Friday, September 15, 2006
'Religion of Peace' likens Pope to Hitler
During a speech on Tuesday, the Pope made some remarks that have pissed off many in the Muslim community. Quoting the 14th century Emperor Emperor Manuel Paleologos II, the Pope said "'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'" The Pope himself did not agree or disagree with the quote. In response, a minister in the Turkish government said of the Pope, "Benedict, the author of such unfortunate and insolent remarks, is going down in history for his words. He is going down in history in the same category as leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini." The Pope's remarks have sparked outrage and demonstrations in a number of Muslim nations, particularly in Turkey where he is scheduled to visit in November. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman added her two cents--"Anyone who describes Islam as a religion as intolerant encourages violence." Hmmm. We are too tolerant! And if anyone says otherwise, we'll kick their ass!
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1 comment:
Mike,
You sure do love it when Muslims get angry about something. I wonder if it is simply because it reinforces your notion of what kind of religion it is, what kind of people they are. That's certainly what it seems looking over similar posts you've made in regards to the religion. It's apparent that you do not post or make comment on all the stories that do not reinforce your opinion of their nature.
The pope, I believe, did not intend to insinuate that the Muslim religion is still a violent one. I do however believe that he should have been more clear in his speech, and that an apology should have been more forthcoming. Certainly if you asked him his thoughts, and many have since then, he would clarify that he does not see the Muslim religion as a violent one and is only interested in dialogue between the religions.
I think the pope should have been more clear, and I also think the turkish official overspoke as well, and owes everyone an apology. It is these kind of blanket statements (comparing the pope to Hitler, alluding that many believe Mohammed brought only evil (without clarification of the statement), berating the "religion of peace" by insinuating that they are never interested in peace, based mostly on our own prejudices); these comments never allow for true dialogue or a genuine respect for others.
It seems to me that you DO think that Islam is a religion of violence only and that they are not, and therefore we are not, interested in dialogue with them.
I would only caution you on this since it is fairly easy for those outside the Christian faith to look at our embarrassments (Crusades, Inquisition, Hitler, Operation Rescue, KKK, and on) and conclude the same thing about us.
Brandon
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