27 Apr 2010
Pope Benedict XVI has told an Italian conference that Christians should take up technology and bring a measure of soul to the internet world.
Speaking at the Digital Witnesses: Faces and Languages in the Cross-Media Age conference, the pope exhorted followers to get online and provide a spiritual element to online communications. He praised media workers for their initial efforts.
"I exhort you to walk the roads of the digital continent animated by the courage of the Holy Spirit," he said, according to Catholic.net.
"Without fear we want to set out upon the digital sea embracing the unrestricted navigation with the same passion that for 2,000 years has steered the barque of the Church."
Pope Benedict also warned about the digital divide separating rich countries from poor, and said that more must be done to bring those without a voice online.
The pope has done more than most to embrace the digital age, reaching out to young people to get online and offering text messages of his thoughts to the faithful.
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Do you agree?
Interesting Idea
While we typically attack anything Ol' Popey says because it's popular, he may have a point here. There'd be no harm in an increase in ethics and manners online. I've seen too many threads on too many forums "Go Titanic" because of a lack of understanding. Unfortunately I think we're pissing into the wind with this idea however; being meek online simply isn't cool.
Posted by: Gav 30 Apr 2010
At least this time we have a choice...
... as to whether we listen or not, and that is a plus, no inquisition. Keeping hold on the psyche of individuals by indoctrination at early age is questionable, abominable even, but more importantly it ignores and makes a mockery of the prime directive of the head deity, i.e. that free will is all important and must be allowed. The Internet already has a soul. Catholicism is included in the mix already in the form of private individual?s faith, sometimes expressed and other-times not. I think the Pope is seeing his flock revolt at the archaic attitudes toward 45% of the population with regard to gender, another 10% with regard to their sexuality, and of course toward all those who are atheists or hold other faiths. Many of the attitudes incorporated into religions can be traced back to Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, and in particular a backlash against the policies adopted in Ancient Athens to control birth (although priests in the Catholic church avidly adopt some of the Athenian principles, allegedly), and they did so with the express aim of swelling the numbers of certain religious orders to become dominant, a policy which even in over-populated and poverty ridden areas has never been rescinded. There are many Catholic opinions already expressed on the Internet but fortunately most are not expressed in isolation, they sit alongside atheist and other faiths so can be seen for what they are, a single colour within a whole spectrum. For those of us who are interested in psychology and the impact of history on the present, Catholicism is a gold mine albeit a somewhat murky and depressing one at times. To the Pope I say; Stop marginalising and advocating treating females as defective males who are unable to reason or be anything other than domesticated. It an archaic attitude hangover founded in a pederast condoning society. Be careful who you emulate. To finish I wish you all peace, but as an atheist I will add the caveat that it must be peace with no strings attached, peace simply because it a good thing to ask for. (Asbestos underwear is ready to put on).
Posted by: David Lambert 28 Apr 2010
Hmm...
The last thing the internet is more Christians being shut down by rational people, it's not very good for their self-confidence.
Posted by: Harry Anez 27 Apr 2010
Soul
I would wonder the value of a "soul" given that throughout human history have we not had just that? - and where exactly has it gotten us? hm.......
Posted by: Nevig Enon 27 Apr 2010
no thanks
Go on the internet, but never us a condom to save your life. go away
Posted by: P 27 Apr 2010