Calvin Expert Comments on New Pope

April 19, 2005 == MEDIA ADVISORY

The selection of a new Pope is a major milestone for the Catholic church
worldwide.

But John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, says
that the selection today of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany (Pope Benedict
XVI) is significant for Protestants too.

And, he says, Ratzinger's credentials as one of the most powerful men in the
Vatican under Pope John Paul II are significant.

"Ratzinger is a highly respected scholar, with over 20 books to his credit,"
says Witvliet. "And while the media will focus on his positions on social
issues, the vast majority of his writings are about the person and nature of
Jesus, the beauty of God, and the nature of the church as source of healing and
mission in the world. Those of course are all topics that resonate not just
with Catholics, but with Protestants as well."

As director of an Institute at Calvin College that is dedicated to the study
and renewal of worship, Witvliet is particularly interested in Ratzinger's
writings on that topic.

Says Witvliet: "His writings on worship and music, including two recent
books, stress that worship must be faithful to scripture, that worship must
present Jesus as a source of salvation, and that worship should invite all
participants to celebrate the beauty and grace of God. These are themes that
many Protestants will celebrate."

But Witvliet says Ratzinger is likely to continue many of the themes John Paul
II struck during his tenure, including themes Protestants might find
disconcerting.

"As with John Paul II, many Protestants will worry about the strong
clericalism that Ratzinger has promoted," says Witvliet, "as well as the
prominence he assigns to the ongoing role of Mary in prayers. There will also
be quite a bit worry about his efforts to promote an approach to worship that
is more otherworldly or mystical -- in opposition to the spirit of Vatican II
that stressed participation and connections with local cultural practices."

But, says Witvliet, many evangelical Protestants will also celebrate his
commitment to "an ethic of life," including opposition to abortion and
euthanasia.

And, he says, Ratzinger has also strongly criticized those who have questioned
the accuracy of the Bible's description of Jesus' life.

"This will likely encourage those who have participated in the 'Evangelicals
and Catholics together' movement," says Witvliet.

Witvliet is a Calvin graduate who has both a master's and a Ph.D. from Notre
Dame.

Contact John Witvliet at 616-526-6806 (w) or 308-1772 (m)

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Received on Tue Apr 19 16:01:51 2005