General Chat

Mmm, food for thought, Viv. Good point. I agree with Jacqueline, too.

Sorry Vivienne, I was referring to the New Testament, and I totally agree with you about the female disciples. Still translated by mysoginistic men though. maggie

Most men in the Catholic Church quote biblical texts as the reason why women can't be Pope - the same way Protestant men did in their declarations of why women couldn't be Canons etc! The Bible is the word of MAN!!! Written many years after the death of Jesus - by MEN. It was also translated by men in a rather mysoginistic time. I think it quite ironic that the catholic church is so against women - but worships Mary. I can see no reason why a woman would not be capable of being a pope. Pope Joan succeeded quite well - so much so that the 'testicular' chair was introduced. maggie

nudging for Louise to see Joy

Not in our lifetime's! There are plenty of Biblical reasons why only males can be clergy in the Catholic church. 1 - Jesus had only male followers. If he'd wanted women, he could have as there were unofficial female followers. 2 - The quote above, which is the one about how women are forbidden to speak in church; it is a shame for them to do so. 3 - Timothy 2:12 which states that women must not attempt to have authority over men and most certainly must not attempt to teach/preach. There are a multitude of other quotes which all show that women are not to be considered equal to men, but those are some of the ones that particularly relate to priesthood. As a Pope must accept the Bible as God's word, he's unlikely to disregard the inferiority-of-women doctrine that exists on every other page.

Yes, Jacqueline, I had similar thoughts. From what we read in the Bible I think Jesus led a simple, humble life. Can't recall any displays of extravagance or opulence.

Google POPE JOAN... very interesting text... have also seen the film of the same name. Anne :P

Not until hell freezes over!! Us women are definatly second class citizens to the Catholic Church - all you are good for is a nun or a baby making machine. I might add I was a convent educated Catholic girl. To go off the thread a bit - Just a thought - I was watching the news last night - when they carried the Pope to his lieing in state - all the pomp and ceromony and razzamatazz - and wondered what Jesus would have made of it all - the luxury of the Vatican and the money it must cost to maintain all this - the priest, bishops and cardinals all looked very well heeled - and there are millions of starving people in the world. Think they have lost th plot somewhere.

Just to add to this thread,an interesting Question,If the Catholic Church will not allow Women Priests,Why is it that 'Priests' wear 'Frocks'?.Just a thought.Going for lunch now. Hal.

There has been a woman POPE. I think they did not know she was female. I cant remember the story properly, but I am sure you could look it up. Deanna

No chance Daniel! Daisy

David, If you are having problems with contradictions in the Bible, then try thinking about the purpose behind the passage and you'll probably find the contradiction will disappear. As for interpretations, lets face it we all interpret to suit ourselves don't we! Me well I agree with a wise man who once said 'it's not the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that bother me, it's the part's that I do' I'm leaving this well alone now.

I agree with you Joseanne.

Maybe 1st Corinthians ch.14 v.34 provides the answer.

The present rule is that any male baptised in the catholic church can be pope - in theory it doesn't have to be a cardinal.

I think if Jesus had wanted women priests, he might have chosen Mary Magdelen........but he didnt.....any way they were not priests, but disciples.........

Good question, Daniel. Why can't you have a woman pope? What is it exactly that stops women from becoming pope?

Where does God actually say that women can't be priests?

Daniel I doubt it very much because the church can't even move on as far as permitting the use of contraception but we can live in hope:) Joseanne God's word might not have changed for 1000 years but our interpretation alters with time and understanding - as well as getting through the problems of multiple contradictions.

Seriously I dont think so Daniel, The catholic church is such a conservative body and adverse to any change,As a Roman Catholic myself though not having conservative views I dont think it would be right having a female Pope or even female priests, and I would think that most female catholics would also share that view.But on the matter of contraception I think catholics should be allowed to use them and most probaly do? On a slightly different subject do you think there will ever be a female Archbishop of Canterbury!? Dave