The Pope's remarks September 20 in Regensburg, Germany were in the context of a theological address and appeal for dialogue between Christians and Muslims about the nature of faith and whether the application of it can ever lead to violence.
This one paragraph was ripped out of context and used as a pretext to incite anger and violence against the Pope. It produced the kind of anti-religious rhetoric (against Christians) which, when applied to Muslims, is not tolerated.
"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."
If these were the Pope's words and thoughts, Muslims might properly have been offended. But he was quoting part of a 14th century conversation between a Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, and an educated Persian on the subject of Islam and Christianity. The emperor's point was not only to speak of the futility of spreading faith through violence, but to emphasize it is not the way to please God.
The Pope's address was well-reasoned and researched and in context it is a humble and rational call to let God be God and let the rest of us serve Him in humility and loving kindness. The Pope's point was that good behavior will attract far more adherents to faith than acts of violence and compulsion (the latter is specifically forbidden by the Koran).
The Pope's trip to Turkey is an example of a biblical mandate to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28) The question is, will such a peaceful and kind demonstration of Christian faith impress and persuade those of the Muslim faith for whom offense too often appears to be a part of faith.
Jesus preached and demonstrated turning the other cheek and what came to be known as the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"). The two faiths seem in conflict between those who would turn the check and those who would strike the cheek; between those who take offense at everything and He who remained silent while He was spat upon, cursed, mocked and crucified.
The Pope has put himself at physical risk by going to Turkey. But God put Himself "at risk" by coming to Earth and offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Who is setting the better example for his faith?
Please e-mail On Faith if you'd like to receive an email notification when On Faith sends out a new question.
Email Me | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
