Why did Pope say that about Islam?

Question

He has excited Muslims. He should have avoided talking about other religions

Answer 1

He is a pope. His job is religion. What would you have him talk about auto repair?

It does not take much to excite Muslims. They are at a maximum level of hatred and anger from their childhood.
http://www.memritv.org/Search.asp?ACT=S5&P1=165
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~nahm0002/child_abuse.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38826

Islam is not a religion of love and forgiveness like Christianity.

On Tuesday, September 12th, Pope Benedict XVI made a speech on "Faith and Reason" at the University of Regensburg in Germany and quoted from writings of an erudite 14th Century Byzantine Christian Emperor, Manuel II Palaiologos. Manuel II took notes during his dialogs in 1391 with the Persian Muderris at Ankara and his notebooks were preserved as the "Twenty-six Dialogs with a Persian" on the "truths of Christianity and Islam". The pontiff quoted Manuel II who said that spreading the faith through violence is unreasonable and that acting without reason was against God's nature.

Manuel II's empire had been conquerored by Muslims and was made to pay the jizyah (submission tribute) so naturally he experienced Islam at its worst. Between 1379 and 1402 Byzantium had paid 690,000 hyperpyra (or 345,000 ducats) to the Ottomans.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/manuel2.htm

The pontiff said, "Speaking about the issue of jihad, holy war, the emperor [Manuel II] said, '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.'"

"Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul," added the pontiff in his own words.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=46474

Muslim reaction to that speech spanned from outrage to violence against nuns and churches. An Iraqi insurgent group threatened the Vatican with a suicide attack over the pope's remarks on Islam, according to a statement posted Saturday on the Web.

"We swear to God to send you people who adore death as much as you adore life," said the message posted in the name of the Mujahedeen Army on a Web site frequently used by militant groups. The message's authenticity could not be independently verified. The statement was addressed to "you dog of Rome" and threatens to "shake your thrones and break your crosses in your home."

Full statement by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on Pope Benedict XVI's response to Muslim anger over a speech he gave in Germany Tuesday... the pontiff was "very sorry" if he offended the sensibilities of Muslims worldwide.
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/16/05a.shtml

On Sunday, September 17th the pontiff said, " I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5353774.stm

Pope Benedict has the right to speak, he can certainly quote from the Bible and he can quote former Popes. His "apology" that he regrets Muslims became upset is appropriate because Muslims are always offended and humiliated whenever anything is said about Islam that is unflattering.

Pope Benedict made the comments in a speech at the University of Regensburg which was probably a written speech and his remarks were probably carefully researched and edited. In my opinion, the quote was appropriate for the times of the Crusades. The quote also seems applicable to Islamic jihhadists today.

Of course Muslims are outraged. It is a tenet of Islam that any time the religion is attacked that all Muslims have a duty to defend it. Violence gets attention. The timing of the speech is just before Ramadan. (Dates for Ramadan 2006 (or the Islamic year of 1427) are September 24th thru October 23rd.)

I wonder what level of protection the Swiss guards at the Vatican provide? What kind of weapons do they have?

Some contemporary evangelical Christian leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Jerry Vines have called Muhammad "a terrorist" and a "demon possessed pedophile who had twelve wives". Daniel Pipes sees Muhammad as a politician, stating that "because Muhammad created a new community, the religion that was its raison d'etre had to meet the political needs of its adherents." By contrast, Pope Benedict quoting Manual II is quite mild.

Here is what Robbie Burns wrote and I think it can also be applied to jihaddists of today although it was written for Christians:
"On Thanksgiving For A National Victory"
Ye hypocrites are these your pranks
to murder men and give God thanks?
Desist, for shame proceed no further
God does ne want your thanks for murder.

Yah, I know, there is no compulsion in religion (2:256) and Islam is a peaceful religion. Taqiyah.

The one page essay by Dr. Walid Phares, "Islamic concept of Al-Taqiyah to infiltrate and destroy kafir countries" explains how a convert will become a terrorist:
http://www.fisiusa.org/fisi_News_items/news109.htm

Phares states, "It [taqiyah] is done to prevent the new converts from seeing the real face of Islam; at least until their faith or mental conditioning is strong enough to make them turn against their own country and people."

Not all Muslims blow up things, yet "jihad in the cause of Allah" "jihad fee sybil Allah" is "fard ayn" "compulsory duty" for all Muslims. Why? There are rules from the Quran for combattive jihad. Read this:
http://www.notislam.com/id8.html
What does the tape from Gadahn mean? Does anyone realize that Muslims are supposed to "dawa" "invite others to Islam" before jihad?

