Papa Ben (aka Pope Benedict XVI)

So I was watching Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in the States yesterday. I'm no Catholic, but I was really impressed by not only his following and massive crowds of fans, but the messages he preaches.  It's refreshing to hear someone talk about the obvious moral shortcomings of this country, and that the fault lies not with our government, but ourselves. 

The Pope, who I admire because he never wanted to become pope (aren't the best leaders those who don't want to lead?), has been saying that people need to start taking personal responsibility in their lives.  After all, someone who is struggling with a drug addiction needs to stand up and fight it himself- not make excuses or wait for someone (such as the government) to swoop in and save him.  Or, take violence in our cities (and I live in Killadelphia-- I mean, Philadelphia, with an astronomical murder rate): crime doesn't come from violent video games or the media, but from people's own failure to control themselves and have some responsibility.  Or, my personally favorite, the failure of education in inner city schools. A recent report said that 17 of America's 50 largest cities have high school graduation rates under 50%. Most are quick to blame the students' poverty or race, but no one even stops to think that maybe these students need to find a little bit of respect for themselves, pay attention in class, do their homework, and succeed. Yes, it is that easy. I've done it, and I am far from rich or privileged. I've worked hard all my life. Papa Ben said that when each of us better ourselves, we better our society.

Where does all the irresponsibility come from?  Ben seems to blame what he calls "moral relativism."  Here's my take on what he means: in our society, when we do something wrong, we tell ourselves, "it's ok- it's not that bad."  Like cheating in school: it's ok because, "hey, it's only a little quiz I'm cheating on.  There are worse things out there."  Or like lying: "it's only a little lie, it won't hurt anybody."  This is no way to act.  Wrong is wrong and right is right and there is no in between.  When people act like this (and I, of course, am also guilty) and make excuses for our shortcomings rather than taking responsibility, society suffers.  Just look at our overcrowded and ineffective prisons, high crime rates, runaway welfare system... the list goes on.

Like I said, I'm not Catholic, but I can appreciate Benny's message, and I think everyone - regardless of faith (or lack thereof) should heed. And spare me the “well, that's not my religion” excuse (wow, back to making excuses and not taking responsibility already!)... All religions share a common morality. For instance, there are people who (successfully) fought the display of the 10 Commandments in American court rooms, because that “wasn't their religion,” as if they don't believe in things like “Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not murder.” They seem to suggest these simple moral guidelines are confined to Judeo-Christian thought, so it doesn't apply to them.

Whether you are Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, Rastafarian, Muslim, Athiest, whatever- morals like those enshrined in the 10 Commandments really do apply to you. They are fundamental, universal, intrinsic to our humanity, and without them, our global human civilization cannot exist. So take Benedict's advice, and own up to your actions. I know I will.