Pope's speech ignites worldwide controversy/ Islam insulted

[windovervocalcords]

Nine years before Pope Benedict XVI delivered implied criticism of Islam in a speech last week and ignited angry Muslim protests worldwide, he expressed skepticism of the religion's commitment to tolerance. Benedict, the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, told an interviewer in 1997 that Islam is organized in a way ``that is opposed to our modern ideas about society.'' One has to have a clear understanding that it is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society,'' Ratzinger said in the 1997 interview published by Ignatius Press.

Some Muslim leaders and politicians have accepted the apology, others haven't. The diverse responses seemed to affirm Ratzinger's 1997 contention that discourse with Islam is difficult because there is no unanimously accepted mediator.
``I think the first thing we must recognize, that Islam is not a uniform thing,'' he said in ``Salt of the Earth.'' ``In fact, there is no single authority for all Muslims, and so for this reason, dialogue with Islam is always dialogue with certain groups.''

In recent years, the pope reiterated doubts about Islam's compatibility with Western-style modernity. According to an account of a seminar he held in September 2005, Benedict told theology students that Islam can adapt to democracy only if the Koran is radically reinterpreted.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aotx.UQKAo90&refer=europe

 

[southcitymom]

Nine years before Pope Benedict XVI delivered implied criticism of Islam in a speech last week and ignited angry Muslim protests worldwide, he expressed skepticism of the religion's commitment to tolerance. Benedict, the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, told an interviewer in 1997 that Islam is organized in a way ``that is opposed to our modern ideas about society.'' One has to have a clear understanding that it is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society,'' Ratzinger said in the 1997 interview published by Ignatius Press.

Some Muslim leaders and politicians have accepted the apology, others haven't. The diverse responses seemed to affirm Ratzinger's 1997 contention that discourse with Islam is difficult because there is no unanimously accepted mediator.
``I think the first thing we must recognize, that Islam is not a uniform thing,'' he said in ``Salt of the Earth.'' ``In fact, there is no single authority for all Muslims, and so for this reason, dialogue with Islam is always dialogue with certain groups.''

In recent years, the pope reiterated doubts about Islam's compatibility with Western-style modernity. According to an account of a seminar he held in September 2005, Benedict told theology students that Islam can adapt to democracy only if the Koran is radically reinterpreted.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aotx.UQKAo90&refer=europe

That's very interesting. Thanks for the link. Some of it, I do not understand.

For example, there is no single authority for all Christians either - each different denomination has their own hierarchy and point of contact, but there are many denominations under the umbrella of Christianity (each with its unique interpretation of the Bible and unique dogma). Is this to say that "dialogue with Christianity is always dialogue with certain groups" and that "Christianity is not a uniform thing."

Seems to me that Islam and Christianity share a common link in this regard, so I am uncertain why the Pope referenced this as a difference.

 

[windovervocalcords]

That's very interesting. Thanks for the link. Some of it, I do not understand.

For example, there is no single authority for all Christians either - each different denomination has their own hierarchy and point of contact, but there are many denominations under the umbrella of Christianity (each with its unique interpretation of the Bible and unique dogma). Is this to say that "dialogue with Christianity is always dialogue with certain groups" and that "Christianity is not a uniform thing."

Seems to me that Islam and Christianity share a common link in this regard, so I am uncertain why the Pope referenced this as a difference.

It's also interesting in light of a poster's earlier demand that Muslims "enmasse" respond before she is willing to trust ANY of them!

 

[windovervocalcords]

I arrived in the Philippines in January 1977 and after a few weeks I flew from Manila to Zamboanga City on the way to my first mission in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

It was in Zamboanga City that I started to realize how deep were the feeling of prejudices of the Christians against the Muslims, and vice versa. Soon I understood that the conflict of the years has contributed to deepen the gap between the two communities. Both sides, Muslim and Christian people, have painful accusations against each other.

However, I have also heard beautiful stories of friendship among Muslims and Christians.

What will be our choice in this moment? I believe that the majority of Muslims and Christians are wiling to choose love, reconciliation, and compassion, guided by the basic principles of the Holy Bible and the Holy Qur'an.

