Do you think Pope Benedict's comment was deliberate?

Question

If he knows of the slaughter and destruction caused by the Crusaders in the 13th century, why would he use a quote by a 14th-century Byzantine emperor calling Islam “evil and inhuman.” The Arabs haven't forgotten -- how on earth could the Pope have "forgotten?"

I'd call it a case of "the pot calling the kettle black."

Diaboyos: The Roman Catholic Church also has a history of "convert or die." It began with the Crusaders' swords and moved on to burning and torture.

Diayobos again: My point exactly! He quoted a Christian in Dark Ages denouncing Islam. He should have been denouncing the Crusades themselves instead of brining them forward without apology! Totally unacceptable from anyone in his position. Is he familiar with the admonition about judging others? He should be speaking out for people who have been harmed by a few radicals -- but never to denounce another's religion!

Sad Dad: This is a quote from his speech --
"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". The emperor, after having expressed himself so forcefully, goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable.

If he was making the point that spreading violence is unreasonable, he should have used past Christian violence (Crusades, Inquisition) as examples rather than forcusing entirely on the evils of Islam. Why don't Christians acknowledge the religion's past violence and teach "evolution" of religion itself???

Answer 1

Either really badly calculated (pretty much anyone could see the result that would occur) or senior moment. Did sound like a pre-written speech though....

Answer 2

Okay, let's put aside the fact that religeons regularly decree that all others outside their faiths are "wrong" and have gone to war, and oppressed others. While I have no great love for the Catholic Church, this pope, is more of a research/scholar than a diplomat. No doubt, he wishes that he had not said them. Now, from what I can tell, he was using a quote, as part of a dialogue, and and said "I quote" twice. But consider this..."There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his Messenger", Does not seem to leave any room for debate. On the strength of some cartoons, people have died. Because of a discourse, churches are being attacked. No doubt, there have been times when the Muslim faith has been tolerant. But the current flavors of Islam are getting progressively more fanatic, and deadly. We of the west need to stop apologizing for any inferences made in a free and open culture. When the newspapers, mosques, and madrasses all over the world preach hate, and violence, while refusing to address the real problems of bigotry, sexism,racism, corruption, and the brutal grinding poverty that is the life of so many in the middle east. Islam historically has been a faith carried by the sword. Such faiths tend to fold inward when they meet an equal and opposing force. It remains to be seen if they can re-invent it before we end up in WW 3.

Answer 3

Look,the Crusaders were on a noble cause,to wrest away the Religious homeland of the Jews and Christians.The Muslims NEVER had a claim to Jerusalem,but they came in and destroyed everything Jewish and Christian.Built their Mosque where not only Abraham took Isaac,but where David had Solomon build the Temple that Herod restored and close to where Jesus was crucified.The Myths were that the Crusaders killed Jews too,in every war there are atrocities,but for the most part that's not true.You do'nt think to make everyone convert to Islam by the sword is wrong than you should change your name L'Chaim to dead guy.

Answer 4

"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," the pope 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.'"

He speaks correctly. In their Jihad they demand to convert to Islam or die. I wouldn't apologize either. They offend many here when they burn our flag and fly planes into our buildings but no one's apologized for that yet.

EDIT: That's true and has been argued before, but for Christianity it was in the Dark Ages not the 21st Century.

Answer 5

anti christ

WHO put the robe of scarlet on Jesus and Pilate even washed his hand of it?

Great Whore Of Revelation – Part-2
The Great Whore of the Book of Revelation can be understood by putting aside the traditional teachings of men. Overcoming tradition and the ceremonial worship of men is the ultimate challenge of any man of God. People throughout the world are opposed to any challenge of pagan and ungodly traditions. May the ones that are truly seeking God read this article and judge it's contents by the scriptures of God's word and the facts of history.

Source(s):

The Whore Riding the Scarlet Beast

She is clearly identified as a "CITY" (not a nation or country) eight (8) times in Revelation 17 and 18. Her location, as a CITY, is obvious to anyone who understands history. Therefore she is a CITY that:

1) has a Christian religious heritage,
2) is waxed exceedingly rich,
3) has the blood of Saints and Martyrs on her hands,
4) has tremendous political and religious influence throughout the world,
5) is clothed in purple and scarlet,
6) is located near the Mediterranean Sea,
7) is full of abominations, primarily idols,
8) is heavily adorned with gold and jewels,
9) is primarily represented by a woman instead of Jesus Christ,
10) is carrying a golden chalice, significant to her identity,
11) influences world leaders because of her religious power,
12) sits on seven mountains or hills.

Answer 6

When did he say he forgot anything? The real issue isn't whose kettle is black, but whether or not truth is being spoken. I'd say that as the usual instigators, the muslims' kettle was pretty black even *before* the Crusades (staged mostly as a defense).

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

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 9

I miss the previous Pope. This shows the differance between both of them.

Answer 10

No, the Pope certainly does not want to get in the middle of a war. Muslims just like to find reasons to complain.