The Pope's ignorance has fatal consequences

[Oblivion]

In light of his wreckless and, frankly, disgraceful comments about condoms whilst in Africa, activists have launched a Facebook campaign comdemning the Pope. While in Cameroon last week, the Pope made the outrageous claim that HIV "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem."

This bogus claim flies in the face of every study that has shown condoms to be a critical weapon in the fight against deadly sexually-transmitted deseases.

CNN reports: "The Vatican has long opposed the use of condoms and other forms of birth control and encourages sexual abstinence to fight the spread of the disease. About a dozen Facebook groups have sprang up, mostly from European countries, criticizing the pontiff's remarks." Full story: Facebook users wage condom campaign against Pope - CNN.com

Meanwhile, 600 people die per day - in South Africa alone - from HIV-related illness. "It frightens me that a man who has devoted his life to moral guidance ... and is undeniably a learned, intelligent man can be at the same time so narrow-minded, bigoted and irresponsible," posted one Facebook user.

Personally, I think the Pope is rapidly becoming an obsolete dinosaur. The real tragedy is that there are still people - often from the most vulnerable groups in Third World countries - who will follow his "words of wisdom" to the letter.

The man should be thoroughly condemned.

[Odyessus]

In light of his wreckless and, frankly, disgraceful comments about condoms whilst in Africa, activists have launched a Facebook campaign comdemning the Pope. While in Cameroon last week, the Pope made the outrageous claim that HIV "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem."

This bogus claim flies in the face of every study that has shown condoms to be a critical weapon in the fight against deadly sexually-transmitted deseases.

CNN reports: "The Vatican has long opposed the use of condoms and other forms of birth control and encourages sexual abstinence to fight the spread of the disease. About a dozen Facebook groups have sprang up, mostly from European countries, criticizing the pontiff's remarks." Full story: Facebook users wage condom campaign against Pope - CNN.com

Meanwhile, 600 people die per day - in South Africa alone - from HIV-related illness. "It frightens me that a man who has devoted his life to moral guidance ... and is undeniably a learned, intelligent man can be at the same time so narrow-minded, bigoted and irresponsible," posted one Facebook user.

Personally, I think the Pope is rapidly becoming an obsolete dinosaur. The real tragedy is that there are still people - often from the most vulnerable groups in Third World countries - who will follow his "words of wisdom" to the letter.

The man should be thoroughly condemned.

Yes, the people who indulge in widespread indiscriminate promiscuous sex in Africa follow the Pope's teaching on condoms to the letter. They probably refuse to eat meat on Fridays too.

You know it makes sense.

[corelli]

Yes, the people who indulge in widespread indiscriminate promiscuous sex in Africa follow the Pope's teaching on condoms to the letter. They probably refuse to eat meat on Fridays too.

You know it makes sense.

The Vatican did clarify it somewhat in that they said what the Pope intended to impart was that, given african culture, providing condoms to men has been shown to only encourage more casual sex, kind of God syndrome, and that given the about 5% failure rate of condoms, this actually makes matters worse.

Now, in fairness, thats not too bad if it can be factually born out by evidence, however, thats not what he said on the plane and it is not the first time his spokespersons have had to cover for him after the event.

[Oblivion]

Yes, the people who indulge in widespread indiscriminate promiscuous sex in Africa follow the Pope's teaching on condoms to the letter. They probably refuse to eat meat on Fridays too.

You do not need to engage in "widespread indicriminate promiscious sex" to spread HIV. There are many parts in Africa where having several wives is perfectly socially acceptable. It is not considered "promiscious". Nonetheless, it allows HIV to flourish. The Pope's words do nothing to help the situtation.

And considering the size of the crowds that turned out to see the Pope speak in Angola, his words still carry plenty of weight with them.

[Supermanpolitician]

In light of his wreckless and, frankly, disgraceful comments about condoms whilst in Africa, activists have launched a Facebook campaign comdemning the Pope. While in Cameroon last week, the Pope made the outrageous claim that HIV "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem."

This bogus claim flies in the face of every study that has shown condoms to be a critical weapon in the fight against deadly sexually-transmitted deseases.

CNN reports: "The Vatican has long opposed the use of condoms and other forms of birth control and encourages sexual abstinence to fight the spread of the disease. About a dozen Facebook groups have sprang up, mostly from European countries, criticizing the pontiff's remarks." Full story: Facebook users wage condom campaign against Pope - CNN.com

Meanwhile, 600 people die per day - in South Africa alone - from HIV-related illness. "It frightens me that a man who has devoted his life to moral guidance ... and is undeniably a learned, intelligent man can be at the same time so narrow-minded, bigoted and irresponsible," posted one Facebook user.

