Is the pope atheist?

[AdAstra95]

If the Pope can convince people he can "talk to god" when he knows he hasn't, does that mean he's atheist? Or just lying on god's behalf in the meantime? Or is he actually convinced he can talk to God?

[Baruch]

Are you familiar with the theology of the Papacy?

From Peter thru to Francis, a true Pope is a manifestation of Jesus (see Homily/Epistle to the Hebrews).  There have been false Popes.  So Jesus speaks thru the Pope, when the Pope is speaking "ex cathedra" aka in his official capacity.  The Pope isn't Protestant ... Jesus isn't the Pope's fishing buddy.  Think of the Pope as Jesus' ventriloquist dummy.

People who pray, may think they are talking to G-d.  It is not the usual experience, to hear G-d talking back.  So in that capacity, the Pope speaks to G-d, but then so can any Catholic.

[Hijiri Byakuren]

The Pope has probably convinced himself that the voice in his head is God.

[SGOS]

I have no idea whether the Pope personally buys the dogma in it's entirety or not.  I'm 80% sure he probably believes in God, but the part about being the Big Guy's pipe line has got to test the limits of reality for most normal people. 

But it does bring up some theoretical questions.  First, if he is the Pipe Line, what was he before he was crowned Pope?  Did he realize he was destined for Popedom all along, because he kept having thoughts that agreed with the current Pope? 

Second, did the Pope vetting committee ask him what sort of mental sensations he had that tells him he is the real Pope?  Do they ask if he actually hears God's voice, or is it a sensation of great joy or anger that comes radiating out of his chest cavity when he is getting the Holy words for future pontification?  Does the vetting committee assume they have been touched by the hand of God during the time of the Pope Vote?  What happens to the Cardinals that vote for the other guys?  Are they excommunicated?

[aitm]

Even rapists hear voices in their head that they attribute to god………..er………………so I assume.

[Baruch]

Traditionally, the Cardinal who least wants to be Pope, is the one who deserves the job.

Pope Francis was recently photographed washing the feet of Muslim refugees ... actions speak louder than words.  The prior Pope got in trouble for bringing up the Middle Ages (and Crusading).

[gentle_dissident]

Is the pope atheist?

Does a bear wear a funny hat?

[AllPurposeAtheist]

It would indeed be big news if the pope just came right out and said that god is imaginary.. Just imagine Ted Cruz's reaction if that happened. I'd buy a ticket to watch that..

[Baruch]

It would indeed be big news if the pope just came right out and said that god is imaginary.. Just imagine Ted Cruz's reaction if that happened. I'd buy a ticket to watch that..

People who are paid to not understand a thing, typically don't waste time trying to understand.

[DeltaEpsilon]

The human mind is particularly talented at illuding itself.

When I was younger I would see strange shapes made by normal objects such as blankets, trees, bushes etc. and mistake them for harmful people/objects. Sometimes I would mistake the wind for a voice as well. People that are religious are able to further illude themselves and their minds are able to convince themselves that the voices are the voices of certain religious figures.

[facebook164]

Pope Francis was recently photographed washing the feet of Muslim refugees ... actions speak louder than words.

Which was a big slap in the face of all who is worksing with human care and washes feets and bums on a daily basis.

[facebook164]

Pope Francis was recently photographed washing the feet of Muslim refugees ... actions speak louder than words.

Which was a big slap in the face of all who is worksing with human care and washes feets and bums on a daily basis.

[facebook164]

Pope Francis was recently photographed washing the feet of Muslim refugees ... actions speak louder than words.

Which was a big slap in the face of all who is worksing with human care and washes feets and bums on a daily basis.

[facebook164]

Traditionally, the Cardinal who least wants to be Pope, is the one who deserves the job.

Pope Francis was recently photographed washing the feet of Muslim refugees ... actions speak louder than words.  The prior Pope got in trouble for bringing up the Middle Ages (and Crusading).

Which was a big slap in the face of all who is worksing with human care and washes feets and bums on a daily basis.

[Baruch]

The human mind is particularly talented at illuding itself.

When I was younger I would see strange shapes made by normal objects such as blankets, trees, bushes etc. and mistake them for harmful people/objects. Sometimes I would mistake the wind for a voice as well. People that are religious are able to further illude themselves and their minds are able to convince themselves that the voices are the voices of certain religious figures.

There is nothing wrong with being deluded ... we are in the Matrix.  The question is ... do you control your delusions, or do your delusions control you?  But I understand, I have experienced fear and awe at the night sky, and had the limnal feeling at times.  Schizophrenia is a stage we all go thru as children.  Uncaused panic attacks or fear of heights is also a rush.  Your experiences are simply you recapitulating the paganism of your ancestors.  Just don't be a Narcissus about it ;-p