Topic: Great, Francis is a theif too.

[Libertas]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_REL_VATICAN_POPES_CROSS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-03-06-07-18-38

 

[AlanS]

"And immediately there came to mind the thief we all have inside ourselves and while I arranged the flowers I took the cross and with just a bit of force I removed it," he said, showing with his hands how he pulled the cross off the rosary. "And in that moment I looked at him and I said `Give me half your mercy.'"

He begged for mercy, so that makes it alright.

[Glock32]

Maybe it's simply a misunderstanding on my part, but this is one of the things I have trouble with regarding Catholic doctrine:

'This man forgave the sins of all the priests of Buenos Aires, but not a single flower ...?" Francis recalled.

That man forgave their sins?  My belief is that only God can forgive sins, through the atonement of Christ.

[ChrstnHsbndFthr]

Maybe it's simply a misunderstanding on my part, but this is one of the things I have trouble with regarding Catholic doctrine:

'This man forgave the sins of all the priests of Buenos Aires, but not a single flower ...?" Francis recalled.

That man forgave their sins?  My belief is that only God can forgive sins, through the atonement of Christ.

Agreed. But, perhaps they view this as an admin situation.....deputies and such  serve, but the authority resides in the Sheriff, just guessing because
 I am no authority on Catholic doctrines. I prefer direct obedience to scripture as authorized by the Holy Spirit.

[Glock32]

My understanding from having discussed this with Catholics is that the priest does not himself forgive sins, but acts as a conduit of God's forgiveness. I don't know that I buy that either, but I do also see the cathartic value in confessing one's sins to another.

It's all something I still have trouble with. All these denominations and branches of Christianity claim they're the only right one. It seemed ridiculous to me when I was younger but as I get older I start having more of those "don't gamble with your soul" thoughts and want to know which direction to go.

[Pandora]

My understanding from having discussed this with Catholics is that the priest does not himself forgive sins, but acts as a conduit of God's forgiveness. I don't know that I buy that either, but I do also see the cathartic value in confessing one's sins to another.

It's all something I still have trouble with. All these denominations and branches of Christianity claim they're the only right one. It seemed ridiculous to me when I was younger but as I get older I start having more of those "don't gamble with your soul" thoughts and want to know which direction to go.

I believe CHF is pointing the correct way; go straight to the source.  Deal with Him direct; everything you need is in the Bible.  We do need, however, others who walk the same path to kick our asses back onto it when we stray.

In my never to be humble, unsolicited opinion.