One of the problems — perhaps the principle problem — with scientific, philosophical, and religious discourse is how so often it veers off course. If theists are correct, God is supervising what is going on. That is a vastly different game than one that is programmed.
God is pure act. He experiences no bifurcation of thought and act. So it is what we do and how we do it, not why we do it, that puts us in touch with God. We cannot reason our way to salvation.
That is why simple tasks, like sweeping the patio, can prove so enlightening. One simply does them, the mind settles down, things luminesce, and a presence makes itself felt. I suppose that is what satori is all about.
Alan Watts put it well: "Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes."
Perhaps the best way to regard Pope Francis is as a kind of Catholic Zen Master. No reason that faith would necessarily give you the inside dope on politics or economics. No reason why it should exempt you from ordinary human foibles and failings. Genuine faith would allow you to manifest precisely that. For Francis, it seems, that means just him being Pope.
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