According to al-Mawardi an 11th Century Shafi'i jurist:

The mushrikun [infidels] of Dar al-Harb (the arena of battle) are of two types: First, those whom the call of Islam has reached, but they have refused it and have taken up arms.… Second, those whom the invitation to Islam has not reached, although such persons are few nowadays since Allah has made manifest the call of his Messenger…it is forbidden to…begin an attack before explaining the invitation to Islam to them, informing them of the miracles of the Prophet and making plain the proofs so as to encourage acceptance on their part; if they still refuse to accept after this, war is waged against them and they are treated as those whom the call has reached…

In the Hidayah, vol. II. p. 140 (Hanafi school):
It is not lawful to make war upon any people who have never before been called to the faith, without previously requiring them to embrace it, because the Prophet so instructed his commanders, directing them to call the infidels to the faith, and also because the people will hence perceive that they are attacked for the sake of religion, and not for the sake of taking their property, or making slaves of their children, and on this consideration it is possible that they may be induced to agree to the call, in order to save themselves from the troubles of war… If the infidels, upon receiving the call, neither consent to it nor agree to pay capitation tax, it is then incumbent on the Muslims to call upon God for assistance, and to make war upon them, because God is the assistant of those who serve Him, and the destroyer of His enemies, the infidels, and it is necessary to implore His aid upon every occasion; the Prophet, moreover, commands us so to do."

Islam is insidious, it encroaches on a culture slowly and deliberately. Here is a document which discusses the progression of Islam in great detail (50+ pages) -- "From dawa to jihad - the various threats from radical Islam to the democratic legal order":
http://www.fas.org/irp/world/netherlands/dawa.pdf

Among Muslims there are those who:
a) jihad in the path of Allah with their wealth and their lives (including those who sit at home but give asylum to mujahidin 4:74) = true Muslim
b) those who sit at home (and do not give asylum to mujahidin or jihad in the path of Allah)
c) the handicapped (does not count as a category)

According to the Qur'an who is a true believer?

3:140 If you have sustained a wound, _ (a blow in the battlefield) _ others too have suffered a similar kind of wound, earlier. These are the vicissitudes of life that We circulate among mankind by turns. Thus, Allah tests the true believers among you, so He may pick the martyrs among you. Allah does not like the wrongdoers.

4:95 The two are not equal: those who sit at home (and do not join the fighting) _ unless they have a reason; they are handicapped _ and those who [jihad] strive hard in the path of Allah with their wealth and lives. Over those who sit at home, Allah has excelled and elevated to a higher honor those who strive hard with their wealth and lives.
Compared to those who sit at home, Allah will award a far greater reward to those who wage a struggle.

8:74 Those who believed, left their homes and waged a struggle for the cause of Allah as well as those who helped and protected them are really the true believers. There is forgiveness for them and a generous rewards.

49:15 The (true) believers are actually those who believe in Allah and His messenger and then do not waver (and do not entertain doubts). With their wealth and their lives, they strive for the sake of Allah. Such are truly the sincere ones

9:86 As soon as a chapter (of the Qur’an) is revealed (instructing them), “Believe in Allah and wage a struggle along with His messenger” the able bodied (and well to do) among them ask to be exempted. They say, “Leave us (behind). Let us be among those who sit at home

Killing (qitl) and jihad in the cause of Allah is the hallmark of true Muslim believers. It is not a matter of moderate or fanatic. It is the distinction of a true believer or a rebel.

4:76 Those who believe, do fight for the sake of Allah, while those who reject faith (Islam) fight for the cause of ‘taghut’ _ (all rebellious forces aligned against Allah). So, fight against the minions of Shaitan. Feeble indeed is the wily guile of Shaitan!

Does this include atomic weapons?
8:60 Acquire and prepare all the (military) strength you can muster, including the finest trained horses (and other military wares). With that, you would daunt and deter the enemies of Allah _ your enemies, and others besides them. You do not know them, but Allah (surely) knows them. Anything you spend in the path of Allah will be returned to you in full. You will not be wronged (at all).

2:216 Warfare (for the sake of Allah) has been ordained for you, though it is not something you like. It is possible that the thing you detest might just (turn out to) be good for you. It is possible that the thing you like (the most) might in reality be bad for you. Allah knows (all) while you know nothing (at all)!

4:74 Those who have traded away the life of this world for (the benefits of) the life-to-come, ought to fight for the sake of Allah. To anyone who fights for the sake of Allah, We will award the most generous reward whether he is killed (in the process) or comes out victorious.

These verses from the Qur'an can give us insight into the mind of a Muslim believer and the peaceful religion of Islam. Do read the entire sura from which they were extracted to get the entire context of the verses. It may make a difference.