I am convinced that in this critical moment of history - when sectors of society on both sides are encouraging violence- we, the people of the silent majority, have to stand and unite our hands for peace. It is time to put in place strategies to win over the other and work together for a common good.

It is wrong to accuse Christianity for the sins of Western society; it is wrong as well to accuse Islam for some forms of violence coming from some Muslim sectors.
The great problems today come not from those who practice their religion with sincere heart, but from those who try to put God out of our life and society.

Christians and Muslims have in common a belief about the end of our life. The Holy Qur'an and the Gospels say that at the end of our life we will be judged. Are we ready for that day? How can we help each other to prepare ourselves?
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/09/22/oped/fr..sebastiano.d.ambra.pime.html

 

[butterfly blue]

I have just heard on the TV that the Pope is to 'apologise' & make a speach this forthcoming Monday. I feel that what he said was taken totally out of context, he repeated a verse 600 years old!!! maybe his advisors did not realise the impact, however I don't feel he should 'apologise'. I do not profess to understand a religion that allows to murder innocent, but then I think of the current war?? I would like to see troops taken out of the Iraq, Afghanistan, so no more deaths from such young men, who are there to protect??

Can someone more informed explain suicide bombing, pregnant women who have taken their live along with their own unborn child?? How would that be judged at the end of their live?? also a survey revealed that 1 in 4 Muslims who have lived & some even born in the western world still agree with these killings?? pretty high ratio, & quite a disturbing one.

This is my honest opinion only.....from England, U.K

 

[southcitymom]

I have just heard on the TV that the Pope is to 'apologise' & make a speach this forthcoming Monday. I feel that what he said was taken totally out of context, he repeated a verse 600 years old!!! maybe his advisors did not realise the impact, however I don't feel he should 'apologise'. I do not profess to understand a religion that allows to murder innocent, but then I think of the current war?? I would like to see troops taken out of the Iraq, Afghanistan, so no more deaths from such young men, who are there to protect??

Can someone more informed explain suicide bombing, pregnant women who have taken their live along with their own unborn child?? How would that be judged at the end of their live?? also a survey revealed that 1 in 4 Muslims who have lived & some even born in the western world still agree with these killings?? pretty high ratio, & quite a disturbing one.

This is my honest opinion only.....from England, U.K

Thanks for that news about the Pope speaking on Monday. I think a lot of people were confused by what he said and I think it's cool that he wants to speak again and bring more clarity to his message.

I can't explain how any of us will be judged at the end of our lives. It seems to me that suicide bombers (along with many other people who kill) manage to justify their actions to themselves. Perhaps the bombers tell themselves they are committing holy sacrifices in the name of God or perhaps they believe the sacrifice they make in this life will buy them a better next life.

What survey revealed that 1 in 4 Muslims agrees with these killings? I don't cotton much with surveys because I know they can be made to show whatever it is you want to show, but I'd love to know which one you are referring to in your post.

 

[windovervocalcords]

Thanks for that news about the Pope speaking on Monday. I think a lot of people were confused by what he said and I think it's cool that he wants to speak again and bring more clarity to his message.

I can't explain how any of us will be judged at the end of our lives. It seems to me that suicide bombers (along with many other people who kill) manage to justify their actions to themselves. Perhaps the bombers tell themselves they are committing holy sacrifices in the name of God or perhaps they believe the sacrifice they make in this life will buy them a better next life.

What survey revealed that 1 in 4 Muslims agrees with these killings? I don't cotton much with surveys because I know they can be made to show whatever it is you want to show, but I'd love to know which one you are referring to in your post.

Suicide bombers have the ultimate "wrong view" IMO. They think they will go to "heaven". By murdering themselves and others surely the opposite is true.
This is an ultimate misunderstanding of the teachings of ANY and ALL religions.

There are numerous causes for individuals/groups to commit or sponsor such heinous acts.

"We buy into black and white concepts of right and wrong because it is so much easier for us to embrace "absolutes" than deal with the complex reality of suffering."
Anne Lamott

 

[butterfly blue]

Thanks for that news about the Pope speaking on Monday. I think a lot of people were confused by what he said and I think it's cool that he wants to speak again and bring more clarity to his message.

