The infallibility doctrine is actually a (relatively) very recent one - 19th century I think. I was discussing it with a presbyterian friend recently and we came to pretty much the same conclusion you have. 'Hey guys, I'm infallible' 'how do we know you are?' 'well. because I said so, and I'm infallible'.
I was very disappointed (tho not altogether surprised) that they picked Ratzinger, I was really hoping this time they might actually look ahead and go for someone prepared to move with the times even a little. Although given his age, it could well be that he is a 'stop-gap' pope so that next time they can vote in someone more liberal. But then he's picked by a pack of pensioners with onions on their rosaries, most of whom will have no truck with 'modern' ideas. It's very hard to have any respect for them.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2005-04-20 09:20 am (UTC)I was very disappointed (tho not altogether surprised) that they picked Ratzinger, I was really hoping this time they might actually look ahead and go for someone prepared to move with the times even a little.
Although given his age, it could well be that he is a 'stop-gap' pope so that next time they can vote in someone more liberal. But then he's picked by a pack of pensioners with onions on their rosaries, most of whom will have no truck with 'modern' ideas.
It's very hard to have any respect for them.