Papal Election 2005 is Under Way

The first selection of an apostle after Christ was simple. Consider this from Acts 1.

23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Well, no longer does the Catholic church use such simple methods (probably logical since now the leadership measures in the hundreds and the membership in the billions), and more and more the tools of modern campaigning are appearing in the race for "Peter's Throne."

Being a Protestant, it all seems a bit esoteric and strange. But then, I am part of a church of about 600 and a denomination of about 1,300 churches. So our governmental issues are much smaller. Of course, in some ways it would all be easier if God simply thundered from heaven, "Choose Joe this time!!!" But then, I am sure the Vatican would be horribly embarrassed to have to put "Pope Joe" on all of their stationary, anyway.

UPDATE: Just found this out on the Blogsphere. It is just wrong, but it is really funny.