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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Pope Out of Touch on Homosexuality: Blair

Former PM advocates 'metaphorical' reading

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(Newser) – It's time for Pope Benedict to rethink his outdated views on homosexuality, charges former British prime minister Tony Blair. The Vatican considers homosexuality a "tendency" toward "moral evil," citing biblical references. But Blair, a Catholic convert, tells the gay magazine Attitude that religious leaders should treat the Bible as metaphorical, rather than literal, in order to expand tolerance.

“We need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith,” said Blair, who has started a foundation to boost understanding of world religions.  "If you read the whole of the Old Testament and took everything that was there in a literal way as being what God and religion is about, you’d have some pretty tough policies." 

Pope Benedict XVI meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair during a private audience at the Vatican two years ago.
Pope Benedict XVI meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair during a private audience at the Vatican two years ago.   (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO)
Pope Benedict shakes hands with then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair during a private audience at the Vatican in 2006.
Pope Benedict shakes hands with then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair during a private audience at the Vatican in 2006.   (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Vatican in 2007.
Pope Benedict XVI meets with outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Vatican in 2007.   (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO)
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I think what is interesting is that if you went into any Catholic Church, particularly a well-attended one, on any Sunday here and did a poll of the congregation, you’d be surprised at how liberal-minded people were. - Tony Blair

The items of individual legislation matter a lot, but I think it’s the general shift in climate that is perhaps the most important point. - Tony Blair

We need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith. - Tony Blair

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13 comments
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Mr.C
Apr 8, 09 5:49 AM CDT
saying the bible should be treated metaphorically is mainly an excuse to pick and choose what you want of it Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Apr 8, 09 5:58 AM CDT
Yes, and what's your point? You don't think Christians are already doing that? Tell me, how many bull sacrifices have you see lately? Per the bible it's mandated. How about the stoning of uncontrollable daughters? Don't forget that shrimp cocktail is an abomination spoken out against with more vehemence than homosexuality.
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IN RESPONSE:
Adapt-Overcome
Apr 8, 09 7:52 AM CDT
The bible was written as a guide and it is up for interpretation. Every reglion interprets it differently. So get off the moral high horse.
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IN RESPONSE:
shonangreg
Apr 8, 09 8:48 AM CDT
Spoken like a true literalist, Mr. C. After being exposed to numerous other religions, and after seeing the sense behind evolutionary theory, why would you let someone else insist that you take their words literally? This is all the more suspect when you take into account the Nicean Council when Constantine made his deal to mix Church and State. Jesus warned us about Caesar and the difference in spirit and temporal authority. ...... Maybe speaking in figures is simply much, much more powerful than you've ever given it credit for. From my point of view, literalism is just a way of controlling others.
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IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Apr 8, 09 2:17 PM CDT
Thank you all for telling me my point after I didn't make one.
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