Personally, I think the Pope is rapidly becoming an obsolete dinosaur. The real tragedy is that there are still people - often from the most vulnerable groups in Third World countries - who will follow his "words of wisdom" to the letter.

The man should be thoroughly condemned.

Interesting causality here.

People listen to the Pope about condoms but not about monogamous sex in a marital relationship. Why would people listen to one sentence and not another?

Would it have been better if the Pope had said: "Multiple sexual personalities are ok as long as you use condoms. However I know that the use of condoms is often seen as unnecessary, and in sub Saharan Africa, condom use is very limited. I know many of you will have unprotected sex anyway. If I tell you to use condoms will you use them some of the time and not the rest of the time - as is quite common where Catholicism is not a major religion such as in South Africa?"


Simply put, blaming the Pope for the spread of HIV and Aids is a non starter. It implies that people listen selectively to the Pope.

I, on the other hand, accept that multiple sexual partners are a reality. But people would be as likely to listen to me as to the Pope.

Many political leaders in Africa have advocated condom usage. Some have said that multiple sexual partners without condoms is ok. Why is the Pope's message more listened to? Or is it just Pope bashing?

[Glennshane]

[QUOTE=Oblivion;1525708]

"In light of his wreckless and, frankly, disgraceful comments about condoms whilst in Africa, "

How do you know that his comments were wreckless? Your finding them disgraceful does not mean that everyone considers them disgraceful.

"activists have launched a Facebook campaign comdemning the Pope".

Do you approve of the anti-Catholic rant?

"While in Cameroon last week, the Pope made the outrageous claim that HIV "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem.""

What was outrageous about it? He did offer an alternative, a cheaper alternative - and probably a more effective alternative.

"This bogus claim flies in the face of every study that has shown condoms to be a critical weapon in the fight against deadly sexually-transmitted deseases. "

What was bogus about it? They are not nearly as effictive as fidelity to one sexual partner.

"Personally, I think the Pope is rapidly becoming an obsolete dinosaur."

I hope the Pope does not become aware of your opinion of him. It might give him many sleepless nights.

"The real tragedy is that there are still people - often from the most vulnerable groups in Third World countries - who will follow his "words of wisdom" to the letter."

How do you know?

"The man should be thoroughly condemned."

Get off your soap box.

[Supermanpolitician]

[quote=Glennshane;1525770]

"In light of his wreckless and, frankly, disgraceful comments about condoms whilst in Africa, "

How do you know that his comments were wreckless? Your finding them disgraceful does not mean that everyone considers them disgraceful.

"activists have launched a Facebook campaign comdemning the Pope".

Do you approve of the anti-Catholic rant?

"While in Cameroon last week, the Pope made the outrageous claim that HIV "can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem.""

What was outrageous about it? He did offer an alternative, a cheaper alternative - and probably a more effective alternative.

"This bogus claim flies in the face of every study that has shown condoms to be a critical weapon in the fight against deadly sexually-transmitted deseases. "

What was bogus about it? They are not nearly as effictive as fidelity to one sexual partner.

"Personally, I think the Pope is rapidly becoming an obsolete dinosaur."

I hope the Pope does not become aware of your opinion of him. It might give him many sleepless nights.

"The real tragedy is that there are still people - often from the most vulnerable groups in Third World countries - who will follow his "words of wisdom" to the letter."

How do you know?

"The man should be thoroughly condemned."

Get off your soap box.

Agree entirely. I don't agree with the church's stance on condoms but hey...I am a grown man and made up my own mind. It is insulting to say that Africans followingthe Pope slavishly on condom usage but not on monogamy.

I think it has more to do with the OP having some anti-church bias.

[Lidl_Shopper]

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[mothball]

To sum up the views of the church.
Don’t have extramarital sex or sex before marriage.
Don’t use contraception.


It's not his fault if people ignore the first one and obey the second. The church’s view on sex and abstinence may be unrealistic, but it’s not their fault when someone cherry picks their teachings.
It’s also a common misconception in S. Africa that having sex with a virgin will cure aids. I wonder what that means for the poor virgin.

[Supermanpolitician]

To sum up the views of the church.
Don’t have extramarital sex or sex before marriage.
Don’t use contraception.


It's not his fault if people ignore the first one and obey the second.
It’s also a common misconception in S. Africa that having sex with a virgin will cure aids. I wonder what that means for the poor virgin.
The church’s view on sex and abstinence may be unrealistic, but it’s not their fault when someone cherry picks their teachings.

Exactly.
Agree.