The Christian Science Monitor offers added enlightenment to the Pope's more traditional moves. His reinforcement of traditional Catholicism, one that claims Papal supremacy, prompted the righteous ire of a few Protestants to say the least. The Vatican's press secretary seemed a bit perplexed over the Protestant reaction:
The Vatican said it was surprised Protestants would feel anger at being described as less than churches in hundreds of stories in English-language papers around the world and asked them not to "overreact." "This isn't about Protestants, it is an internal theological document for purposes of clarity," Father [Federico] Lombardi stated.
As a Protestant I care little for the Pope's declarations. They mean nothing to me personally. But, his position possesses personal implications for many families. Supremacy and exclusivity often tear families apart. Because I pastor a diverse group of people I witness this immature position frequently leave scars on the Christian landscape. Lately I've studied a handful of Catholic material trying to understand a church often shrouded in mystery to the common Protestant. I must say along with the song writer, "Thou almost persuadeth me," until you declare me an apostate. Yes, I understand the authority of Bishops. Indeed I in theory, accept that authority as received from the scriptures. But, I also believe in the depravity of human beings. And that depravity, unchecked, leads to indulgences even in the highest human authorities. Such was the case in 15th and 16th century Europe. A man can declare another man saved yet, that declaration alone carries little animus within itself toward changing one's behavior. Soul saving grace enters a person when they repent and believe in Jesus Christ, not a human declaration. A person's lifestyle attests to one's saving faith as declared in this New Testament passage:
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-25)
That Spirit enters Catholics and Protestants alike. It emphatically declares that we belong to God.
Furthermore, the Pope's declaration carries sociopolitical implications. The news of extremist Muslims affects the Christian community. The secular community often fails to draw a line between religious groups. Exclusivity prompts disagreements alluded to in this piece, drawing cynicism and ridicule from secularist bent on delegitimizing the Christian religion. The Pope may fare much better by publicly pointing to Christ's supremacy instead of his own, thereby leaving no doubt of his subservience to Christ and his need for redemption. A terrorized, empty, and materialistic society needs a Gospel unshaken by human conceit.