The role of the Roman Church by this Pope as he perceives it is now evident. Lecturing Muslims on their faith, he has demonstrated his vast knowledge of Christian theology and ignorance of Islamic thought and history. He has offended Jews in his speeches at the Holocaust memorial in Germany, absolving the church for any responsibility. In his criticism of secular Europe and the West for rejecting Christian values and his church , he sees hope in the evangelical religious spirit of America and many so-called Third World nations.
His current visit to the US is officially "pastoral." Yet he is credited with getting Bush elected because of his condemnation of Kerry. His personal welcome by Bush is understandable. For the Pope, his visit at election time serves his own agenda for his church as the representative of true Christianity.
With his visit, the Holy See is breaking with a tradition of steering clear of direct presence in the US during election years. Of course, no meetings are planned with the presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain. However Benedict will by his presence in Washington and New York, be implicity promoting the Republican McCain, who has a record of opposing abortion. Both Clinton and Obama have taken pro-choice positions in the abortion debate -- a position Benedict finds unacceptable.
The Pulitzer Prize winner Jack Miles ("God: A Biography") wrote in 2005 that "arguably ... Ratzinger won the election for Bush." In the last presidential election, the Methodist Bush ran against the Catholic John Kerry. But Joseph Ratzinger, who at the time was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, attacked the Catholic candidate, not the Protestant one.
During the 2004 election campaign, Ratzinger sent a letter to the American bishops, in which he said that all Catholic candidates who were not in favor of a ban on abortion should be denied Communion. In addition, anyone who voted for Kerrry "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion."
"Without this ... , Kerry would have had a popular majority of a million votes," wrote Sidney Blumenthal, a political commentator and former Bill Clinton advisor, for the online magazine Salon.com in April, 2005. "Three states -- Ohio, Iowa and New Mexico -- moved into Bush's column on the votes of the Catholic 'faithful.'"
The birthday party Bush is throwing for the Pope (which he will not attend) may be can be seen as a gesture of thanks. Benedict will be turning 81, and at least 9,000 guests will gather on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate. The differences between Bush and the Pope -- disagreement on the Iraq war, on the death penalty, and on how to help the world's poor -- will not be enough to spoil the festive mood.
___________
UPDATE 4/18/08
This article was flagged as "Hate Speech" but has since been "unflagged." Why it was flagged isn't made clear by any of the comments posted? I attempted to clarify my intent in my comment below:
" I think the role of the world religions in the 21st century will prove to be a major factor, perhaps the major one , in determining whether humanity devolves to barbarism and a new "Dark Ages." I am not Roman Catholic, yet I have high regard for most of what this Pope has said about the human condition. His offending Muslims and Jews and his frequent criticism of other religions is unfortunate . The worst part, perhaps, is that this brillant man was so igorant of history and made serious errors in his statements. He seems unaware of the negative reactions his public words would provoke. It is in this context that I am critical of his interference in America's politics.
Essentially, the diverse world religions do not disagree. This fact may become better understood in this century. China, the rising world power, by the way, may have the largest Christian and Muslim populations of any nation in this century. "
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Comments: 46
The Pope is definitely against abortion and that is evident in his efforts in most political stands.
Therefore, he, in his presents here in the US will only help the Republicans
I take your point. I revised the opening paragraph, which describes the apparent agenda of this Pope for the church. Would you agree he sees his role as being an instrument for purifying its message ? At the same time, he demonstrates his conviction that the church brings the true, revealed teaching.
He did influence the 2004 election and his current visit, which Bush has made political use of, will . I think the Pope's intention is to restore and purify the church to serve his vision of its role. He is certainly not a proponent of capitalism. He has praised Karl Marx analysis of it.
The problem is that there are many expressions of Catholicism, meaning that people's personalities obviously play a part in how we live our Catholicism; whether we support Social Justice doctrine, Just War doctrine, Life, etc. One size does not fit all. Life is messy and Catholics do find ourselves having abortions and being divorced. In any case, I find it very odd that Benedict, a member of Hitler Youth, albeit by force, excuses himself from wrong, yet not others. This is where he and Jesus take divergent paths.
So let me see if I can follow the logic here.
The vast majority of Catholics do not do what the Pope says when it comes to contraception and abortion but they will (religiously) do what he says when it comes to voting for president.
Could we entertain the possiblity that it was illogical analysis like this that defeated Kerry and not the pope?
