Many people seem surprised by what he said about islam: can you please tell me what he exactly said? Did he commit a blaspheme?
2006-09-15 02:33:42 · 14 answers · asked by Axel ∇ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The pope quoted from a book recounting a conversation between 14th-century Byzantine Christian Emperor Manuel Paleologos II and a Persian scholar on the truths of Christianity and Islam.
"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," Benedict said. "He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Muhammad 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.
'"By citing an obscure Medieval text that characterizes some of the teachings of Islam's founder as "evil and inhuman," Benedict inflamed Muslim passions and aggravated fears of a new outbreak of anti-Western protests.
2006-09-15 07:49:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Benedict's Lecture
Benedict began his address by quoting from a 14th-century dialogue between the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an ``educated Persian.'' The two debate the merits of reason in Christianity and the Muslim concept of holy war. Manuel, who champions faith embedded in reason, is quoted as criticizing Islam with what Benedict called ``a startling brusqueness.''
``Show me just what Muhammad 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,'' Benedict quoted the emperor as saying. There is no response from the interlocutor.
While Benedict goes on to discuss the Greek roots of reason in Christianity, which he contrasts with Islam's view that God is ``absolutely transcendent,'' including above reason, he doesn't address specifically the Byzantine emperor's perception of Islam.
Near the end of the address, Benedict said that only by recognizing the ``rationality of faith'' do people ``become capable of that genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today.'' The lecture is on the Vatican Web site.
2006-09-15 09:38:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I hadn't heard what the Pope said about Islam, but after reading here, I think this is so sad that a person in such an influential position would defame God's original religion, and that many millions of people would accept his words as truth without any research into it's truth.
The Qur'an does NOT advocate the spread of Islam by the sword, that is a misunderstanding. The Qur'an states "there is no compulsion in religion" compulsion, or compel means by force. The Qur'an also states that christians, Jews (people of the book) and sabians shall not grieve, as long as they believe in God and the last day.
Islam isn't a "new" religion at all, it confirms what was in the torah, and is God's message to all mankind that God is ONE god, with no partner or son. It's the same message brought by ALL God's prophets, including Jesus. Islam is the original pure monotheism practiced by Abraham, before Paul and Constantine changed christ's message and turned him into a god. Nobody (except atheists) has a problem with Abraham's religion..... right?
Is it blasphemy? I believe so, it's defaming God's pure worship.
But it isn't up to me to judge, God does that on an individual basis on judgement day.
2006-09-15 10:01:55 · answer #3 · answered by Squirrley Temple 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
alright...
i am probably the only one who did it, but i actually read the lecture before i began writing this.
i am no friend of benji, or his gang... but i have to admit in this case that while maybe unwisely chosen, his citation of an ancient byzantine emperor is not insulting islam OR mohammed, merely pointing out a few general - and widely accepted - differences about the two major religions of that time, in an effort to ephasize his point, which is that in christianity, violence doe not lead to salvation.
Gutsy bastard too, to say that right in the face of the historic truth, that most of his predecessors, clad with a decree of infallability, seem to have been of other mind.
Anyway... in my, to my best knowledge and ability unbiased opinion there is no cause to take offense on his words, and anyone who does so, has to face the suggestion that he does so because he actively looks to pick a fight.
which we know certain circles inside the islamic world do.
which is why benji could have chosen a wiser example.
in order to challenge this ruling, i require you to read the lecture yourself, top to bottom.(takes about 20 minutes)
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html
2006-09-15 10:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by wolschou 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He quoted a 14th Century emperor
'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.
NO
2006-09-15 09:44:56 · answer #5 · answered by Annie R 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
He quoted a 16th century book that says Islam converts by way of the sword.
Does Osama have any problems with that concept? Does Hamas? Does Hizbollah?
2006-09-15 09:37:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
He simply reminded people that the prophet Mohammed had recommended that people be converted at the point of a sword. It's in the Q'uran.
2006-09-15 09:37:26 · answer #7 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Ever since i came on this site,i've been trying ti find out
2006-09-15 09:37:33 · answer #8 · answered by kareen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He said a bunch of Poope.
2006-09-15 09:35:07 · answer #9 · answered by wicca chicka 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
He said that Muslims were "diseased animals" that will be "slaughtered by the sword of Jesus". I thought it was uncalled for.
2006-09-15 09:37:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