Maybe not, but just the possibilities make for great discussion.

Tsk, and yet I remain disparaged.

Oregon has a similar problem to California, in that we have a large public employee union thus many contractual obligations to public employees past, present, and future. The end result is that the state needs more revenue than it takes in, and punishes the citizens for being skeptical of the use of funds.

Side note: In the nineties there was an attempt to change the public employee contract benefits through the state's measure system. Though the measure passed, it was challenged and shot down in court.

I can accept that even beyond death, there may be a possibility for salvation beyond what my temporal eyes can see.

But given the scripture as written, and noting that even Christ himself implied there was only so much time, I assume the negative and spread the Word in hopes that all might be prepared. I believe I'd be remiss to do otherwise.

I knew they were up to something. Stupid polyhedra. Vengeance shall be mine!

God's grace and mercy is such that it is offered to all, the catch is that we must grasp ahold of that. Christians such as myself believe this, but also there is a day when the opportunity to take what is offered is gone. My concern is not that the disbeliever might see God -- but rather that he might see Him unprepared.

The idea that God is merciful is central to my beliefs. The essential element is that there's no one better than another, that anyone can meet God and be reconciled to God through Christ His Son who redeemed us. It's never how good we are, but what Christ has done that is our salvation.  My His grace I'm redeemed; by His mercy I am forgiven. That grace and mercy is offered to all.

There is nothing wrong with sincere disbelief. Thomas the Apostle is perhaps the most famous, but even he eventually came to accept Christ and God.

Side note: When I play a game with kids, I never let them win. If they are going to win it's because they played/rolled better. A lot of times it's because of the latter. I'm positive that dice hate me.

Quite true -- I'm also Oregon-born. We had a large timber industry that was killed by environmentalists and then by the Federal government "feeding the bears" for the decades that followed. We've communities that pretty much survive on subsidies and Wal-Mart.

Yeah, the atheist reaction seems odd. I mean, if God really doesn't exist, why does it matter what the Pope says about redemption and salvation?

Do they like the perceived insurance just in case they turn out to be wrong? Should Judgment Day prove a reality, do they hope to stand before the King of Kings and say, "Yeah, I spent my whole life denying You, but Pope Francis says I get in anyways"?

Once again I play straight man. I'll set 'em up, you'll knock 'em out of the park.

Fun, I got:

You are St. Jerome! You’re a passionate Christian, fiercely devoted to Jesus Christ and his Church. You are willing to labor long hours in the Lord’s vineyard, and you have little patience with those who are less willing or able to work as you do. Your passions often carry you into temptation zones of wrath, lust, and pride.

On further speculation, it seems my George MacDonald reference is most apt in this case. Huffpo is listening for what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.

So when we are faced with someone tormented, Schori's response is, "You're different and that's just fine!" Is this correct?

I suppose if her kids asked for fish and eggs, she'd give them snakes and scorpions as well.

Wait ... what if I choose Ringo? Where does that place me politically?

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that theory as well. I appreciate the clarification.

I will note that Huffpo seems to be making a career out of misreading the Pope's words entirely.

I'm a pessimist at heart. I just have no confidence this is making as much an effect as we'd like to believe.