About the Pope's statement...?

Question

Don't you think that the reactions in the muslim world (burning churches, killing a nun, asking the Pope to kneel and apologise) show that he was right, whatever it was he said about islam and violence? Don't they ever say anything bad about Christians? What about freedom of speech? Are they the only ones who can get offended and we must be careful not to offend them? I am against USA wars against islamic countries, but that is a different thing. Enough already!

I am not saying what the Pope said was right. I didn't even hear it. I disagree in most aspects with this Pope. Besides I am not even Catholic. And Christianity also recognises Islam as a valid religion. However, the Pope has the right to his opinion. Muslims also have the right to be offended. But they don't have the right to react in violence!!!

To the Americans who answered: I am not considering you innocent peaceful victims either. You must be fooling yourselves if you think you live by the world of Christ as a nation. You have massacred enough people too.

To Bong U:
1. I never insulted any religion. Muslim who do acts of violence to innocents insult their own religion, since Islam prohibits that, as you say.
2. The Pope is not representing Christianity, just the Roman Catholic Church. There are orthodox, protestant and other Christians who happen to be at a schism (disaccord) with the Pope.
3. If the Pope insults you, you can insult him back. Violencce is not justified.
4. He quoted a Byzantine Emperor. So? Now the enemies of Islam should not even be quoted, including historical sources 700 years ago? Sorry, this is not how we choose to live. History and freedom is important to us.
5. The Popes have often acted against Islam (crusades, etc), and even eagainst science, against contraception, and other values we may believe in or not. We don't have to abide by that, so we don't need to react against it. It is a religious matter, if we don't like it we just don't follow it. It is not the Pope's work to do politics- these are separated

Answer 1

Those who protest a comment about the violent promulgation of religion WITH VIOLENCE, only reinforce the belief that their religion is violent.

Would somebody please tell the imams that preach hatred and violence, that they are reinforcing the picture of Muslims as demon worshippers when they do this? Why isn't this self-evident?

Why is it that a woman who wears her clothing incorrectly subject to arrest and trial for "crimes against Islam", but an imam who preaches "KILL THE INFIDELS!!!" is given a soapbox?

Does anybody ask these questions in Islamic countries?

Answer 2

The Pope as religious leader representing Christianity, the World leading religion) should carefully choosen his words to invite more nations to advocate peace and not to trigger hatre to Muslim Nations. What the world needs today is leader of peace. Muslims respect the Pope for his Emminence, whose mission is to bonding the world into a peaceful atmosphere..not to lead the world and conspires with world powers to conquer, invade, exploits, colonize other weak, smaller muslims nations and singling out Islam as violent religion because If you, the Pope , Bush, deeply understand the Islam, it prohibit any kinds of violence that affect innocent peoples specially women and children...Islam should not cited or quoted by a Pope using adversary of Islam, as Emperor Byzantine , about his contrary to muslims during his time. The Pope instead selected his best words to promote peace among the religions including Islam. If you say everybody has his/her own freedom of speech, Maybe if you were be on Popes shoes, you would create and invite other nations into troubles as you insult religions outside your own choice.
For me, there are two things not to discussed with other big or small community of defferent beliefs, supports and practices....Politics and Religions.....

Answer 3

Well, to be fair the pope was wrong. Not only his statement but the way he said it. This is not about free speach, this has nothing to do with free speach. This is about offending billions of people. Of course those who committed crimes in the aftermath are wrong, but he should have been more careful. He is the POPE not any old guy walking in the street, he speaks on behalf of all catholics! he needs to choose his words wisely.

He also needs to do some history research. The crusades, which were initiated by a pope caused the death of millions of people. Yes, I believe that some of us christians would have reacted in rage if christianity was called a bloody religion. But fortunatly, no Islamic cleric has ever offended christianity. This is mainly because Islam considers Christinaity one of the 3 holy religions, its people are people of god and they respect our religion. We should do the same.