I can't explain how any of us will be judged at the end of our lives. It seems to me that suicide bombers (along with many other people who kill) manage to justify their actions to themselves. Perhaps the bombers tell themselves they are committing holy sacrifices in the name of God or perhaps they believe the sacrifice they make in this life will buy them a better next life.

What survey revealed that 1 in 4 Muslims agrees with these killings? I don't cotton much with surveys because I know they can be made to show whatever it is you want to show, but I'd love to know which one you are referring to in your post.

Hi SouthcityMom

I am from over the pond in England, the survey was conducted here very recently. I will try to find more coverage, yes surveys can be missleading. but after 9/11, & the London bombings the news here showed the terrible atrocities then followed with the outrage of those Muslims who disagreed & how they were ALL being treated with suspicion!!!! Wouldn't that be just human nature after such terrible acts? I do believe we must be understanding & tolerant of all religions, but I felt a deep sense of disgust at seeing all of those countries on TV burning effigy's of our Pope, furthermore what religion allows the taking of another's life??:waitasec:

 

[BarnGoddess]

It's also interesting in light of a poster's earlier demand that Muslims "enmasse" respond before she is willing to trust ANY of them!

I'm here Wind. That was me.

SouthCityMom

For example, there is no single authority for all Christians either - each different denomination has their own hierarchy and point of contact, but there are many denominations under the umbrella of Christianity (each with its unique interpretation of the Bible and unique dogma). Is this to say that "dialogue with Christianity is always dialogue with certain groups" and that "Christianity is not a uniform thing."

There are two groups that immediately spring to mind. The National Council of Churches:

http://www.ncccusa.org/

Here is the google page showing many such organizations here in the US and around the world.

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=COUNCIL+OF+CHURCHES

Here is a link to the International Council of Christians and Jews:

http://www.iccj.org/en/index.php

These groups have been around for years and meet regularly.

WindOverVocalChords

Suicide bombers have the ultimate "wrong view" IMO. They think they will go to "heaven". By murdering themselves and others surely the opposite is true.
This is an ultimate misunderstanding of the teachings of ANY and ALL religions.

There are numerous causes for individuals/groups to commit or sponsor such heinous acts.

"We buy into black and white concepts of right and wrong because it is so much easier for us to embrace "absolutes" than deal with the complex reality of suffering."
Anne Lamott

Wind, I am interpreting your words as pleading for understanding why suicide bombers act in such a manner. Understanding their motives is not difficult, working to put an end to these heinous acts is what is important. When one of them walks up to you at the mall one day, make sure your family knows you forgive such an act. After all
"there are numerous causes for individuals/groups to commit or sponsor such heinous acts." (your words, I presume.)

So, in conclusion, if a multitude of Christian denominations and Christians and Jews can get together to discuss important issues, then certainly a "majority" of peaceful Muslims can also get together and issue a statement condemning terrorism in the name of Allah.

BTW, if any religious leader demanded I do, or not do something legally or morally wrong or offensive to me, then you can bet your bottom dollar he won't see me for dirt. My religious beliefs are my own and do not control my daily life.

 

[windovervocalcords]

I'm here Wind. That was me.

SouthCityMom

There are two groups that immediately spring to mind. The National Council of Churches:

http://www.ncccusa.org/

Here is the google page showing many such organizations here in the US and around the world.

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=COUNCIL+OF+CHURCHES

Here is a link to the International Council of Christians and Jews:

http://www.iccj.org/en/index.php

These groups have been around for years and meet regularly.

WindOverVocalChords

Wind, I am interpreting your words as pleading for understanding why suicide bombers act in such a manner. Understanding their motives is not difficult, working to put an end to these heinous acts is what is important. When one of them walks up to you at the mall one day, make sure your family knows you forgive such an act. After all
"there are numerous causes for individuals/groups to commit or sponsor such heinous acts." (your words, I presume.)

So, in conclusion, if a multitude of Christian denominations and Christians and Jews can get together to discuss important issues, then certainly a "majority" of peaceful Muslims can also get together and issue a statement condemning terrorism in the name of Allah.

