Pope Benedict's Call for One-World Authority
A commentary by Jerold Aust
Good News senior writer
Posted August 13, 2009
 On
July 7, 2009 Pope Benedict, "pinned responsibility for the worldwide
recession squarely on greed and an amoral fascination with technological
progress for its own sake" (guardian.co.uk).
His 144-page encyclical "takes as its point of departure the argument
that only a belief in the truth as proclaimed by Christianity can offer the
necessary answers" (ibid.).
But whose "Christianity" does he have in mind?
He continues, "The conviction that the economy must be autonomous,
that it must be shielded from 'influences' of a moral character
[through separation of church and state], has led man to abuse the economic
process in a thoroughly destructive way. In the long term, these convictions
have led to economic, social and political systems that trample upon
personal and social freedom, and are therefore unable to deliver the
justice that they promise" (ibid.).
The big question: By whom will "moral character" be defined?
Papal defense
During a Vatican press conference, the pope's technical consultant
denied that the encyclical was anti-capitalist, but added that it "views
capitalism in its historical dimension and goes beyond it" (ibid.).
What did he mean by "goes beyond it"? The article
continues with specific recommendations from the pope that might provide
at least part of the meaning.
"Then, in a passage that builds on ideas first voiced by his
predecessor, John Paul II, the pope argues that globalization has made
necessary a 'reform of the United Nations Organization and likewise
of economic institutions and international finance so that the concept
of the family of nations can acquire real teeth'" (ibid.,
emphasis added).
Is religious liberty in danger?
Could "real teeth" mean military power with direct papal
approval to enforce Catholic values? Is the pope suggesting that the
Catholic Church should define all morality and approve its global enforcement?
The Times of London (July 11, 2007) reports—in an article
by Richard Own and Ruth Gledhill titled: If it isn't Roman
Catholic then it's not a proper Church, Pope tells Christians—that "The
Vatican has described the Protestant and Orthodox faiths as 'not
proper Churches' in a document issued with the full authority
of the Pope" (timesonline.co.uk).
Nicholas P. Miller, director of the International Religious Liberty
Institute at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan interprets
the pope's encyclical from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective. Miller read
the pope's entire encyclical letter before commenting:
"Such language seems to reflect predictions that Seventh-day
Adventists [along with other concerned religious organizations] have
made for many years that at a time of international crisis [shortly
before Christ's second coming], religious leaders would call for
international enforcement of moral rules and standards. Is the Pope's
recent letter a fulfillment of those predictions?"
The power of ideas
Miller appreciates the pope's concern regarding social justice
and Christians' responsibility to be good stewards. Conversely,
he is aware of the power of ideas that come from influential figures,
few more influential than the pope.
"But we are concerned when the Pope, a religious, spiritual leader
seeks to advise the governments of the world on the creation of a worldly,
political entity that will implement global political, economic and
moral policy through force and coercion" (ibid.).
Nicholas Miller then contrasts Jesus Christ's claim to that of
the pope. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My
kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should
not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here" (John
18:36).
Is the pope's letter advocating that a world-ruling power should
initiate a social order that conforms—by coercion if necessary—to
Catholic morality?
Miller suggests, "The Pope's choice of words is telling.
He does not say 'some moral order,' or 'a moral order,' but 'the
moral order.' Could this be any other moral order than the
one articulated and taught by the Catholic Church?" (ibid.).
Historical accounts that reveal the relationships that have existed
between the Catholic Church and various political states during the
Middle Ages abound. One such relationship led to the Spanish Inquisition.
Miller feels the pope's recent letter could lead to international
action. He explains, "During times of calamity and crisis, ideas
that would usually be ignored often gain more traction" (ibid.).
Bible prophecy
The book of Revelation presents a clear message on this matter. It
warns that a self absorbed, end-time religious, political and military
power bloc will form and gain control of the whole world. Only the European
continent has a long, ongoing history of totalitarian church-state rule.
Is it now on track to re-enact its former role?
  For clear biblical and
historical details I urge you to download, request or read online our
free, informative booklets: The Book of Revelation
Unveiled and You can Understand Bible Prophecy.
Related Resources
Pope
Calls for New "World Political Authority"
Pope Benedict XVI and other world leaders are right that we do need
a new "world political authority." But what does the Bible
say about how it will come?
Pope
Benedict Calls for "True World Authority"
There are times when headlines and articles leap right out of the Bible.
This week saw such a headline. Where it will lead is yet to be seen,
but this one you will want to watch.
|