It is all about respect

Answer 4

You have to read the whole statement to understand the context. The Pope was making an academic point on the subject of rational acceptance of religion. His point was that in order for people to accept religion, they have to internalize it, rationalize it, it has to makes sense to them and they accept it. You can't force it on them by other means. His point in referencing the quote by the emperor is less significant because of what it said than it is that it shows that this is an inter-religious dialog that has been taking place between Christians and Muslims for hundreds of years. His statements could apply equally to Catholics who have in their history resorted to violent or oppressive methods of conversion from time to time.

As to the outcomes of his statements, I find it amazing that some (not all) Muslims are offended by the implication that their religion has ties to violence. Their response? Some (not all) respond violently! If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...it's a duck. My only regret is that he apologized, but I trust that his apology was intended for those non-violent Muslims who regrettably got lumped in with Muslims who demean women and whose religious law calls for the death of converts from Islam to Christianity.

To be honest Asker, I don't think it is a free speech issue. However, you should reconsider your thought regarding military actions in Muslim countries. We are "appeasing" and "respecting" Islamic fascism right into our living rooms. We have to fight it or else what the emperor said may become the rule rather than the exception.

And Alucard, that is EXACTLY what they want or radical Islamic fascists will behead him or send a teenager to see him wearing a vest of explosives.

Answer 5

Yes I do think the reaction is awful, it just shows the world that some of these radicals are barbarians, and as far as freedom of speech it is an American right which we are fortunate to have. But your correct about the violence they continually perpetuate. We are a blessed country, "One Nation Under God", I believe that's why America is free and more prosperous than any other country in the world. I don't' believe anyone likes war, but sometimes war is need to preserve our future freedoms.

Thank you for asking such a controversial question! Makes ya think

Answer 6

POPE is the head of Catholic department i don't think he should go and insult on others religion if he is doing like that then tell me what is difference between him and the person who kills for living we never ever said bad about Christians we cant coz we respect JESUS (p.b.u.h) he is prophet to us do u think we will insult him hell no and plz for few stupid people u cant insult the whole ISLAM world if this is the case then i think that u should not forget Hitler he was a christian who kill many many Jews for one person u cant blame the whole christian world same with us from few stupid people whole call them self muslims which they are not u cant insult the whole ISLAMIC side
peace


u r wrong no one is allowed to insult his or her religions 2 days back if nun was killed the reasion was pope if pope come out with comments like that people who are hot tempered might start killing pope should have done something good not coming out says bad about ISLAM this is not for the first time it happen with ISLAM many times look what happen in danmark if u call that freedom of speach then i should start printing naked pictures of there mother and sister on my t shirt they should think twice before they make any comment on any religion

Answer 7

Oh, you get it completely wrong.
Firts of all, the Pope didn't say anything offensive, but some troublemakers took that line out of context. Also, take into consideration the political-social situation in those countries, not to mention the current unjust crusade against Muslims.

Answer 8

yeah I think their reaction should be no surprise at all. it is proof positive that they worship a god without power and morals, and are violent because they have no self control, something that Christians are supposed to have and strive for.

don't let your heart be troubled by this, this has been prophesied. there will be no more peace until the anti Chirst comes, which will be after a really big disapearance of millions of people arround the globe. I will be one of the ones who will disappear, and I'm ready to go now. at any rate, peace will be short lived 3 and 1/2 years, followed by 3 and 1/2 years of severe fighting, wars, horrific happenings, earthquakes, famine no water to drink. glad I won't be here for all that!! turn you eyes upon Jesus, the Author and perfector of our faith, then things that are happening in the world will become far more exciting, because it shows us that it is time to look up, for our redemtion is near!! yeeeeHaaaaa!!

Answer 9

I think what the Pope said was the truth. Its was actually a mellow statement when viewed by history.
Now I believe people are afraid of Muslim violence so they will not dare say anything. Muslims are like a pit bull who is running loose in the neighborhood attacking people. Someone speaks up and says. "Hey that dog is pretty mean." Five people respond (SSSShHhhhhh!) And the dog turns and attacks the mans house who made the comment.
People who attack Christians know that we will not attack back. We are safe prey for the weak and cowardly. I kind of like it in a way. I feel privileged to mean enough to someone that they would attack my beliefs.

GOD Bless ya.

Answer 10

Once again they proved. They are not a peaceful religion. They are ruthless killers. A nun real brave.