Unto the leader Pope John Paul II

Observing the events and talking points surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II; I felt led to write him posthumously:

Unto the former leader of the Catholic Church; you had noble intentions but I have several things against you; you have not fully honored your first love.

I recently read a news paper article which depicted the "waning attendance" in Catholic Churches abroad. Church pews are "lightly occupied by a few gray-heads." This can be attributed to something else that is missing from the pews; God's Word, The Holy Bible. John Paul, what is the rationale of totally devotion your life to Jesus Christ and not putting an emphasis on your followers to do the same?

To be "in Christ" requires a personal relationship with him. Many commentators are stating that you were deeply spiritual. Why have you failed to convey this to the flock? God speaks to us through, first and foremost, the Holy Bible. If your congregation doesn't respect the Bible, on what authority are they to base truth and faith on, your authority? If you were God's representative on earth then you should have given out God's Word and not man's.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Agreeing with God is how we honor our first love.

Consequently, your failing in this area has caused some of the biggest decline in spiritual growth of individuals in the common era. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your flock needed to here what God says about the death penalty and war. The death penalty is scriptural. War is scriptural, we are to purge evil when justified.

Yes, you have pleased God with your stance for life and the poor but your idea of life is skewed. Victims in death penalty cases had lives also and God's Word is clear. Again, your flock needs to hear what God says about the life and the poor.

Contrary to your earthly position's claim. You were/are not Holy, Holiness is reserved for God. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Your first love, Jesus Christ, willingly laid His life down and was raised to free all from the curse of death, who believe on Him. For it is by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).

My prayer is that your successor will be led to repopulate the Catholic Church with Bibles in the pews and encourage individuals to read them to personal understanding. Subsequently, I pray that they apply what they learn to their lives.

To your credit you lived a humble life and left nothing of material value. That being said, we will go as you did, taking nothing with us. The question is, will we be spiritually bankrupt also due to a lack of knowledge of God's Word?

The accolades, pomp and circumstance shown by your followers is touching, but I can't help but wonder if you've received your reward in full. What will your reward be "in that day"? Only God knows. As a leader, you had a great opportunity; and to whom much is given, much is required.

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