As a former Catholic, I (as does everyone) have the right to express their opinion. First of all, if you are going to come forward in defense of Christianity, you do not retract by apologizing. The idea is either not to say anything publicly, and pray about the situation and leave it to God's hands, or if you are going to come forward, you need to be prepared for rebuttal, be it severe or mild to moderate. This is not a disrespect to "Catholics". I believe this to apply to everyone who does not think before they speak. To voice a respectable opinion is everyone's right. But to put yourself in a seat of judgement and then back off when you realize you were offensive is not only morally irresponsible, it is downright wrong especially being in the position of authority representing as many Christians as the Pope does. He should be publicly reprimanded by all Catholics and Christians alike for his inappropriate conduct, and for (what I believe) was playing God.
2006-09-18 06:06:48 · 15 answers · asked by Future Doc 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I very much agree with your comment that leaders in authority have an obligation to "think before speaking!" To be a role model for his people, he should demonstrate the correct behavior for making amends.
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2006-09-18 06:13:36 · answer #1 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am just a plain old run of the mill Christian but I think the pope was absolutely correct in what he said even if all it was boiled down to a quote. The truth is the truth no matter where it comes from. He did not retract what he said he simply apologized for upsetting some of the muslims. I think that was an unnecessary decision but in light of the unrest in the middle east he handled it the way he felt best. He is after all only man. I do not think he was judging them either. to read the Qu'ran and see the passages that extol violence and conversion by the sword and call it wrong is calling attention to the sin not the sinner. God will sort it out in the end but I say "Props to the Pope!" More people in positions of authority should stand up and back him up.
2006-09-18 13:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pope has every right to speak his mind,as do the rest of us.
Not politically correct?Please do tell me how politically correct was what the Moslems did to New York City on 9/11???? People like you make me laugh.You'd be singing a different tune if someone you cared about was in one of those buildings or on one of those planes.
2006-09-18 13:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Angel♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Pope didn't back off what he said. He didn't retract his comments. He only apologized that they offended Muslims, which was not his intent. I think the Pope knows a little more about this stuff than an ex-Catholic.
2006-09-18 13:11:10 · answer #4 · answered by Swordsman 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
First, he merely quoted a guy. There's no offense in that. Hitler said, "I hate jews." Am I now to expect jews to jump all over me for it?
Second, read his apology carefully. He did NOT apologize for what he said. He apologized that muslims were reacting that way -- something for which he has no need to apologize, they're doing it of their own choice.
He wasn't trying to play god, he just made a speech. And just like the mohummad cartoons, which were published in Egypt *FIRST*, by an islamic news paper, and THEN by the dutch paper, the muslims are reacting to what the current 'offender' said, not the guy who originally said it.
Islam is Evil.
2006-09-18 13:12:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to butt in your conversation with your pope, but what happened was essentially a political affair. The pope stated something he sincerely thinks about, and when he realised that it was politically inconvenient, the took it back. As simple as that. But what he said first is what he really thinks... sadly.
2006-09-18 13:20:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pope had a right to express himself and shouldn't have backed down. I don't consider the pope any more special that a pastor. I don't like it however when all Catholics are called Christians.
2006-09-18 13:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
wow! former catholic, you are so wrong about this, he actually had to apologize because those ignorant bastard, had to misunderstood what he said, just like they misunderstood everything that their prophet said. If you were smart then you would understand that he was not apologizing for calling their religion evil, he had to apologize because those ignorants were misinterpreting his statements.
And I suppose you left catholicism to become a confused, and manipulative muslim.
2006-09-18 13:29:22 · answer #8 · answered by Halal Pig Ok in Islam 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you read what he said. He was NOT trying to offend the Muslims or make waves. And NO he should not be reprimanded!I stand right behind him. And in case you didnt know...he didnt voice his own opinion..all he did was quote somone.
PLUS..he did not say "sorry I said that" he said "sorry your offended"
I say way to go.
2006-09-18 13:12:42 · answer #9 · answered by Shane 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-09-19 01:23:16 · answer #10 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