We must obey the United Nations

good grief is right

I guess the point the Pope is making is that if we are going to have international organisations as part of our process to ensure peace and stability in the world, then we need to support and uphold them, rather than simply cut their legs out from under them. Further on in the article,
He has some insightful comments in relation to criticism of the Holy Office as well.

I think the rcc, and indeed the Christian world in totality is greatly blessed to have Fracis in this role, and I understand that with his background in South America, and no doubt a touch (or more) or liberation theology in his background, we see a new approach to the Holy Office, and one that engages with the world at a new level.

Sometimes I reflect on the criticism that Paul faced from the Jerusalem Church as he sought to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. My thoughts on having read the full text is

Really Good - no grief!

*sigh* Lord have mercy.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10

concretecamper said:

‘We must obey international institutions,’ Pope says during in-flight press conference : News Headlines

Really, good grief

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Yeah I'm going to go ahead and say no to that. I certainly won't bend a knee to the UN, and I will always believe that neither the Church nor my country should either.

If anything I think the UN is a garbage organization that does nothing but suck funding.

You'd think Vatican News could spell Colombia correctly. It's not like there are only a few Catholics in that country.

Anyway, while I understand Pope Francis' point in a similar manner to Philip_B above (i.e., if we're going to have these international institutions, it ought not just be for show), I can't help but think of how disastrous it would be if his words were taken to heart when the Islamic bloc of the UN, headed particularly by Pakistan, sought again and again to establish international blasphemy laws (read: international "make criticism of Islam, the Qur'an, and Muhammad a criminal offense" laws) via that same body. Those same laws can be an are used in the individual countries in which they are adopted to criminalize not just the Christian viewpoint on those topics, but to threaten the lives of various individual Christians, as in the Asia Bibi case in Pakistan of which I am sure Pope Francis is well aware. This is a matter over which I would think the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church would show some well-deserved concern.

So, no, I'm afraid I must respectfully disagree -- no one's duty as a Christian is to obey the United Nations or any other transnational body (the Hague, the EU, etc.) or even national body simply because it exists and is granted a certain degree of legitimacy. Let them prove their legitimacy by what they put forward and how they conduct themselves. Otherwise no.

Well I'm glad to see the Catholic board reaction on this. I've been much less positive on this pope than "Papa Ratzi" who seemed like a pope after my own heart. I really wish he could have been in office longer!

concretecamper said:

‘We must obey international institutions,’ Pope says during in-flight press conference : News Headlines

Really, good grief

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"My Kingdom is not of this world". So Lord Jesus said. We must obey Him. The UN has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. If anything, the UN is a tool of Satan.

Yikes! All of the sudden I got this nasty Antichrist vibe running through my spine

Aussie Pete said:

"My Kingdom is not of this world". So Lord Jesus said. We must obey Him. The UN has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. If anything, the UN is a tool of Satan.

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Precisely.

Stabat Mater said:

Yikes! All of the sudden I got this nasty Antichrist vibe running through my spine

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Seriously the same thoughts came to mind.

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

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The Pontiff neglected to mention the UN’s history of ant semitism.

I am going to be honest and upfront. I am not going to obey any earthly institute or man Pope included who profess ideals that don’t align with those of Christ.

The UN is pro-birth control

Philip_B said:

I guess the point the Pope is making is that if we are going to have international organisations as part of our process to ensure peace and stability in the world, then we need to support and uphold them, rather than simply cut their legs out from under them.

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I thought that was partially the mission of the church ?

Rhamiel said:

The UN is pro-birth control

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And we must follow them, NOT.

Stabat Mater said:

Yikes! All of the sudden I got this nasty Antichrist vibe running through my spine

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He’s made some strange statements.