The Pope's recent speech concerning peace and dialogue was the fuel for violence and threats from the Islamic world.His words, a quote taken out of context, were an accusation that Mohammed taught growth by the sword and this teaching is wrong. Today the Pope said that this was not his view. Yet, the Muslim reaction around the world has served only to prove that Islam is a violent religion.
If you do read the Pope's speech it is a bit disturbing to see that the Pope seems to refers to the Koran in terms of scripture. If anything the Pope has been too benevolent by making Islam on the same plain as Christianity. Moderate Islamist have tried to calm their Fundamentalist brothers by pointing out that the Pope promotes Islam as one of the three great monotheistic religions, and that "thinking" Muslims are in some way in tune with God. Many say that the Pope is only speaking out against "radical" Islamist that have "hijacked Islam."
The belief in the equality of belief (at least as far as the "monotheistic" religions) is popular among many Christians these days, but you will find it is rare in the Islamic world.
One point that the Pope was trying to make is that you cannot force religion on anyone. Sure the Catholic Church has been guilty of trying, and various Christians throughout the history of the Church have tried coercions in many forms. But, listen to what the man is saying! He does not believe in forcing religion on people - either the Christian or Muslim religion.
All religions are not equal. To say that "Mohammed promoted peace" is about as smart as saying that "Jesus promoted violence".
Jews do not believe that God is triune. Muslims do not believe that God is triune. More than philosophy Christianity stands out above the other "monotheistic" religions pointing to Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life -- the only way to get to the Father. Christianity is not only monotheistic, but it is Trinitarian.
While I do not think that the Pope is God's voice on Earth it does trouble me to hear him apologize for the reaction that misinformed zealots (which seem to be the majority) had concerning his quote. Pope Benedict, please do not make apologies. Preach the Gospel, repentance and faith, and Christ as the only way!
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2 comments:
Hi, You have an interesting site. I understand what you are saying, but have you ever apologized to keep the peace? I think most people have on occasion apologized for misunderstandings rather than something they actually did wrong. Most people who've been married know what that's all about...I hope people who don't know about forgiveness and loving one's neighbors (all over the world), will learn about those things some way.
Scott, thanks for the comments. Let me say I do agree that Christians should be the first to say, "I'm sorry." But, we should only say it when we mean it from the heart.
My concern is insincerity. The Pope basically said, "I am sorry you misunderstood me." The result has been very little peace.
Christians (and Americans in general) have been generous in the realm of insincerity. Slavery, the Crusades and Native American "resettlement" have all been topics that have received apologies from people who neither participated in nor can change past events. These apologies are dove's dung on silver platters. They do not make peace.
Sincerity is the call I make. We must not cloud the issue with insincere apologies and trying to make peace by denying our convictions. Peace will not be found in words or war. The only true peace will be found in Christ Himself.
The world will not learn of forgiveness, freedom or true love through insincerity. True forgivness, freedom and love can only be found in Christ. We must come to the end of pretending peace when there is no peace, and command the world to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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