Ratzinger has been known to personally discipline cruelly even older colleagues in the church when he disapproved of their views. He probably did not realize he was being offensive (and wrong) in his lectures to Jews and Muslims. That is why people in the church speak of his "dark mentality."
Of course, no one knows how many votes (Catholic and other!) the Pope's interference in the 2004 elections cost the Democrats. I don't see his action was about Kerry , per se, but against the "evil" of Secularism and for the "good" of Religion. The Republicans like to call the liberals anti-relgious.
I have long believed that the issue of abortion ties very deeply to the issues of (1) the wisdom of God , (2) the concept of the resurrection and to (3) the divinity of the 'whole-person creation' path on which each of us is upon. Those postures put me into an odd position.
>> I postulate that the mighty 'wisdom of God' is a path that gives us the FREEDOM to make mistakes, and gives us means to repair the damage when and if those errors are profound. 'Forgiveness of Sins' is a part of the deep meanings in Christianity and in other religions too as I read and understand them.
>> I also postulate that 'resurrection' through deep reflections upon the life of Christ certainly suggests tht something endures when life is taken from either a foetus or a mature adult who has lived a rich and rewarding life. Soul Theory would have much to say about this. Logic leads me to believe that the idea of life eternal REALLY means the preservation of LIFE, whether one has lived 100 years or no years. I must add, that I do believe that life is precious and should be preserved precisely because it is life-given by God. the Creator of ALL. THe Apostle's Creed says it all to practicing Christians. (If abortion is an abomination, why isn't WAR an abomination too?)
>> Finally, I contemplate that the reason we spend time on EARTH after our own birth is to design and create our self properly and to enjoy the gifts that religions say that our God gives us as an unrestricted gift. It is clear that an abortion violates that right to LIFE before MEANINGFUL LIFE has been lived for the foetus. But with a UNIVERSAL GOD perspective, there is never any permanent loss; the human souls survive eternally. Right?
Each of us is present on this EARTH to grow our very own self and to create a divine consciousness within our self to contribute to others. ALL is about inter-connectivity. There is a sacredness about a new birth that must be made vivid as the mother-to-be contemplates having an abortion. She must be led to understand that it is, fundamentally, an immoral and a heinous act. HOWEVER, the right to choose to abort may be an integral part of the right to make a KEY and FREE decision that will ever shape the young mother-to-be, and it should be a TRUE and FREE choice of 'yes' or 'no'. The issue is all about creating one's own future self and this must be made clear to the troubled soul contemplating the 'yes' or 'no' decision.
While I am firmly against abortion, the young (or older) person should be FREE to choose and gain -- or suffer -- the PERSONAL consequences. I think to say 'yes' will bring issues forward that will shape the future for that person and become part of 'what kind of person that person will become'. But THAT is a personal choice. "To do or not to do", is the deepest kind of question and must be pre-ceeded by an understanding of what is contemplated and what consequences might ensue personally and socially. Advice is at the heart of the deliberation for the youngster (or oldster) here.
Resurrection implies a form of unknowable re-incarnation (and is linked to both truth-seking and deep knowledge). Divinity as we know it is related to our personal ability to create in our self the largest possible ethical and moral awareness of our actions while alive on this glorious planet of ours. Human goals for each person on EARTH have to do with MORAL and BEHAVIORAL ideals. For the troubled young (or old) person, she is the chalice for the opportunity to grow her SELF. 'NO' is a path that will generate pain I presume. 'YES' is also, likely, a path to even greater pain. BUT both are a part of self-shaping with messages that REALLY matter. AGAIN -- its her personal choice, and will display for herself what kind of person she is and may become.
I am against abortion as a position to be articulated as an absolute rule by a legal or theological rule or law. I believe that the young , or older, woman should -- after consultation (which SHOULD BE REQUIRED) -- be able to say: "Abort or not abort the foetus. I understand the personal long-range consequences." (Remember WAR?) The compassionate social role should be to make certain the the mother-to-be understands as well as possible what those consequences may be in terms of long-term consequences to her personality and socio-economic future.
I am in favor of a free choice by the mother-to-be after a great deal of COMPASSIONATE self searching and self-examination and wise contributions of thought is given to her. In short, she has a right to abort and I am against abortions. I believe that the young (or old) person may be destroying herself by saying "Yes, abort the foetus." But the RIGHT must prevail! And I hope that the resurrection idea is that which prevails in this glorious UNIVERSE of ours.