BTW, if any religious leader demanded I do, or not do something legally or morally wrong or offensive to me, then you can bet your bottom dollar he won't see me for dirt. My religious beliefs are my own and do not control my daily life.

No, I do not plead for "understanding" of suicide bombers or "forgiveness" of their acts.

It is more neutral than that. Simply, that there are always multiple causes and conditions for suicide bombers. I have been reading about this alot.

I do not condone terrorism, I seek an end to violence. It starts locally, in my own heart, and that of those close, fellow US citizens, for example.

We cannot afford to hate those who harm us and those dear to us because we have to respond wisely and effectively. That cannot happen if we are motivated by paranoia, suspicion, revenge and hatred ourselves. This is a daily struggle for me personally. I have to work very hard with my own mind and heart.

There are peaceful Muslims. IMO we ought to all do our best to these brothers and sisters and join together to put an end to this nightmare world we are living in.

I am happy you list resources for Christians and Jews. I have posted some links regarding Muslim groups. Worldwide, of course, there are many other spiritual paths, all share in wanting peace.

 

[southcitymom]

Hi SouthcityMom

I am from over the pond in England, the survey was conducted here very recently. I will try to find more coverage, yes surveys can be missleading. but after 9/11, & the London bombings the news here showed the terrible atrocities then followed with the outrage of those Muslims who disagreed & how they were ALL being treated with suspicion!!!! Wouldn't that be just human nature after such terrible acts? I do believe we must be understanding & tolerant of all religions, but I felt a deep sense of disgust at seeing all of those countries on TV burning effigy's of our Pope, furthermore what religion allows the taking of another's life??:waitasec:

Hey from this side of the pond, Butterfly Blue!

From my interpretation, no major religion believes that taking another person's life is right. And yet, humans have been shedding the blood of others in the name of religion for centuries. It's a bad habit of humans.

In my view, both Islam and Christianity are peaceable religions, and yet all manner of murders and atrocities have been committed in the names of both of these religions. I'm unable to throw the baby out with the bathwater. In my mind, most Islams and most Christians are about peace.

The events of 9/11 were a catalytic event for our country, but for me personally, I never connected them with Islam. I still don't. M

Murder is murder - no matter how you try to justify it. I see no reason to denigrate an entire religion and an entire culture just because some members of the religion or culture are lunatics.

 

[southcitymom]

I have a question for any devout Christians who might be reading this thread. I'm not trying to start a battle and am truly interested in your perspective.

Jesus threw down many spiritual gauntlets, so to speak, in His ministry. He challenged His followers to do many difficult things, spiritually speaking. One of the things He said in the gospels is this - and I'm going to paraphrase here, but if you want me to, I'll go find the chapter and verses:

"It's easy to love people who treat you well and people you perceive to be inoccent, basically, it's easy to love the loveable and to treat them well. But, I am calling upon you to love the worst of the worst - the people who hate you and who do terrible things to you. In general, love thy neighbor, regardless of who thy neighbor is."

For many of us in America, the worst of the worst might be the terrorists who commit atrocities against our country and other countries. In light of the Christ's teaching as paraphrased above, how do you challenge yourself to respond to these terrorists from a place of love and forgiveness rather than a place of hatred and fear? Do you pray for them on one hand but then hope we blow them off the face of the earth on the other? Do you think Jesus really meant what he said? Do you want to respond from a place of love but find yourself unable?

Jesus is one of my spritual role models. I love what He said and what He stood for. I love that He was a rebel who came along and shook things up. I love how His words challenge me to look beneath the surface of my own behavior and values.

How do you look at 9/11 and its aftermath through the lens of this teaching of the Christ?

