New pope - no change - why care?

The title is a little unfair. There will, we are told, be change. However, the change will apparently be in the running of the Vatican and the outward style of the papacy; not in the spiritual foundations, philosophy and message of the organisation.

Let's face it: the RC multi-national state is like a socialist bureaucracy. Its equivalent in China is the Chinese Communist Party. It will change only what suits it in its constant efforts to maintain its control. On the other hand, the RC multi-national sect is also like a multi-national corporation. It regularly rebrands in order to increase its power or whenever things go wrong.

Why is this important?

The answer is simple. The world at large associates "the church" with politics and business, and the result of all this meaningless hullabaloo over a new pope is to reinforce that impression. It goes well beyond the Vatican. Few people outside denominations and local churches see much difference betweeen one Christian organisation and another. They are all seen as being similarly judgemental and hypocritical. Most people, and this includes a huge number of professing Christians, think that the political and business model of the RC sect (or something remarkably similar, albeit in different brand colours) is what Jesus is all about. And I repeat, this applies to all denominations, old and new. 

Jesus was never about denominations. Not only did he never teach such a concept; he actively and vehemently taught against it. 

I am not writing in favour of ecumenism, which is a total distraction from what is required. What is needed is for denominations of all shades is to dissolve, for local churches to close their buildings, members of hierarchies to renounce their titles and powers, and everyone who professes to follow Jesus to do precisely that. Following Jesus is not about turning up on a Sunday, attending a prayer group, sharing common rituals and liturgies, wearing symbols or following shared social norms, and is not about organised political action or ethical spending. None of these things is intrinsically wrong, bu nobody, unless they choose to be perverse in their interpretations, can conceivably read the teachings and example of Jesus in the four gospels in such a way. 

Yahweh is patient, but he is not forgetful; he is forgiving, but not a doormat. Jesus said that there is only one sin (i.e. rejection of Yahweh's authority and will) that is unforgiveable. The so-called "unforgiveable sin", is to "blaspheme the Holy Spirit". Blasphemy is not the same as profanity; it means to misuse or usurp the authority of the HS, to make false claims or justify self by claiming the HS's guidance; it means to claim falsely that your authority is his authority. This is what denominations and those in their hierarchies do with alarming certainty and regularity. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes on the day of judgement!