Dick
One notable thing Benedict is trying to do is to get american catholic universities to "toe the line" of catholic dogma- stop discussing things that he does not want catholics to discuss. I find that to be an annoying "thought police" effort.
Traditionally, religions as social institutions have classified members according to their personal development. For Christianity, these would be "pre-Christians," "intermediate Christians," and "Christians." The teaching, doctrines and "virtues" are intended for all ("all must be called"). The ability of individuals to practice the teaching is relative. Only a very few, as the Saints, can be called "Christians." I agree with your view of abortion. I think conscience is what measures each of us as human beings, independent of any culture, religion or morality.
However, the sexual abuse of children by church officials, both clergy and laypeople, goes back many decades before the internet. And that is just the stuff that has come to light. I'm sure the generation who came forward about their abuse in the 40s, 50s and 60s were not the first children to be so treated at the hands of their supposed spiritual leaders.
For Ratzinger to say someone "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion" by how they vote in an election is laughably absurd except for the horror of it. The complicity of ALL high ranking church officials in the cover-up of sexual abuse allegations, in the protecting and hiding of abusers have been more guilty of "formal cooperation in evil" than any voter ever was and so the entire church should, by his logic, should not be elligible for "holy communion".
It's absolutely disgusting...and if there is a god, then both these men and the others who are culpable in getting them into power and waging this unjust war will be going straight to hell.
As the use car salesman can see from his office he has another coustomer looking around the lot, he says a little prayer, "Oh, please lord let this be the one."
"Good looking heh, we call it the Pope mobile, go ahead jump in let's take it around the block and if you buy it, this well built Catholic symbol of engineering with Italin design and it will get you into heaven, here let's fire this version of god up."
The engine roar to life and smile come across the customer face and says to the sales person, "My Dad was a Methodist man and his vehicle never broke down and they are still around today, even late models. But I heard something about this Catholic built car, it has a long tradition and been around for a long time but I think it my be a little old fashinson for my taste."
The sales person in his white robe started to get a little panic, thinking he might lose this customer, sales around here have been down lately espically after several salesmen were arrested for picking up young boys and girls for a joy ride.
The news coverage on that was bad for business.
The sales person pause for a moment and from his used Catholic car lot, which was located on what the city called, autorow there were several other dealerships, that could be seen up and down the street. Not to long ago some middle eastern business broughtout the Baptist across the street and thier sales of Muslim cars have gone through the roof, and he just couldn't believe their sales pitch, "full tank of gas for life and twelve virgins at the end of your trip." That Muslim dealership has been packed ever sense it move there, as well as the Japanese, the Koreans, and there was a time the only concern were other Protestant
"Oh my, were is Staint Micheal when you need him," he thought to him self.
"I was raised in the Catholic Church. Some of my personal friends' lives were devastated by the priest at my parish who sexually molested them over a period of years."
Does that make my comment any more valid to you? I think there are a lot of reasons why people would be angry at the Catholic Church. Believe me, if you had experienced any of it, you would have the right to speak out against it.
This church deserves no respect for this....it has happened all over the world and no amount of 10-minute speeches by this man who was a leader in this organization for years and years can make up for the lives that were devastated.
And this person has the gaul to try to point a finger at Kerry and deny him communion? That just makes me sick. Sorry - again, no respect.
Thank you, Rory, for pointing out the duplicity in condemning some for the way they vote while covering for child molesters and sending them free to harm other children.
"I was raised in the Catholic Church. Some of my personal friends' lives were devastated by the priest at my parish who sexually molested them over a period of years." Does that make my comment any more valid to you? It does for me, since I can say the same. I agree that this church deserves no respect (for this and many other reasons) and that comparison to "I know a teacher who molested a child but don't advocate illiteracy," is not a logical response unless that was the ONLY teacher available anywhere.
I think all religions should be respected, perhaps if we did there would be a lot less war. Since most wars start because of religion, wouldn't it make more sense to say disregard all religion and there will be a lot less war?
Essentially, the diverse world religions do not disagree. This fact may become better understood in this century. China, the rising world power, by the way, may have the largest Christian and Muslim populations of any nation in this century.
When the pope says that people who vote for Kerry "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion," that is bound to influence Catholics.