 

[Details]

Hi SouthcityMom

I am from over the pond in England, the survey was conducted here very recently. I will try to find more coverage, yes surveys can be missleading. but after 9/11, & the London bombings the news here showed the terrible atrocities then followed with the outrage of those Muslims who disagreed & how they were ALL being treated with suspicion!!!! Wouldn't that be just human nature after such terrible acts? I do believe we must be understanding & tolerant of all religions, but I felt a deep sense of disgust at seeing all of those countries on TV burning effigy's of our Pope, furthermore what religion allows the taking of another's life??:waitasec:

I remember hearing about some polls of English Muslims recently - one showed that they were the most extremist, militant - in other words, not real Muslims according to the moderates - in the world, aside from one country (forget which - Pakistan or Afghanistan or something). How that happened, and why - I don't know. But I don't think a poll of British muslims really speaks for the whole muslim world.

All the same, it's human nature, when you are innocent of something, and people treat you as guilty, some of us will decide that you might as well do what you are being considered already guilty of. Being distrusted and outcast even more leaves moderate british muslims with only one place to go for acceptance - to other muslims, and that leads to baaaaad habits where they don't feel they are british, and maybe the militants are right about how you can't trust non-muslims - look how they treat you when you don't even do a single thing wrong!

Yeah, they should understand your perspective, and how you feel after the attacks and attempted attacks - but you must extend the same to them - understand how they feel that people are treating them like terrorists, even though they oppose terrorism, oppose the terrorists, are good, normal people.

 

[windovervocalcords]

"Iraqi Muslims Pray with Christians in Churches to Show Togetherness & Partnership"

To show patriotism, true brotherhood and affirm the bond of belonging to one Iraq, which goes beyond religion or sect, a group of Iraqis (Christian and Muslim) attended a special service in the Roman Catholic church in Baghdad on Sunday the 17th of September. Muslims shared with Christian Catholics their prayer for almighty to clean the hearts and pray for unity. This came after increased anger by some Iraqi Muslims at statements made by the Holy Sea.

As to the official response from the Iraqi government, Dr. Ali Al-Dabagh, official spokesperson for the government in Iraq called on Iraqis to exercise restraint and act wisely in response to statements by the Vatican Pope, in which he criticized Islam. Al-Dabagh said in a press conference, "The Iraqi government asks all who love God's prophets and messengers to not act in a way which would harm our Christian brethren. They are our partners in this nation and are not to be judged by the statements of the Pope. The problem is that the Pope attributed behavior of some Islamic leaders of a certain era in history with Islam and its beliefs. If we were to look back in history, we will also find Christian leaders who committed crimes in the name of the cross. We do not hold Christians responsible for these actions since they were crimes of singular deviant leaders. What is needed now is an international agreement to punish all who insult God’s religions.

Most Muslims in the Mid-East and Central Asia live under oppression (Pakistan included). They live in fear of their governments, their religious leaders and the religious fanatics. While they may be able and free to pursue their daily activities and livelihood, they live in fear. This fear is oppressive to mind and soul. One stops thinking logically and tends to follow the crowd for safety, hence the mass demonstrations and overreaction. It is one of the few mass actions allowed, and, in some cases, called for by these oppressive governments. These out bursts and demonstrations are also called for by religious leaders trying to show the government that they also have power.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2006/09/muslims-christians-in-iraq-join-to.html

​

 

[southcitymom]

"Iraqi Muslims Pray with Christians in Churches to Show Togetherness & Partnership"


To show patriotism, true brotherhood and affirm the bond of belonging to one Iraq, which goes beyond religion or sect, a group of Iraqis (Christian and Muslim) attended a special service in the Roman Catholic church in Baghdad on Sunday the 17th of September. Muslims shared with Christian Catholics their prayer for almighty to clean the hearts and pray for unity. This came after increased anger by some Iraqi Muslims at statements made by the Holy Sea.

As to the official response from the Iraqi government, Dr. Ali Al-Dabagh, official spokesperson for the government in Iraq called on Iraqis to exercise restraint and act wisely in response to statements by the Vatican Pope, in which he criticized Islam. Al-Dabagh said in a press conference, "The Iraqi government asks all who love God's prophets and messengers to not act in a way which would harm our Christian brethren. They are our partners in this nation and are not to be judged by the statements of the Pope. The problem is that the Pope attributed behavior of some Islamic leaders of a certain era in history with Islam and its beliefs. If we were to look back in history, we will also find Christian leaders who committed crimes in the name of the cross. We do not hold Christians responsible for these actions since they were crimes of singular deviant leaders. What is needed now is an international agreement to punish all who insult God’s religions.

