the same with other children. unique and special are not exclusive to alone. at all.

 

Ah Rev, but your sheepishness is not literal sheepishness. I'm sure you don't look to the Pope to find out what you should do in times of indecision. ;)

But really, no one should "tell you what to do" but yourself. I always was stunned at the amounts of WWJD stuff I see. Do people REALLY need a bracelet to look at to figure out how to interact in society???

Moral behavior is universal.

 

i believe that is the crux of the situation. most people look for guidance. some look for leadership.

 

Love your posts Rev. Especially the line " It's what you do with doubt that matters."
I listen to my pastor and use his words as a guideline. There have been many times we've disagreed, (you should be in our Wed, night Bible studies) My pastor is a personal family friend also and while I do learn a lot from him, I think on my own, pray and TRY to do right for my own well-being while staying in Gods will.
Thank you, you inspire me to go read my Bible and learn all I can.

 

I mean none of this in disrespect.

My question to you Rev, is why does the Pope matter to you? Or a pastor or whoever? Why doesn't it just begin and end with the Bible?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, why is the Pope's/pastor's/preacher's interpretation of the Bible more valid than say your's? It just seems to me a holy man will give advice based on the Bible. That advice will be filtered through that holy man's ideas, agendas, or thought processes. It seems that since people are all different with different ideas and situations, it would be more beneficial, for a person to find the answers or inspiration from the Bible, themselves. I would even think that since most people have lives in the "real" world, that they are already "more equipped" to find the answers that make the most sense for their lives, than someone who doesn't generally have to deal with things like, a job, money, relationships, etc.

 

That was one of my (many LOL) problems when I was a Christian. When my wife and I were getting married we were both Christian, and got married in a Catholic church. (we've since been handfasted, don't worry. :lol: )

Before that we had to go to a Pre-Cana program. I sat there in utter disbelief as a priest was trying to tell everyone about relationships, even sexual ones.

No disrespect, but I felt like asking him "have you ever gotten your **** wet Father?"

It was like me trying to tell a doctor how to perform open heart surgery.

 

I hear you, but it seems many consider the word of these holy men as revered. They are just men and women. Just people. If you take the Pope as an example, he is less versed in average life than the average person is. Why is his opinion even valid?

 

You're correct Ohio.

When confronted with new problems or difficult ones, I don't look to the community for assistance and indeed confirmation of what a correct action might be.

I look to my family.

 

Do you not go outside your family when looking for advice on a specific topic or insight into issues of daily life?? I would suspect you do, as we all do. We all look to those whom we respect or to those whom (we think) know more than ourselves or have better insight when it comes to a particular subject. Don't believe me?? Go to the Lounge (or Club Level) and count how many threads there are asking for advice/thoughts on any range of topics. That is part of our human nature.

The same goes for spiritual advice/insight/enlightenment. Those of (most) religious faiths believe that there are those gifted with spiritual insight and discernment, just as you, Pagan, are gifted similarly with regards to music. Whether they be Elders, Pastors, Fathers, Monks, the Dalai Llama etc.; it doesn't matter. They are looked at the same way by their constituents.

They are not any better/worse than anyone else in the community- simply led by a different 'calling'/disposition/skill set. Hope this clears things up a little.:up:

 

I never said I didn't. However JCow, I wouldn't go to the lounge to ask opinions of serious matters. I keep things "in house" so to speak.

Now above, you said that you go to someone with "better insight". This is what I've been trying to say. Who says the Pope has any better insight than anyone else? ESPECIALLY regarding something like alien life?

THAT is what I was referring to with my first statements. The Pope has no more knowledge of this than anyone else, yet there are people who will hang on his every word concerning the matter. That's what I don't get.

I would NOT go to any High Priestess for advice on what tires to buy for my Mustang. I also would not go to one for any life advice, because how do I know she's not JUST as ****ed up as I am? :lol:

I understand what you are saying, and going to an "elder" so to speak for input is fine. What troubles me is those who accept their word as law.

You know what I meant bro. Blood.

 

And in regards to church matters, you should. That much I agree with.

But unless he's inspired by James T. Kirk, he needs to leave the aliens to someone else. :tongue:

And I'm not the only one who's noticed that it's a Mercedes. :shifty: :lol: