What do you think of the Pope's comments?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
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<p>Yes, but only muslims keep women swathed in burkas and sentence them to death when they get raped. And sure the crusades were awful, but they stemmed from political and religious corruption, whereas the Koran DEMANDS jihad. It's important to realize that the majority of muslims live peacefully, but also to realize that they do so by ignoring certain passages in the Koran. We cannot pardon the despicable actions of others simply because our predecessors committed them once upon a time. Likewise, the pope cannot take a stab at whatever major religion he wants to (even if there is a lot of truth to it- as pope he has to be careful) just because it has committed worse crimes. Like I said earlier, the pope really needs to understand that he still has something to prove to Roman Catholics and to the rest of a world that is still missing JPII. The whole situation with radical Islam is difficult, because you can't really compromise, because what they want to do is kill you and everyone else who is unlike them. And it is pretty much impossible to make progress without any compromise.</p>

<p>And yes, ddjones, that game was just depressing...</p>

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<p>free speech plain and simple. the catholic church gets more than its fair share of public beatings in the press and other media. why shouldnt people be allowed to speak out about their opinions of islam. there is certainly a double standard here.</p>

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<p>No, the big F still shines brightly above all as a sign of faith. We will come back, but it was nasty, I have to say that! I am using this thread as a break believe it or not. I am working on catching up (my honors thesis has taken over my life) since I am two weeks behind on work, so that is why I am up and functioning. It really isn't fully by choice.</p>

<p>There may be a double standard but I think the problem is it came from the leader of one of the largest Christian sects. It isn't just you or I saying it, for better or for worse what the Pope says represents all Catholics and to an extent all Christians. That is why it is a big deal, well, that and the fact that they may be more sensitive to insults of their faith. How many cartoons get drawn about Catholics? Heck, I know plenty of movies that make us look bad.</p>

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<p>The Religion of Peace indeed. </p>

<p>The pope quotes someone from a few centuries ago who was concerned that the Islamic religion is spread by the sword. Certain Muslim leaders go ballistic, incite other Muslims, and call for the Pope to be behaded. And they wonder why fewer and fewer people believe that this is a religion of peace?</p>

<p>The following all happened just yesterday:</p>

<p>In Gaza City, a group calling itself the Islamic Organization of the Swords of Righteousness claimed responsibility for unleashing a volley of gunfire on the oldest church in the city.<br>
"We carried out this shooting because of the pope's statement, and he must apologise," </p>

<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060916/wl_mideast_afp/vaticanpopeislampalestinianunrestchurch%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060916/wl_mideast_afp/vaticanpopeislampalestinianunrestchurch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Iraq’s Mujahedeen Army has posted a message on the internet threatening Pope Benedict XVI with a suicide attack.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/763199.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/763199.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>A prominent Somali cleric called for Pope Benedict to be hunted down and killed by the nearest Muslim. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/somali-cleric-calls-for-popes-death/2006/09/16/1158334739295.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/somali-cleric-calls-for-popes-death/2006/09/16/1158334739295.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Well, the Pope isn’t in Somalia, of course, so local Muslims hunted down and killed a 70-year old Italian Catholic nun instead: </p>

<p><a href="http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,20429245,00.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,20429245,00.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>In the back, naturally.</p>

<p>But when Muslims call Jews sons of pigs and monkeys, and when others defame the Catholic Church, do you see Jews and Christians marching in the streets and threatening violence agains those who have insulted them?</p>

<p>I really wish those moderate Muslims out there would denounce these horrible words and actions; wouldn't you hate to see your religion hijacked like this?</p>

<p>I don't get it.</p>

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<p>You nailed it, Brandon's mom! I particularly was drawn to the twisted irony of the following warning by radical Islamists who wanted to wage attacks on the Vatican:</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>As per why moderate Muslims don't get ahead of this and denounce such violence and threats? Looks like the same rationale that enabled otherwise decent, peace-loving Germans to go along with Hitler, even to the point of taking part in his death camps--self-survival. Moderate Muslims want to go along to get along. It's a lot easier to rationalize the behavior of those who have hijacked your religion than it is to stand up to them.</p>

<p>In the all-too-familiar terms of political correctness, the world is engaging in the all-too-familiar timeless art of appeasement.</p>

<p>Quite frankly, I am hoping this a wake-up call. Five years ago, when the twin towers came crashing down, Americans walked around in a funk, unable to comprehend people whose irrational anger could lead to such evil deeds. These days, even members of the American press are looking at the kind of absurdity you, Brandon's mom, just cited so well--and are blaming it on the pope...</p>

<p>I'm the one with the son in Navy ROTC. I see where this is headed. Does no one else? Or do we just not want to? Nice as it would be to negotiate with those intent on violence, at a certain point, the futility of such exercises reveals itself, and we may be forced to do that which we don't want to do, but must.</p>

<p>In the meantime, members of our American military are tried for murder for shooting in the fog of war...</p>

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<p>Some of us have grown weary of making excuses for, apologizing to, and granting special exceptions for - this so-called "religion of peace"</p>

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<p>I am always torn because I am a psychology major, so that is the live and let live side, but then again I voted for Bush and vote (and volunteer) Republican, so I have some feelings on both sides. However, what Brandon's Mom said really spoke to me. I have always tried to be accepting because I know there are a lot of good Muslims, and I have let that carry the day. However, if they truly are good, peace loving Muslims I am not sure how they allow these people to go on and call themselves Muslims. They should either join or denounce these people, to live in silence makes you just as guilty as they are in a way.</p>

<p>I still think it is important to realize that there are a lot of innocent people caught up in this, but I certainly see the point. I am not sure why they put up with this, but by standing by they have some culpability in this as well.</p>

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<p>I just had an interesting discussion about this in my FPL meeting. Don't have time to add anything right now (and I'm still not sure exactly what I think), but I just wanted to let you guys know that I have the full text of the speech in case anyone is interested in reading it (it can probably be found online, but this was easier). Anyway, PM me if you'd like me to forward it to you.</p>

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<p>i think he shuld speak as he believes, just as all popes have. you say they are dangerous and violent people.... and they defned themselves saying no we're not... by blowing up more buildings and killing more people?</p>

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<p>Well, I've actually read the speech now and I didn't think there was anything in there that was offensive enough to deserve such a response. Sure, he used a quote from someone who denounced the Muslim religion (maybe not the BEST decision, but not entirely uncalled for), but ultimately the pope's point was that we need to open up dialogue between the religions and use reason, rather than violent methods to arrive at the truth.</p>

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<p>I just don't get it....why attack someone's religion? It's not like we are currently living in a peaceful world. The remarks by the Pope are certainly unacceptable and I believe that the Pope needs to apologize since he is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. </p>

<p>As a Muslim convert, there are a few things that I can clarify about Islam. Firstly, Islam was not spread by the sword!!! Anyone who claims or thinks that is clearly being ignorant. In fact, in the Holy Qu'ran-e-Shareef, it has been said that "Let there be no compulsion in religion for the truth has no error". Forcing someone to convert is haraam (prohibited). </p>

<p>I certainly do not believe that Islam can spread from Spain to the Phillipines by the use of force. It is encouraged within Islam to give Da'wa (invite people to Islam) but converting forcefully is totally prohibited and whoever does so is going against the basic beliefs of Islam. </p>

<p>Now, with that said, we must look at the reasons why these "radical" muslims restort to violence. First of all, I totally reject the methods of violence that these radicals are using and also using Islam as means to gain support within the public. For I believe more in peaceful talks and guidance than to restort to violence. However, we must look at the current situation going in the Islamic World. The invasion of Islamic countries and imposing democracy as means to govern their countries are means to wipe the influence of Islam. We must recognize that the Sharia (Islamic Law) prevails any other form of law within Islamic countries. There is no separation between "church and state" in Islamic countries. Therefore, by invading countries and trying to "westernize" those countries are means to impose their ideologies. Thus, according to the Holy Qu'ran-e-Shareef, anyone or any country trying to weaken the influence of Islam is considered an "enemy of Islam" and the Qu'ran gives permission to Muslims to defend their faith at all costs. Given the two perspectives, it might look like violence to a few and it might look like defending your faith to others. With this situation and the cartoon situations, I certainly believe that remarks from the Pope served as an catalyst for hatred especially when the Pope is considered the authoriative figure in the Roman Catholic Church. </p>

<p>Lastly, before I leave, I want to address my concern to the posters who claimed that the Qu'ran "DEMANDS" a Jihad and that the only solution to end all of this violence is to bomb Mecca. Let me mention that Jihad is probably the most misunderstood term within the Qu'ran. If anyone has read the Qu'ran in its entirety will know that the term Jihad means "Struggle" and NOT "holy war". Crusades were more like a holy war since it's purpose was to convert all the Muslims in the middle east to Christianity. However, Jihad is referred to struggle or resisiting. Examples are.....Having a Jihad from drinking alcohol, pre-martial sex, gambing etc. Basically, Jihad is necessary to prevent you to commit a sin. In extreme cases, Jihad is needed to prevent any aggression to Islam as it was needed during the Crusade times. </p>

<p>My last comment is to the idea that Mecca needs to be bombed. I would just like to say that committing this stupid act would lead into a world war that would be considered as the "Mother of All Wars". </p>

<p>I hope my excerpt gives you a little interpretation of Islam and not what the "media" wants you to know about Islam.</p>