Most Muslims in the Mid-East and Central Asia live under oppression (Pakistan included). They live in fear of their governments, their religious leaders and the religious fanatics. While they may be able and free to pursue their daily activities and livelihood, they live in fear. This fear is oppressive to mind and soul. One stops thinking logically and tends to follow the crowd for safety, hence the mass demonstrations and overreaction. It is one of the few mass actions allowed, and, in some cases, called for by these oppressive governments. These out bursts and demonstrations are also called for by religious leaders trying to show the government that they also have power.
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2006/09/muslims-christians-in-iraq-join-to.html


​

Thanks for this post. This joint service is a terrific response to affirm our common brotherhood.

 

[Reader]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003271439_satrdr23.html

Today, religions at the crossroads

Once again the voices of extremism and irrationality are being permitted to triumph over the voices of reason, fairness and justice. The comments by Pope Benedict XVI were unnecessarily provocative given the context of the present-world social crises. The use of the comments of a 14th-century predecessor was ill-advised and irresponsible coming from such a seat of power as the Papal Office.

In the name of fairness and justice, it is more egregious that responses in many Muslim communities are the antithesis to the teachings of the Quran itself. The shooting of the nun in Somalia is despicable ["Rare personal apology from pope over words that offended Muslims," News, Sept. 18], and we urge the national government of Somalia expeditiously to bring the criminals to justice.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
-------------------------------
The response from some of the Muslim leadership in the world is appalling and irresponsible. The free will of man is purported in the doctrines of Christianity and Islam. Where is the will to resolve old hatred, to seek forgiveness of one another and pursue justice?

Muslim leadership and communities can no longer remain silent while a minority of our community is incited to mob behavior by others. It is not apologies that are needed by the world. It is right intention and right action.

Perhaps if the voices of reason were given as much attention as those of irrationality, we could take a small step on the path toward justice.

Ali-Salaam is a Muslim, an American, and resides in Seattle.

 

[sandraladeda]

My family regularly does business with a couple of Muslim men. On Thursday, we were once again in their shop, and one of the men, remembering that I am Catholic, asked me what I thought of the comments made by the Pope. It was a tough conversation to have with them, I could see that they were very hurt by the comments, whether they can be explained away by the Pope or not. We had quite a conversation. I told them that I felt I had a lot in common with them, as I am very serious about my faith, and work hard to follow my spiritual path, and so do they. We shared the things that hurt us about what we feel are attacks on our respective religious groups. For them, of course, it is the sterotype of Muslims as terrorists. For me, it was things like pedophile priests, and the recent misinformation out there from the DaVinci Code. We got to talking about heaven and hell, and how God is merciful. So many times when I said something I believed, they would nod their heads vigorously in agreement. The same happened when they stated their beliefs.

At th end of our discussion, I thanked them for asking me for my thoughts on the Pope's comments, and expressed my thankfulness that we had this discussion. I could have hugged them both! I was so glad I had the opportunity to have that conversation.

 

[csds703]

My family regularly does business with a couple of Muslim men. On Thursday, we were once again in their shop, and one of the men, remembering that I am Catholic, asked me what I thought of the comments made by the Pope. It was a tough conversation to have with them, I could see that they were very hurt by the comments, whether they can be explained away by the Pope or not. We had quite a conversation. I told them that I felt I had a lot in common with them, as I am very serious about my faith, and work hard to follow my spiritual path, and so do they. We shared the things that hurt us about what we feel are attacks on our respective religious groups. For them, of course, it is the sterotype of Muslims as terrorists. For me, it was things like pedophile priests, and the recent misinformation out there from the DaVinci Code. We got to talking about heaven and hell, and how God is merciful. So many times when I said something I believed, they would nod their heads vigorously in agreement. The same happened when they stated their beliefs.

At th end of our discussion, I thanked them for asking me for my thoughts on the Pope's comments, and expressed my thankfulness that we had this discussion. I could have hugged them both! I was so glad I had the opportunity to have that conversation.

