The death of the Pope has become a lesson in the history of Catholicism for many people including myself. My exposure to Catholicism comes from watching Mass on TV (usually on Christmas Eve) and in events like this. I’ve never been to mass, been inside a Catholic church only a handful of times in my life. I fail to understand Catholicism. For many people who grew up Catholic, it is a way of life. Not just a religion, but a subculture.
Catholics have alot of stuff they’d like to forget. Including….

• The selling of indulgences…which caused Martin Luther to start the Protestant movement.
• Collaboration with the Nazis. In many ways the Catholics were neutral toward the Nazi’s during World War II, not showing rejection of their dogma, and even supporting anti-semitism.

All religions have checkered pasts. Some more than others. Since the Catholic church has been around alot longer than most other major religions, it’s going to have a much more jaded past than newer religions.
Still there are stuff that the Catholic church clings to, that I feel is not what God intended.

• Veneration of Mary (and the rest of the saints). This takes away from our first and foremost target of worship…God Himself. Admiring past Christians for their roles in Christentom is fine, but when too much emphasis is put on them, then we loose sight of our true adoration.
• The infallibility of the Pope – This is contrary to 1 John 1:8-10. Certainly any religious man can make mistakes. Even if one is acting as official capacity of the church doesn’t make one immune from sin. It is our obligation to continue to study the scripture to determine if what our religious leaders is speaking the truth.
• Elevation of the Pope as being God’s sole representative on Earth. – No one man should have that much authority. Sure, Pope John Paul II was a good man, but the church hiarchy wasn’t what God intended. Kissing the Pope’s ring? Asking the Pope to bless your child? This is all foreign to me….and Biblical examples.
• Birth Control and allowing priests to be married (as discussed previously)

What I’m seeing now is an outpouring of ridiculous sadness for a mere man who many people don’t know personally. They regard him as almost a king. I don’t get it. And I still don’t get similar fabricated grief for Terri Schiavo. People, get a grip. This type of emotion should only be reserved for immediate family or close friends.