Dear Friends

As another Frances (close but not exactly the same ), I am enthusiastic about the new 's choice of his papal name. But being called a Christian means even more to me. I wonder if any of us have had someone of spiritual stature in our lives that we might like to be named for , in addition to Christian. So....let's talk about that.

Calendars....please! And let's make a decision about class on Easter Sunday.

Fran

When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was selected as the Roman 's new pope last week, he took the name Francis, in honor of the 13th-century saint . Many observers hope that this name choice will set a tone for the new papacy, one marked by concern for the poor and care of the world.

While we Protestants do not consider ourselves under the direction of the pope, his role as the most prominent Christian in the world makes his choice of a name (and, by implication, of a role model) worth noting. It can lead us to consider who our role models in faith are and how our "name" -- Christian -- should set the tone for how we live. Or to say it in another way, what do we mean when we say someone is "Christ-like"? So that will be the topic of our next class.

If you wish to start thinking about our topic in advance, below is some introductory material.

The Wired Word invites us to contribute news story suggestions for upcoming lessons. If you have a story you'd like to suggest, post it to The Wired Word forum at http://thewiredword.squarespace.com/.

Argentina's Cardinal Bergoglio Becomes The Wired Word for the Week of March 24, 2013

In the News

On March 13, after Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was selected as the Roman Catholic Church's new pope, he took the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century son of a merchant who spurned a life of luxury to live with and for the poor. The name, coupled with the simplicity of lifestyle the new pope had preferred even while a cardinal, and his longtime support for social justice issues and ministry to the poor, has led many observers to conclude that his time in the papacy will bring renewed emphasis within the Catholic Church to these matters. The new pope said he chose "Francis" after a cardinal colleague advised him to "Remember the poor."

Others have noticed that Pope Francis places a heavy emphasis on Jesus Christ and his forgiveness. In his first homily, he noted that "if we do not profess Jesus Christ, things go wrong. We may become a charitable NGO, but not the Church, the Bride of the Lord." One of the Lutheran members of the TWW editorial team commented that "at times, Bergoglio sounds more Lutheran than Roman Catholic -- at least, he reflects that portion of doctrine that both have embraced, if not always as fully as might be desired." Pope Francis himself appears to be a humble recipient of God's grace. Even the traditional Fisherman's Ring the new received during the ceremony, representing the papal role in spreading the gospel, reflected his desire for simplicity. It was second-hand and not solid gold like those of his predecessors.

The new pope also represents a significant break with the past in other ways. He is the first pope to come from the Jesuit , the first to come from the Americas and the first to come from the southern hemisphere -- which is noteworthy since the southern hemisphere is the only part of the world where Christianity is now growing. Francis is also the first non-European pontiff since Pope Gregory III (731 to 741).

Author and Vatican reporter John Allen believes that the choice of the name Francis sent a clear message to the church about the new pope's intention to let "the church of the spirit, a humble and simple community of equals with a special love for the least of this world ... shine through."

Beyond caring for the poor and creation itself, challenges within the Roman Catholic Church are also likely to occupy much of Pope Francis' time and energy. An article on NBC News identified seven areas ripe for attention, including dealing with corruption inside the Vatican, leading the church out of the clergy sex abuse scandal, improving relations with other faiths, winning the West back to the church, opening the ministry more fully to women and addressing the debate about celibacy for priests, dealing with demands for liberalization on social issues, and seeking to end persecution of Christians worldwide.

More on this story can be found at these links:

Thousands Pack St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis' Inauguration. CNN Pope Francis in Plea for Poor as Inauguration Mass Held. BBC Homily for Inaugural Mass of Petrine Ministry (Full Text). News, Vatican Today Seven Challenges Facing Francis as He Starts His New Job. NBC News Rich Man, Poor Man. New Yorker

The Big Questions Here are some of the questions we will discuss in class:

1. To what degree does the name we bear as followers of Jesus -- Christian -- set the tone for how you live? If possible, give some examples. How does that name influence what cultural and social issues you champion or stand against?

2. Does following Jesus mean taking him as the primary model for your character, morality and spirituality? Why or why not?

3. When have you used the "What would Jesus do?" question (often stated as "WWJD?") to help you decide how to handle a particularly difficult situation? In what ways did it help? Did it confuse matters in any way? What new clarity did it bring?

4. While most Protestants don't grant official sainthood status to any individuals today, we consider some people to be good Christian role models. Who do you know that has made Christianity attractive to you? What specifically did they do? In what ways does that person serve as a role model for you?

5. What is the purpose of the church? In what ways might the selection of a new pope benefit not just the Roman Catholic Church, but the whole church worldwide? Do you think people of faith beyond Christianity equate Christianity with Catholicism? Does this make the selection of a leader of the Catholic Church more significant in terms of the way Christianity is viewed in the larger world? What does this say about the way you judge or prejudge non-Christian faiths? What or who do you make to stand for a whole faith?

Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope We will look at selected verses from these Scripture texts. You may wish to read these in advance for background:

Matthew 16:13-20 Revelation 2:12-17 Luke 4:16-21 John 2:13-22 1 Peter 2:11-25 Titus 2:1-15

In class, we will talk about these passages and look for some insight into the big questions, as well as talk about other questions you may have about this topic. Please join us.