Never before has the comments by a Pope been capable of being published and swirl around the world in a matter of minutes, out of context of both the interview and larger picture of Catholic teaching. Never before has the comments by a Pope been so subject to misunderstanding and manipulation.
I spent some time going through a few old interviews of Cardinal Ratzinger this morning, and pretending to make up headlines.
“Pope Defends Prostitution, Calls for Legalization” — this is true. He made the comments in Salt of the Earth, citing St. Augustine.
“Don’t Condemn Divorced Catholics, Says Pope” — same interview
“Pope Says there are ‘No Final Answers'” — speaking about the attainment of truth in this life.
“Sex ‘Not Sinful'” Says Pope” — same interview, regarding whether sexuality results from the fall.
“Pope Defends Interfaith Prayer Services” — same interview
And so on.
It’s best to not get wrapped up in the hysteria. More thoughts at NLM.
Good question, Jeffrey. I think the answer is "a lot".
Thanks, Jeffrey. Very enlightening. I, too, have felt that sometimes the internet leads to less understanding rather than more.