the pope spoke out on the war in the middle east saying there needs to be cease fire and resolution. don't the people of the region in question practice judaism and islam? i should think they don't care what the pope thinks considering he embodies sooo many things they both are against... comments?
2006-08-02 10:26:49 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Great perspective. I never thought of that. Frankly, I would hope that the Pope would have his hands full solving humanitarian problems and starvation in countries that are predominantly Catholic. If he could solve some of those problems, he would be relevant in today's world.
But you don't hear him preaching to Fox or Castro or Kim Jong-Il or Arroyo.
2006-08-02 10:33:23 · answer #1 · answered by snvffy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
--is Catholic--
The Pope is getting involved because of the Marionite, Melkite, and Syrian Catholics who are in Lebanon. The Middle East is filled with Catholics and the Pope is duty bound to seek out a solution that will protect them. If you read the reports coming out of the Middle East, Hezbollah is using Christians and Christian neighborhoods as human shields (they are not just using other Muslims but there is specific targeting of non-Muslims).
It should be noted that B16 is much less a fan of Islam and much more skeptical about the ability to work with Islam than JPII was. It should also be noted that while the Catholic Church believes that Israel has a right to exist, it does not support Israel above any other group. To the Vatican, the state of Israel is just like any other state, no more important, no less important. The Vatican's primary concern in such situations is for the Catholics and the ability to practice the Catholic Faith.
When reading B16's words on this issue, it is important to read them all and not just read what the media puts out. B16 believes in a "lasting solution" to the problem and true peace. This does not mean that the fighting must stop, but rather that the fighting must stop and the problem must be solved.
B16 is also concerned about the long-term situation and the antagonism of radical Islam that is growing throughout the Middle East. He wants to find a way out of the impending "clash of civilizations" and does not want to see either side feed the clash and strife. The "clash of civilizations" is between the secular west and radical islam, and the Church supports neither. So the Church is concerned chiefly with lives and reducing hate.
He also finds that it is only through Christ and through living the Catholic Faith that true justice can come about. No political and worldly solution can provide true piece, neither that of the secular West, secular Israel, zionist Israel, or fascist Islam. Only Christ. So B16 seeks a solution where by the West recaptures its Catholic roots, and religious freedom is allowed in oppressive areas of the world.
2006-08-03 14:38:36 · answer #2 · answered by Liet Kynes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pope is speaking as a political head of state, which he is, and not a religious leader. there are a great number of christians in the region so he may be able to influence their actions in the region. just be sure you don't hold your breath expecting it to do much good. the muslims are crazy, and the jews are tired of being screwed by the rest of the world.
2006-08-02 17:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus said, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matt. 28:18-20)
The Catholic Church has been telling the world governments what it believes is right and wrong since the ancient Romans stopped persecuting it and long before anyone heard of the freedom of speech.
The Catholic Church protested about the blood sports in the Roman Colosseum and they were stopped.
I don't think the Church is going to (or should) stop telling the world governments what is right or wrong now.
With love in Christ.
2006-08-03 00:11:25 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholics look to the Pope as a spiritual leader, and that means that they expect him to give them answers and make a show of trying to help. Not that he can or anything, but his followers expect it. I don't get why they have that expectation myself, but I'm one of those heathen Protestants. ;-) I mean, I understand why he as a Christian should speak out against war, but it's all show really.
2006-08-02 17:32:20 · answer #5 · answered by SomeoneUdunno 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many christians in the middle east but apart from this it is important for anyone in a position of authority to take a lead and speak out when there are terrible things happening
2006-08-02 17:33:21 · answer #6 · answered by uplate 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any man must say what his Holiness have said
2006-08-02 17:55:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