Sigh...
So, the Pope has announced that the Catholic Church is the only "true" church.
Really? Should we be surprised? I mean, let's face it, it's kind of something that every church thinks, even if they don't say it. And most churches, once you're inside, they do say it. It's one of my major problems with religion; and this is coming from someone who does consider themself a (*gasp) Christian.
But, I'm very liberal in my views. My way of thinking about other religions is this: everyone has their own faith journey, but in the end, I believe we all end up in the same place, no matter what it may have been called while you were here. Every religion has some version of an afterlife. I don't see anything wrong with the concept of reincarnation. Maybe it's just something to do when you get bored up on your cloud. (If anyone from where I used to work is reading this, they are probably freaking out right now and silently quoting Bible passages that prove that I'm not a Christian for thinking this...)
So, what's really important, the destination or how you get there? I may have my problems with different religions, but that's why I don't practice those religions. Obviously they work for those who do. And if I'm wrong? Well, that's a whole lot of people to exclude from an afterlife, and I have a big problem with that.
And if none of this makes any sense, well, you try writing theological theories when you have 3 kids bugging you!