Did Pope Benedict have a right to say all those insulting things about Islam?

Question

My opinion...absolutely not...

Answer 1

Have you actually read what the Pope said?

Here is a link to the English translation of the Pope's controversial speech: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I disagree. He did have a right to say what he did.

Don’t you see the irony in Muslims being able to desecrate a Christian Temple in Jerusalem by spreading feces on images of Christ? But a Christian leader (the Pope) can’t remind people of what 14th century Byzantine emperor Manuel Paleolous II said about the profit Mohammad several hundred years ago. It wasn’t even the Popes own words or thought. He was repeating what Paleolous II supposedly said. . What’s with the hypersensitivity anyway?

The Muslims can dance in the streets; shout and yell; raise their fists all they want to but I do not believe the Pope owes Muslims an apology for anything.

Some have contended the terrorists are a form of radical Islam and a small minority of the faith. They say the large majority of Muslims are a peaceful people. I am beginning to wonder about these claims when I see the reported millions in the streets protesting what the Pope repeated.

Two faced or what? Is Islam a peaceful religion or a violence based religion? By what I am seeing and hearing, I would have to conclude the latter.

Answer 3

A perceived insult is not the same as an intended insult.

Part of the inherent conflict we see so often between Western societies and Islamic societies stems from a welcoming attitude towards criticism on the part of the former, and a harsh rejection of all forms of criticism on the part of the latter.

He's apologized twice for reading from a text, published by an author at the University at which he was speaking, that originally cited a 14th century Byzantine Emperor who was trying to hold a dialogue with a Persian scholar at the same time that the Persian Army was laying seige to Constantinople.

Let it go. Anyone who doesn't is just itching for a fight.

Answer 4

He sure did! Know your history! Islam spread by the sword! The Pope said that compulsion to change religion is wrong. And that is right. It is irresponsible of people to misinterpret what he said to mean something negative. Someone has to stand up to the way these muslims are behaving - and I say good for the Pope!

Answer 5

There were no insults. The Pope has no reason to apologize, he quoted a 14th century emperor and it was taken out of context. I know of no other religion in recent history that has been as militant, radical, and terroristic as the Islamic radicals. Almost all terrorist acts have been in the name of Islam, all beheadings, suicide bombing, and torture has been in the name of Islam. The rest of the world should demand an apology from the Islamic clerics, and a pledge for them to stop the senseless violence done by these so called true believers.

The following was provided by another member in response to a similar question, it seems to reinforce the propensity toward violence.

Ishaq:544 “Muhammad commanded the people to prepare for the foray [raid, incursion, sortie, attack, or assault]. The Messenger informed his troops that he was going to Mecca. He ordered them to prepare themselves and ready their equipment quickly. He said, ‘O Allah, keep spies and news from the Quraysh until we take them by surprise in their land.'” Fundamental Islamic organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and al-Qaeda offer the same prayer today.

Ishaq:544 “Hassan incited the men, reciting: ‘This is the time for war. Don't feel safe from us. Our swords will open the door to death.'” And so it would be forevermore.

Qur'an 9.5 “When the sacred forbidden months for fighting are past, fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, beleaguer them, and lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”

Answer 6

Of course he had the right to say whatever he wants. Were all big boys and girls and can make up our own minds.

A little self examination is good for any religion and, yes, that even includes Islam.

Answer 7

Absolutely not. It shows the mentality and mindset of what I has made me so angry in the fact that a majority seem to think their god is better then anyone else. It's very sad. Of course, this is coming from a place where Pedophiles in their own system don't get punished.

Answer 8

He has the right to say anything he wants. It doesn't make him right but he can say it.

Answer 9

Yes, we all have the rights to express our opinions.Freedom of it.

Answer 10

Bring on Crusades # 5!!!