# Pope: Economic crisis helps us leave simple lives **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 17, 2008, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609 "2008-12-17T18:39:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/1 "2008-12-17T18:39:29Z")
The Pope, wearing a velvet cloak trimmed in ermine and a gold embroidered silk sash, [today said](http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20081217/twl-eu-vatican-christmas-crisis-c8e2916.html)that tough times can give back simplicity and solidarity to holiday celebrations. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/2 "2008-12-17T18:46:01Z")
Hey, indulge him a little. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/3 "2008-12-17T18:50:42Z")
And, of course, while all other expenses must be reduced in these trying economic times, don’t neglect to tithe your usual 10% lest ye be not right with God. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/4 "2008-12-17T19:04:46Z")
**Dan** , I sure hope you meant to say “Pope: Economic crisis helps us _ **lead** _ simple lives” otherwise, that’s some pretty fucked up shit right there. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/5 "2008-12-17T19:06:32Z")
> [@chacoguy420](#): > > **Dan** , I sure hope you meant to say “Pope: Economic crisis helps us _ **lead** _ simple lives” otherwise, that’s some pretty fucked up shit right there. :smack: Yeah, that would be Jim Jones. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/6 "2008-12-17T19:09:36Z")
Heh. If it’s any consolation, **DanBlather** , I completely missed it. Funny the way the brain just makes you see what you expect to see. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/7 "2008-12-17T19:27:58Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > The Pope, wearing a velvet cloak trimmed in ermine and a gold embroidered silk sash, [today said](http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20081217/twl-eu-vatican-christmas-crisis-c8e2916.html)that tough times can give back simplicity and solidarity to holiday celebrations. He was wearing much the same outfit the last time he condemned homosexuality. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/8 "2008-12-17T19:37:21Z")
Has he condemned Snoop-Dogg yet? He’s got the ironic outfit all ready to go and I’m sure he could scare up some sort of goblet or grail or something from the Vatican basement. ---
**Author:** ![zagloba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/977dab/32.png) [@zagloba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zagloba)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/9 "2008-12-17T19:56:35Z")
There’s nothing wrong with being a little hypocritical as long as you look fabulous while doing it. ---
**Author:** ![Estilicon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/848f3c/32.png) [@Estilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Estilicon)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/10 "2008-12-17T20:03:48Z")
The Pope didn’t say what the OP implies. I suggest reading the article ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/11 "2008-12-17T20:12:23Z")
Simplicity is a relative thing. After all, the Pope’s formal regalia used to include a three-story hat. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@The\_Devil\_s\_Grandmother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Devil_s_Grandmother)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/12 "2008-12-17T20:19:20Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > The Pope, wearing a velvet cloak trimmed in ermine and a gold embroidered silk sash, [today said](http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20081217/twl-eu-vatican-christmas-crisis-c8e2916.html)that tough times can give back simplicity and solidarity to holiday celebrations. [“Perhaps the world crisis that is affecting so many families and all of humanity could be the stimulus for rediscovering the warmth, simplicity, amity and solidarity which are the very values of Christmas” the Pope said.](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article5360399.ece) Where did you get the details on his outfit? Or does the pope wear the same clothes for all public speaking events? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/13 "2008-12-17T20:47:47Z")
You know, the traditional Santa Claus costume is pretty elaborate and includes lots of white fur. Now, was this seen traditionally as contradictory to values of family togetherness, generosity and tradition? I realize people may have different opinions on these subjects. Personally, I am Catholic - and I have no problem with elaborate vestments or churches or cathedrals so long as such does not interfere with the Church’s mission. There are always going to be those who visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame and bash it as an extravagant expense in a world that then saw and still sees poverty - not seeing that this architectural and artistic masterpiece has its own place in our world, and the Church was right to build it. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/14 "2008-12-17T20:54:13Z")
The Catholic Church has always done this in times of economic hardship. I disagree because I don’t think leading a simple life is a virtue, but it’s not exactly a new tune. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/15 "2008-12-17T21:06:55Z")
> [@Vox\_Imperatoris](#): > > The Catholic Church has always done this in times of economic hardship. I disagree because I don’t think leading a simple life is a virtue, but it’s not exactly a new tune. Well, we like people to look on the bright side of things. Plus, it’s a good time to forego the complex, fast-lane life for a while and focus on what really matters. … Anyway, the Pope actually lives pretty simply, given his position. His days are mostly spent in constant work and prayer, and all that stuff is owned the the Church itself, and will be passed along to the next Pope. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/16 "2008-12-17T21:10:11Z")
Not sure what’s so offensive about what he said, but then again I don’t look for ways to be offended. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/17 "2008-12-17T21:17:51Z")
Here’s what [Pope Bennie](http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g285/catholiclouisiana/pope-3.jpg)was wearing at the audience. No red velvet or ermine, although the gold pectoral cross is a touch gaudy. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/18 "2008-12-17T21:18:23Z")
Oh yeah, I’m not \*offended \*by it or anything. I certainly see the justification for the Pope having the ceremony and ornamentation around him, and I have no doubt that the Pope is not a partyin’ man. I just disagree a little with the underlying value judgement. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2008, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/19 "2008-12-17T21:48:17Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > And, of course, while all other expenses must be reduced in these trying economic times, don’t neglect to tithe your usual 10% lest ye be not right with God. [Reverend Lovejoy] That’s 10% of the _GROSS_ people! [/RL] ---
**Author:** ![TWDuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e495f1/32.png) [@TWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TWDuke)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609/20 "2008-12-18T01:53:14Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > [Reverend Lovejoy] That’s 10% of the _GROSS_ people! [/RL] That’s 10% of the _GROSS_, people. God did not ask us to sacrifice gross people to him, but he did give us the gift of commas.\* - but not really. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-economic-crisis-helps-us-leave-simple-lives/477609.md?page=2)