It wouldn't take a "vast majority" to make an impact, either, contrary to Greg Schiller's claim which in his usual way, employs the old "bait and switch" ploy to make a point. You never said it involved a "vast majority." That term was invented by Schiller to distort the facts.
Essentially, the church is still living in the dark ages, and its policies and the beliefs it imposes are creating problems for the world. The forcing of an unnatural life style on priests and nuns has had very predictable results, not only today and for decades, as Rory observed, but possibly for centuries.
Also, by widely proselitizing its views on contraception it has neglected its responsibilities to the planet and contributed greatly to the overpopulation of third world countries which has compounded the effect of famines.
At some point, hopefully, the organization will wake up and realize that "abstinence" from sexual activity is not normal and, for the most part, just doesn't work.
Gerry Wass "I think he is being questioned around the world in the light of the negativity which he has surrounded himself with."
Chris W. "I think he was selected by the cardenals [sic] in an effort to cling to the legacy of John Paul."
Clarke M. "The worst part, perhaps, is that this brillant man was so igorant of history and made serious errors in his statements."
Dave McGill "The church is still living in the dark ages."
The narrative that I see playing out is that an unforgivably poor choice, a bureaucratic choice of an insider, a bookish lap dog for the previous Pope, is, perhaps predictably, going about the work of destroying the Roman Catholic Church.
Driving off youth and energy; delivering arcane, analytical, and ultimately insulting essays that damage rather than encourage communication with other religions; veering dangerously toward a hypocritical stance that favors one set of absolutes over others; and just perhaps, failing in his pastoral duties.
The "self-correction" embodied in a wrong-headed, but increasingly less respected leadership, will have the unfortunate side effect of further diminishing the importance of the Roman Church--a force for good in the world. Especially when its invitation to the loving grace and forgiveness of God are clearly expressed.
However, the cost to purchase and the interest paid along with the fuel and oil changes required is part of the bargain to be consider and that before the ink dries on the contract for your soul.
The Pope has faith in his product and like any sales person worth their salt and wants you to buy it. Even those gas gussler from the desert of Arabia want customers to get in on there offer.
Buy any model you like, but the statistic of lives lost on the highway of history tells us these cars can get you killed, even when you're obeying all of rules. There's road rage, recklessness of other drivers to think about, some believe theirs is the only car that will get you to havens gate.
I just hope the car you buy gets you where you want to go, and we all do at some point end up at the same place, the end of the road. Happy driving.
All the while the folks are cautioned to NEVER think for themselves, because the Devil may most likely be involved there with that ... just follow the dogma to the literal letter of the law (at least as "defined" by the "leaders").
And of course all those are repeatedly warned that any that come along stating anything "other-wise" are Satan's agents and/or false prophets never to be trusted.
That, in the "end times," there will be a great falling away from the church ... and it is "naturally" assumed by the "insiders" that such will amount to the unfaithful heretics and those NOT sufficiently committed to the "gospel" ... I maintain that those leaving will be the ones that rightfully "wise up" to the lies and hypocrisy that has been imposed upon them by the leaders of those institutions, those that leave being those that seek a truly higher truth ... a personal and individualistic Spiritual connection to God DIRECTLY and found already withIN themselves just waiting, as always, to be RECOGNISED and ACCEPTED.
Because religions for the most part are hierarchical constructions of men with egos, there will always be that "garbage rolls down hill" factor of "their" egos to contend with ... and that seems to be quite acceptable for human egos to deal with, maybe, as in "no pain no gain" considerations, that they have been "instructed" to believe (via dogma).
So as Clarke and Dave A. say, religions are expected to play a major role in our future, one way or another, but as to which way, I would not hold my breath that it will be for the betterment of mankind ... other than those already convinced by their religion that theirs is the one and only BEST way ... in which case they may well stick together believing that to the end ... but "that" does NOT necessarily bode well for the rest of us ...
Political and religious institutions are originally (sometimes) given to us for the organizational power that can bring more minds to bear towards correcting common problems ... great when done as intended, with transparency, and benevolence towards all ... BUT ... when they become corrupted and are required to protect their leaders via secrecy, then they have become controlling and one sided, actually using the trust of the followers for their own self gain ... in such cases, related to a greater transcendent reality of the REAL God, those folks are the Blind leading the blind.
It is past time for those folks involved to begin to question what they have committed to, because God will NOT be BRANDED ... God is generic and available for each and all ... religion so often just gets in the way, truth be told ... IMnsHO.
