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Why I am sad and conflicted about the Pope.

April 1, 2005

Read Pastor Paul T. McCain , he thoughtfully and kindly says what is on my mind tonight.
Paster Paul McCain explains why a reformed-evangelical like myself is sad to see the Pope die, but also conflicted about his legacy. I share with the Pope his embrace and defense of the sanctity of life. I admire his strong defense of marriage, family and God's blessing of sexuality. I admire his stance against oppressive governments, communists and socialists. My favorite writer on Christian social issues is Father Richard John Neuhaus who is a close admirer and follower of the Pope. - I go to him first - before my evangelical sources. The Roman Catholic church under the guidance of Pope John Paul II has stood firm on social issues and has been a model to the constantly fluctuating mores of the modern evangelical church. For these reasons I cannot speak ill of the Pope.
Yes, my criticism runs deep - it is theological - it is the basis of salvation - the core of all of life. Today, I cannot get caught up in detailing our profound differences - those discussions must wait for another day. Today I am sad and fearful. I am sad because we are losing a great advocate for the poor, the disabled, the afflicted, the oppressed. His voice will be missed. I'm fearful - because I am afraid Rome will follow the way of the mainline churches, not only will the gospel be lost, but so will Christian thinking be lost and the good works this thinking has borne. The unborn, the Terri Schiavo's, the world will be poorer. I am sad.