text: Still being used by the boys in charge as a prop for desired behavior from the laity?
  
  I recall an irreverent thought once, of God saying, "I have a message to send to humanity," and the apostles all clamoring, "We'll take it to the Pope, our successor!" and God replying, "You had your chance, I want ordinary people to be able to hear it.  Mom, are you up for another one?"