Pope Benedict XVI has released his second encyclical for the Catholic faithful. Being a scholar, Benedict’s message to the world is more abstract than the last Pope John II’s teachings. ABC News reports the Popes concern with Marxism. Though Marxism was a response to prevailing social inequalities and injustices, yet Marx’s core-atheism has made society Godless. Having no God to strive for, we have fallen prey to opportunistic materialism. He sees the roots of atheism as early on as the French Revolution. The revolution was necessary but the violence accompanying it, unnecessary. Benedict lashes out against this crass consumerism in his encyclical Saved by Hope.
Benedict XVI hopes for the Second Coming of Christ. This encyclical firmly reasserts the primacy of Christ in the history of man’s salvation. One interesting point is that the encyclical categorically mentions the need for the Gospels even in non-Christian Faiths. Christ is not only a Christian Savior but here has been transformed to become a universal savior. This may not go down well with other religions.
In the spirit of this renewed hope for peace that Pope Benedict XVI has decided to respond to a letter seeking understanding and peace from 138 Muslim clerics. The Muslim clerics had sent him the letter a few months ago. He will clearly negotiate with Islamic leaders from a Christ-centric position. For saving from every kind of violence can only happen through Christ only. This is what the new encyclical points out.
Papal encyclicals are not only documents for the Faithful. They are in a sense Vatican messages to the world. Pope Benedict XVI too is telling the world that his Papacy like his predecessor’s will carry on the fight against atheism and materialism. And when that godlessness and Leftist violence grips his clerics, they too will not be spared. Liberation theologians who often advocate violence and Leftist principles coupled with the French revolutions’ ideals better beware. This Pope like his predecessor will tolerate none. Anything Catholic will not be allowed to be tainted by Marxism. The end can never justify the means.
Via: ABC News
