The Singing Nun: What does this mean for the Catholic Church

http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/mar/21/singing-nun-italy-the-voice-video

If you have not seen or heard about this video, I recommend it. I heard about it on BBC World Service, but it wasn't until today that I saw the video from The Guardian.

So, why is this important?

What this shows is a new outlook and attitude within the Church, one so refreshingly positive. The Church has spent so many years embroiled in controversy: their finances, internal politicking, and, of course, the child sex-abuse scandals.

The current Pope, Pope Francis, is helping to revitalize the image of the Church. By focusing their political and social capital to "get out in the open", by doing good for social causes, and by becoming more worldly, the Church is in a position to help their adherents improve their lives.It is no secret that the Catholic Church had been having problems in losing their South American adherents to fundamentalist, but protestant, churches. 

By showing the world that there is more to the Church than an isolated enclave, completely walled-off from modern society; by getting out of the "ivory Vatican"; they are showing relevance that will get more people interested in staying in the Catholic Church.

As an atheist, as a social progressive and economic "Smithian" conservative, why do I care? What interest do I have in the Church. None whatsoever as far as I believe in the teachings of the Church. What is important, however, are those that are members - or more frankly, is what the new, revitalized, energy of the Church has a power to do social good. I strongly believe in not imposing my views on others, but I acknowledge that people will believe what they want to.

Pope Francis, in backing off of the doctrinal "stuff" that has less to do with spiritual belief, and has everything to do with an outmoded concept of social conformity in obedience of the Church, has focused the Church to put his followers where their beliefs lie. If you strip away Church doctrine, you get at charity, humility, and goodwill to mankind. Why would I not wan that. If the world is not ready to reject religious superstition, why not have them focus their efforts on rising everybody up - out of poverty, out of religious conflict, and into education.