Chavez claims Jesus as inspiration for socialist dictatorship

[Joanne98]

Chavez claims Jesus as inspiration for socialist dictatorship

Ian James
http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?article7076

CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez calls Jesus a guiding light for his self-styled socialist revolution. But his relationship with the Roman Catholic Church is complicated and sometimes strained. Even as the leftist leader has invited Catholic priests to share their ideas on transforming Venezuela into a socialist state, he has clashed with some priests who are critical of him - and in one case declared that a Venezuelan archbishop is bound for hell.

Nonetheless, Chavez says he wants the best relations with the church and has recently spoken by phone with some supportive priests during his near-daily radio broadcasts. The church leadership’s tone toward Chavez has varied over the years from cordiality to open hostility.

"The Catholic Church, its priests at all levels, (should) take a step toward the forefront of the debate... You are welcome in the debate on building socialism, our socialism," Chavez said in his radio address on Tuesday.

Chavez has lashed out, however, at Monsignor Roberto Luckert, who has warned that Venezuela is headed for communism and that the shift could infringe on freedoms. In a January speech, Chavez accused Luckert, the archbishop of Coro, of telling lies and living an ungodly privileged life.

Chavez said the priest is doomed to go to hell - to which Luckert responded : "It seems he’s going to hell, too."
http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?article7076

:)

[TankLV]

1. Please define "dictatorship" for us - you people seem to have a different idea of what is actually

existing.

Stop posting filth that has been proven wrong countless times...

[donsu]

2. what are you talking about? who is 'you people'?

what 'filth'?

please explain your post.

[Joanne98]

4. I just copied the headline. Everybody knows Chavez isn't a dick-tator

Ignore the headline. I love Chavez. I posted the story because I think it's cool that he's dealing with the "Jesus was not a capitalist pig" issue. I think it's a great move. Sorry about the headline.

Peace :)

[donsu]

5. ok thanks - I like him too

nt

[Joe Bacon]

3. Oh, my, what would St. Ayn Rand say?

After all, Ayn Rand is the chief saint of American Christians. What could be more Christian than looking our for #1???? :sarcasm:

[Vidar]

6. Good for Chavez. Thanks Joanne.

[regnaD kciN]

7. Well, why not...?

After all, we've had Jesus presented as the inspiration for capitalist dictatorship around here for years.

[classysassy]

8. "Just the facts"

Bush says he is a Christian and steal Iraqi oil,Chavez give oil to the poor,who do you believe,Bush or Chavez,"just the facts".