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THE QUESTION
Benedict and Islam
Pope Benedict's recent baptism of a well-known Italian Muslim has prompted criticism in much of the Islamic world. Has Benedict done enough to build bridges to Islam?
Posted by
Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham on April 9, 2008 5:07 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Pope Rebuilding After Bad Start
The Pope has begun to build bridges with the Islamic world after a disastrous start, but, despite his attempts to build these bridges, it feels as if the hand of friendship is not being stretched out far enough.
Posted by Julia Neuberger, on May 2, 2008 7:57 AM
Benedict's Bridges Need Work
The Pope seems to think that he and Mr. Allam had previously been “in opposition to one another,” merely because they were not of the same faith. The Pope is saying that it is the faiths themselves that are in opposition.
Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on April 11, 2008 8:54 AM
The Ecumenical Age May Be Past
The most tolerant Christians remain passive, like the most tolerant Muslims. Meanwhile, the thirst for some kind of belief must be quenched.
Posted by Deepak Chopra, on April 11, 2008 7:13 AM
Pope Benedict, Muslims and Mutual Respect
There is no question that Pope Benedict has a great respect for religious faith of Muslims. In fact, he wishes European Catholics were as devout as Muslims.
Posted by Thomas J. Reese, S.J., on April 10, 2008 2:41 PM
Pope Benedict's Double Yes
When Pope Benedict prayed in the direction of Mecca, his action was a YES to Christian generosity toward the other religions, and when he baptized that Italian convert from Islam, his action said YES to Christian orthodoxy.
Posted by Willis E. Elliott, on April 10, 2008 1:54 PM
The Pope and Islam: Let's Stop Kidding Each Other
We have Catholics defending an act that while perfectly legitimate is obviously sticking it to Islamic fascists. And we have secular and liberal fundamentalists legitimately critiquing this act with a predictable fierceness and complete disrespect for anything religious.
Posted by Irwin Kula, on April 9, 2008 8:51 AM
Careful, Catholics and Muslims! We Quake!
How Catholics and Muslims choose to relate will have consequences in a world threatened by aggressions, war, and terrorism and in a world where many recognize the need for reconciliation across the boundaries of faiths.
Posted by Martin Marty, on April 9, 2008 8:15 AM
Pope Benedict Wants You!
One thing that devout believers in ecumenical dialogue simply don't get about the Roman Catholic Church is that its leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, truly believe that theirs is the one, true faith.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on April 9, 2008 8:00 AM
Benedict's Words Should Spark Dialogue
No one in the Islamic world should bear ill will towards Pope Benedict, especially in regard to the conversion of the Italian Muslim, Magdi Cristiano Allam.
Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on April 9, 2008 7:09 AM
Bridges With Islam
I for one cannot see this action of Pope Benedict as a positive act that will lead to peace between the different religions of the world, let alone Islam and Christianity.
Posted by Arun Gandhi, on April 8, 2008 3:43 PM
FEATURED COMMENTS
Soja John Thaikattil, Sydney, Australia: Pope Benedict was appointed to his "office" just about three years ago. Surely he is not expected to have completed building bridges to Isla...
Serena: When the pope comes to New York, he will have unprecedented security, streets will be closed off, and Manhattan, where I work, will be a nig...
Athena: As a former Catholic turned Wiccan, the only thing that I care about WRT the Pope coming to DC is how it's going to mess up traffic. Oh, and...