So basically, you just want to be free to practice your faith without politics and prejudice making you feel insecure and unsafe.
That's all any of us want.

 

[windovervocalcords]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003271439_satrdr23.html

Today, religions at the crossroads

Once again the voices of extremism and irrationality are being permitted to triumph over the voices of reason, fairness and justice. The comments by Pope Benedict XVI were unnecessarily provocative given the context of the present-world social crises. The use of the comments of a 14th-century predecessor was ill-advised and irresponsible coming from such a seat of power as the Papal Office.

In the name of fairness and justice, it is more egregious that responses in many Muslim communities are the antithesis to the teachings of the Quran itself. The shooting of the nun in Somalia is despicable ["Rare personal apology from pope over words that offended Muslims," News, Sept. 18], and we urge the national government of Somalia expeditiously to bring the criminals to justice.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
-------------------------------
The response from some of the Muslim leadership in the world is appalling and irresponsible. The free will of man is purported in the doctrines of Christianity and Islam. Where is the will to resolve old hatred, to seek forgiveness of one another and pursue justice?

Muslim leadership and communities can no longer remain silent while a minority of our community is incited to mob behavior by others. It is not apologies that are needed by the world. It is right intention and right action.

Perhaps if the voices of reason were given as much attention as those of irrationality, we could take a small step on the path toward justice.

Ali-Salaam is a Muslim, an American, and resides in Seattle.

"Indonesia, is a country with the world's largest Muslim population. In the year 2000, 75% of Indonesians viewed the US favorably. (what I thought they were all "haters of freedom" or violent haters of non-muslims intent on "taking us all out.")

This fell to 61% in 2002 and plummeted to 15% after the invasion of Iraq with 80% of Indonesians saying they feared an attack by the US.

Scott Atran a specialist on terror and Indonesia reports that "these sentiments correlate with readiness by over 80% of Indonesians to have Islam play an increasing role in personal and national life, and are also associated with tolerance for a broader spectrum of co-religionists, including militant radicals, and readiness to amplify any slight against an Islamic leader or nation into a percieved attack upon the whole Muslim world."

Scott Atran, "Lifting the Veil--The Face of Jihad in Southeast Asia".

My point? It's our foreign policies that are the problem, not our religions. Our country is being percieved as an empire intent on world domination and colonialism. This is threatening to countries in Middle East and Asia.

 

[windovervocalcords]

"Muslims must seek allies. The disliked and impoverished Muslim minorities of Europe, resembling in many ways fugitive monotheists in Roman catacombs, cannot muster the strength to campaign for a greater tolerance of non-liberal values.
It is therefore crucial for Muslim communities to forge ties with other defenders of traditional humanity, and to wish them well. The Catholic church differs from Islam on some moral issues, such as contraception and divorce, but generally it advocates the set of ethics which is normal to sacred societies, and which underpinned the greatest cultural achievements of medieval Europe, both Muslim and Christian. Like Islam, it is not only a matter of private faith and worship, but of rules fixed in revelation (the pope has spoken against ‘the view that the Decalogue on which the Church has based her objective morality is nothing but a ‘cultural product’ linked to the ancient Semitic Middle East’.
With Ratzinger holding the tiller, the church is unlikely to accept further concessions to the values of the secular establishment, still less to the Jacobin and Hitlerian demand that ‘priests should not meddle in politics’.
The challenge will be to convince Muslim communities that it is conservatives, not liberals, who are our most natural partners in the great task of guiding Europe back to God, and that Ratzinger’s criticisms are grounded in respect, perhaps even in something approaching envy; not in any kind of racism or populist chauvinism.
Whatever some Muslims may claim, the fact that far-right parties benefit from the new Vatican language about Islam does not mean that the Church is seeking to retrieve its former popularity in Europe by riding the tiger of the new xenophobia.
Many Muslims have been uncomfortable with Ratzinger because of his public statements about Islam. Yet we should be wary of emotional responses; and act in our interests, which are also those of a well-integrated, tolerant and successful Europe.
http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/benedict_xvi_and_islam_the_first_year/0011048