The pope isn’t even on this continent yet, but the pope-mania has begun.
The Freedom From Religion Religion Foundation would like to share as secular antidotes two artistic responses to Pope Francis’ upcoming visit and congressional address: an irreverent cartoon by Mike Konopacki, and the words and music to Dan Barker’s equally irreverent and unforgettable “Stay-Away Pope Polka.” Listen for free here.
Dan originally wrote this song in 1987 (using the world’s first “atheist backup chorus” at a studio in downtown Madison, Wis.). “The Stay-Away Pope Polka” was played on the radio in each of the many cities Pope John Paul II visited — at great taxpayer expense — that year, and was also played at many of the protests and demonstrations by secularists, gays, feminists and others around the country.
Although Dan conceived the song as a polka in honor of John Paul’s Polish roots, it’s is equally fitting for Pope Francis (even including a Spanish chorus). Yes, the current pope offers more moderate window-dressing, but nothing has changed when it comes to the Church’s theological and doctrinal “sins.”
Enjoy!
2 Responses
I’m so sick of Pope-mania. I’m about ready to give up on NPR. They’ve gone insane.
For those of you that might not be familiar with this CONFLICTED portion of the NT:
Mathew says the EIGHT Beatitudes were given during the Sermon on the Mount. They are (supposedly):
Blessed are …
… the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
… those who mourn: for they will be comforted.
… the meek: for they will inherit the earth.
… those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled.
… the merciful: for they will be shown mercy.
… the pure in heart: for they will see God.
… the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God.
… those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Basically the vocal, bigoted, apparent majority, of christians really on adhere to #2, but int their minds, #4 and #8 apply.
Interesting part, is that in the supposedly free of conflicts and contradictions bible, Luke says that Jesus gave the FOUR Beatitudes and FOUR Woes in the Sermon on the Plain. According to Luke they are:
Blessed are you …
… who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
… who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
… who weep now, for you will laugh.
… when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of man.
Woe to you …
… who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
… who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.
… who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
… when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.