Answer 2

Here's the quote:
The pope quoted from a book that recounted the words of a 14th century Byzantine Emperor, Manuel II Palaeologus. The book quoted a conversation between the emperor and an "educated Persian."
The pope said, "The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war." Continuing, the pope said, "I quote, '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 pope characterized the emperor's words as "surprisingly brusque." He also recounted how the emperor explained that spreading faith through violence is unreasonable, since violence is incompatible with God. A few sentences later, the pope was back to analyzing Christian theology."

"Evil and inhuman?" Not exactly the way to win friends and gain influence among Muslims. Ecumenicism, it's not.
It was, in my opinion, a most ill-considered and harmful remark. Why did he say it? Only the Pope knows for sure, but my guess is that he really had no idea it would cause so much animosity - which would indicate to me that the Pope is very out of touch with the realities of the world situation today.
(And, speaking of "spreading the faith by the sword", let's not forget just who started the Crusades.)

Answer 3

I agree with John and with xXBonethu. The Pope needs to keep his mouth shut. What did he expect? Apparently he and his aides have no clue. And he still has not recalled the words he said. I am very sorry that some of the Muslim people are so upset, but I can understand. The middle east and much of the world is a tinder box right now, and he has just put more fuel in the fire. Yes, Benedict seems to have forgotten all about the crusades. In my opinion, the Pope is the chief apologist for one out of many religions that take advantage of peoples fears and naive in order to stay in power. "Papa don't preach!" He's not my papa, nor yours. He's a wealthy, privileged and protected old man and a mouth piece for the church. Think for yourselves, people.

Answer 4

Honest scholarship is not afraid of controversy. For to check scholarship is to censor, and to censor is to live in the "dark ages" of non reason.

The Pope quoted material from a long dead king, to breech a topic that radicals seem to have hijacked (no matter what religion). Who are they to dictate what is and isn't a religion or have the only say in doctrines? Mankind isn't a rubber stamp, he seeks and is hungry for knowledge of the unknown, and questions why things exist. This is natural. When folks push agendas or have unnatural tendencies, it will impede mankind's zest to learn and seek new horizons.

Religion often is picky on details but wanting in explanation. Mankind will never be satisfied with text as is, he'll seek more answers. The Pope opened this can of worms for it's needed, as everyone from all faiths need to review what is the purpose of their religion, and why does it exist, and where is it's destiny on Earth.

If the religious would think about their religion more, and not in some vacuum, they'll see almost all religions are the same, barring scripture. The moral standards, the history, the teachings are universal in religion, as no religion is so unique to be totally different.

Dialogue is so needed among religions, for that's the tenant of almost all organized religions: to share God's creation among his children.

Answer 5

I brought up something up on the days of the byzantine empire, and stated that islam was spread by the sword. Which is truly the opposite, because islam was never spread by the sword, you would have had to accepted it, and claimed yourself to be a muslim. The Musilm community was outraged by this remark by the pope, and I being a catholic was quite upset myself. He made it seem like islam is an evil religion, when it isn't. hehe, It actually was christianity that was spread by the sword.

Answer 6

What he said was true, and Muslims don't like the truth about the past of their religion. Christians don't like the truth about the past of their religion either, especially the Crusades, but Muslims seem to think it's okay to keep mentioning that violent past to Christians. So it's dishonest of them to turn round and say it's not okay for Christians to be mentioning the violent past of Muslims.

Answer 7

The Pope was attempting to make a point about the incompatibility of violence and religion. He made a particularly bad choice in the quote that he used. Please do not think badly of Catholics because of this- the Church is not against other religions. It was simply a mistake on his part.

Answer 8

Agreed.
No matter what, it should a lack of intelligence, to say the least.
He did not have to say what he said, especially at this time.

We have hyped up the Islamists, starting with the unjust wars in
Iraq, Afghansitan and Lebanon. And now this sh..t. Coming out from the pope's mouth. Nonsense indeed.

No matter what excuses, this was a sidestep he should have avoided.

Answer 9

was the pope wearing his old hitler youth uniform and prada shoes while uttering this "misguided remark"? did it ever occur to you that he intended to foment anger among muslims to help kickstart the "war of civilizations" which profits his friends--the arms dealers and related corporatists? look beyond the obvious. the catholic church and its "elite" buddies are looking for any pretext to get a world wide police state going big time. and a "world war" is a good starting place. the aftermath would be easy pickings for the psychopaths who run the planet.

Answer 10

Because it's politically incorrect to voice any opinion about Muslims unless you're saying their religion is inherently peaceful.

Answer 11

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.