2006-09-18 13:08:45 · 19 answers · asked by rstahelski 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Anger mounted across the Muslim world Friday over remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to Germany this week in which the pontiff quoted a 14th century Christian emperor as calling aspects of the legacy of Islam's Prophet Mohammed 'evil and inhuman.'
2006-09-18 13:10:59 · answer #1 · answered by DanE 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Here's a link to the full text of the Pope's speech. I'd submit that most "reasonable souls" do not believe that the worldwide islamic reaction has been justified.
OK - It's a long speech ... let me excerpt the quote, penned by Byzantine emperor Manuel II in 1391, during the Muslim siege of Byzantium:
"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. God is not pleased by blood - and not acting reasonably is contrary to God's nature. Faith is born of the soul, not the body. Whoever would lead someone to faith needs the ability to speak well and to reason properly, without violence and threats... To convince a reasonable soul, one does not need a strong arm, or weapons of any kind, or any other means of threatening a person with death..."
Remember, these are not the Pope's words, but the words of an emperor who lived over six hundred years ago. The Pope noted the quote while making a point about the difficulty of finding common ground between Catholics and Muslims.
Being neither Catholilc nor Muslim, I have no dog in this fight. I do, however, believe that people should strive to behave reasonably.
2006-09-18 20:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by DidacticRogue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really think you know what was said but just don't know how to take it.. some of the people above this answer said it correctly. The Pope quoted a statement from a fairytale book just like the bible and what ever it is that Islam calls their bible. All just fairy tales and the I have to say the Pope is just as confused at the believers in Islam are.
I wonder when we are going to start having wars over the tooth fairy? It is about as dumb to me.
2006-09-18 20:17:13 · answer #3 · answered by Don K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are angry because they believe that the Pope called Islam an evil and inhuman religion. He now claims that this isn't his own opinion, but that he was referring to a text written in the middle ages which expresses someone's opinion that Islam is based on violence against other people. That someone was Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel II Paleologus who said in 1391: "Show me 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." That is, the Emperor believed that Mohammed, the founder of Islam, wanted Muslims to spread their religion through violent means. Despite the recent terrorism, true followers of Islam say that their religion condemns violence and never encourages it. True Muslims did not appreciate the Pope's speech which appeared to say that Islam is a violent religion at its core.
2006-09-18 20:22:50 · answer #4 · answered by lanicoise91 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Islam is mad because the Pope said in one of his "quotes" that Islam was evil.
2006-09-18 20:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by amberdesawn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He made a comment about Muhamed not bringing anything new to the holy war excepting converting people at the point of the sword. Something to that effect.
I think both sides are wrong. The Pope shouldn't have said that considering the circumstances we are in. The Muslims are looking for an excuse to get mad at the world and kill some more. Everyone should learn to relax and chill out. Glad I am agnostic.
Hey, - oh eee oh ah ah tang tang walla walla bang bang - guy, you screwed up one line. :)
2006-09-18 20:20:41 · answer #6 · answered by worldneverchanges 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Pope cited a text characterizing the prophet Mohammeds teachings as "evil and inhuman"
2006-09-18 20:16:20 · answer #7 · answered by Lavender 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He quoted a 16th century pope who said all the prophet mohammed brought to humankind was evil and destruction.
2006-09-18 20:12:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you can check this site out for some info.
personally, i think we all need to be less touchy and more civilized. we should not point fingers at other people's race/religion/faith/sex/ etc. And neither should we get so worked up with what someone said that we become engulfed in rage and make a big scene. live, and let live.
2006-09-18 20:14:37 · answer #9 · answered by Beauty Q 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That the Muslem religion specifically Mohammed brought nothing but evil into this world.
I happen to think that is true and Im not Catholic.
WOW- the "walla walla bing bang" guy sucks!
2006-09-18 20:10:40 · answer #10 · answered by rdm7672 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