A Presbyterian on Pius XII

by Heidi Schlumpf on Jan. 11, 2010

Presbyterian pastor Michael Jinkins, professor and dean at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas, questions the beatification of Pope Pius XII, especially the Vatican's explanation that it's OK to separate one's private faith from public actions--in this case, anyway.

In a post on the Duke Divinity "Call & Response" blog, Jinkins took particular offense with the almost Orwellian defense by Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi that the Vatican wasn't evaluating "the historical impact of all his operative decisions."

Jinkins quotes Thomas Merton: "If you want to have a spiritual life you must unify your life. A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No one can serve two masters."

Pope Pius XII should not be

Submitted by Anonymouse (not verified) on Jan. 12, 2010.

Pope Pius XII should not be canonized.

Pius XII was awarded the

Submitted by Hugh (not verified) on Jan. 13, 2010.

Pius XII was awarded the supreme honour of "Righteous Gentile" by the Jews of his time in recognition of his efforts to save them from the Nazis.

Pastor Michael Jinkins has been awarded ... what?

And why does Wojtyla, and

Submitted by frère charles du désert OSB OBLAT (Congrégation de Subiaco) (not verified) on Jan. 13, 2010.

And why does Wojtyla, and Ratzinger, get free rides in all of this.

During the era in which the German/Polish episcopacies were welcoming the Nazis, we might see Wojtyla's rather comfortable service as collaboration, as well as serving as double agent.

And what's that whole thing with Herr and Fraulein Ratzinger putting little Joe in the Nazi YOuth?

And people are now just all right with that, and throwing stones and Pope Pius?

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