Frequently heard from non-believers. It's so much easier to occupy one's own "belief space" when one can dismiss others as blind followers of corrupt masters. It's arguably a more damaging delusion.
Jerry: "those that seek a truly higher truth ... a personal and individualistic Spiritual connection to God DIRECTLY"
Feels like 1517 all over again, only with new-age pantheism playing the part of the Maker.
Religion is always personal, Jerry. That is why I used the word "invitation" in my earlier post.
You miscontrue the sense of my comment that religions can play an important role in this century. In fact, I suggested civilization may become increasingly barbaric and chaotic if the religious sense is lacking. I am thinking of religion in a way similar to Dick Maffei in what he wrote above. The major religious institutions are in need of reform as are goverments and institutions . The UN , certainly a flawed institution, has described humanity's needs - physical, social and spiritual - as Human Rights. In all these areas positive work is possible. All are necessary. One day at a time.
That then leaves it up to the people themselves, as to whether they are willing to remain content and satisfied upon such "authorities" to change for the better or not.
In this respect I agree completely with your comment and clarification Clarke.
Dave, I may have well read into your words erroneously a bit more "negativity" (based upon my views) than was there also, if so I apologise to you also.
As for pantheism, that may well be a trend of sorts for some considered "free thinkers", but though I can understand it, I am not for it, I would be better called, IF I were to be "labeled", panentheistic (notice the "en" in the word) ... there is a big difference.
As in any belief "system", sound bites will not tell the story well enough, thus my comments are not meant to be anything more than a suggestion for further and deeper inquiry ... transcendent truth IS available, and sadly, IMnsHO, it is seldom supplied from our institutions, religious nor secular.
So, short of minor corrections based upon personal misunderstandings, I do stand by the "essence" of my writings. Of course, that leaves room for "to each their own", naturally. (+=-)>(+/-).
"Change takes place one death at a time," as Max Planck said of the resistance to new theories in science. Power tends seek to maintain the status quo, even in ways that a small, but effective minority have shown to be wrong. Bad ideas don't often get replaced from the top-down. ( Ghandhi overcame the Briitish power by not reacting to their mindset. He didn't consider this "non-violence" That is a false label often used to describe Ghandhi's or M L King's work , for that matter.
As I just noted above, in the exchange with Dick Maffei it was brought forward the challenges humanity faces are multi-faceted. The solutions have to be found through practical efforts - locally as well as globally.
Many religious organizations are doing good work Some are not. The Pope's analysis of humanity's situation is correct and profound in many respects. He recognizes as well the need for right relations among the leaders of the world religions and he is making efforts to facilitate it. It is unfortunate that he has through his own speeches offended just those he sought to engage. I think if he had asked the advice of his colleagues beforehand , at least some would have told him of the error of what he said and the negative effect of some of his personal views. He naturally sees his role as the the defender of his faith and his church. However his knowledge of other faiths and of history is obviously limited to having studied biased and partial accounts.
Your thought on reason is worthy of another article and discussion.
In the limited context of my article, I can add that the Pope's lecture to Muslims on the role of reason , in which he quoted 14th century Catholic theology, showed ignorance of well-known texts on reason in 12th century Islam by Islamic thinkers which presented the same thoughts.
I think it was on the Charlie Rose show recently that had to do with impressions by some guests that related to the Pope's visit last week. I forget who made the comment --but it was not Charlie Rose. The essence of the comment was that the Pope either intimated or said that "there was Christ in every person". I will add that the potential to become more Christlike is a heritage for every person on Earth, now and forever.
I found this comment to be astoundingly important because it reaches out to the concept that there is DIVINITY in every living human person, and then it follows that human rights AMONG persons takes on a new and profound meaning within the complex events that pervade our interactions -- like NOT killing and disrespecting one other. Discussions are more powerful than swords when solving problems! Then many implications soon follow: seek always to understand and RESPECT, if possible, every other person with whom one comes into contact. And in seeking that new mutual understnding the 'weapons' are those of mind and heart and affectionate respect -- and when possible -- LOVE. (WE may have to wait at least a millennium for LOVE, I presume.)There is a further implication that relates to equality and thus the meaningfullness of the ineqaulities of wisdom-seeking requirements.
