Sat Apr 2/05
A man of conviction 

In much of the developed world, political discourse has been pretty much ruined by the left-wing/right-wing lie. So many of those who claim to possess the courage of their convictions are in fact just ideologues, opportunists and cheerleaders. Unwaveringness has become a virtue unto itself, no matter what from one refuses to waver. Since 1978, Pope John Paul II has been the only head of state on planet Earth whose decisions could always be traced back to fundamental beliefs and principles. The world is poorer for his loss for that simple reason, to say nothing of the good that he did.

Having never had a religious bone in my body, I obviously find the aforementioned beliefs and principles suspect. The Catholic Church's "one God, one way to live your life" philosophy will continue to grate against the realities of the developed world, especially in intensely secular countries like Canada where so much of the congregation that remains simply wants a sense of community, perhaps moral advice in a time of crisis, and to honour family traditions. 

In the end though, I recognize that Christian ideals underlie the morality even of my comfy urban atheism — indeed, absent the cumulative civilizing effects of Christianity, atheism probably wouldn't be an option. My parents didn't need a book to teach me not to kill and not to steal because those values are all around us in Canada, but you only have to look at what still goes on in Africa and the Middle East to know that they are not innate in human beings.

Religion gives hope to millions of people who by first world standards have no logical reason even to get up in the morning, and that's a great thing even if it is based on a fantasy. The universal affection for the Pope and the trans-denominational reaction to his death show that all good people are basically fighting for the same things. For as long as I can remember, this Pope has been one of the most principled, dedicated leaders of that fight for the good.