I think everyone might come very close to agreeing that every (k)-infant has great, great potential that may -- or not -- be appreciated and developed as one walks one's personal century or so (science says that future 'life expectancy can constantly increase -- (more time for joy or misery?)) toward a possibly blissful (or not) future. In that sense, because of the anticipated cumulative gains (and losses?) from experiences that teach one and contribute to wisdom, there is perpetual IN-equality in knowledge possession among child and adult folk. Inequalities are a fact of life and can be woven into a recognition of needs for consciousnss growth, conscience growth, and experiential and educational experiences. Children (in years or age or realized learning, at times) are less advantaged than adults. But I know many children who are wise at very early ages. It takes only fifteen or so years to become intellectually adequate in todays' world when educational opportunities are really available, as they should be.
In my recent searches through the fields of science, technology, theology, religion and human "BIG HISTORY" (check out Google) I have caught some interesting new thoughts. The one I am about to note hit me hard when I heard it said (within a Teaching Company course about early religious awareness of human mystical experience histories (and the interpretation of the Jewish Cabala) that when the Ein Sof (a non-anthropomorphic explanation of the concept of GOD) is seen in its true light, GOD can be helped by the 'good works' of us humans. " 'WE. THE PEOPLE' CAN HELP GOD BY BECOMING EVER WISER AND MORE INFORMED!"
Without going further I will say that a set of new dualistic interpretations can emerge from this notion of 'helping GOD' to create a better future WORLD for ourselves. Here is a call for GOD to provide LOGICAL AND AESTHETIC THOUGHTS and for PERSONS to design HUMAN, HUMANE BEHAVIORS that really matter -- as time marches on. In current day physics the notions of string thory are leading us into new realms including a POSSIBLE two universe, mega-verse: a SCIENTIFIC/ PHILOSOPHICAL theoretical dualism. OR possibly a more complex continuous Aristotelian UNIVERSE that always was and will ever be -- but CHANGING because of the Black Hole that leaks -- according to Stephen Hawkings (the Newton Professor of Physics at Cambridge)) look see theoretical phenomenon assumption. Aristotle's infinite and eternal God and Universe and the present WORLD-VIEW of us human persons as finite and fallible when linked to the notion of FATHER-SON/DAUGHTER linkage via the (NON-GENDERED) HOLY SPIRIT, can help us all to speculate that ALL can be potentially well in this UNIVERSE -- especially if we could all accept the idea that each of us is -- as yet -- imperfectly DIVINE (a REAL miracle) -- LIKE CHRIST (who represents a UNIVERSAL finite exemplar of human possibilities).
Pope Benedict XVI may have opened up great research and speculative possibilities that will enable us to take solid looks at prospects for an enlightened humanism. a worthy ecumenism, and further human self-creation. Place these prospects against the possibility that the WORLD may cease to be -- for humans (not insects) -- in the next FEW hundred years. Its time for serious 'look-sees' at ourselves. As cooperators on this EARTH, we may have a chance. Without it? MUSHROOM CLOUDS and STARVATION (in the dark with no gasoline)?
Dick
I do not think that we should "seriously" speculate beyond two or three of them (universes) until we better understand the first ... but because all things must be related, to understand at all, it is always good to at least "allow" the greater picture of potentials.
IMnsHO.
Your impression of Benedict's point of view is perhaps "heretical," that is you interpret his thought in a way he would not agree with. But the 'heretical" Teilhard de Chardin would find much to agree with. The term "noogenesis" was a term he introduced . It means the growth or development of consciousness--the coming into being of the "noosphere." Noosphere is defined as the sphere or stage of evolutionary development characterized by (the emergence or dominance of) consciousness, the mind, and interpersonal relationships.
His "The Human Phenomenon" (1938) guides the reader back in space-time to experience the birth of our planet as it emprisons the human future in its globe and motion . He talks about pre-life, life, the Alpha Point, the Omega Point, and so on. According to him the pre-life is what we call matter. In calling it 'pre-life', he wants to imply that there is already a direction, a tendency, an obscure sort of will in matter.
He see matter under the twin categories of duration and of evolution, instead of fixity and geometry. The whole universe in fact, is found to be engaged in an immense evolution, to which astronomy claims to be able to assign an initial date – between five billion five hundred million and eight billion five hundred million years ago..
A defense of Teilhard:
"Teilhard de Chardin – A Passionate Champion of Christ" by
J Felix Raj, SJ
http://www.goethals.org/teilhard.htm