I don't think the Christian church is in any position to "help Muslims take on their more violent and extremist elements," given our own history of violence and extremism. It would be a good idea, however, for Christians to get to know some of the many Muslims who are already involved in the intra-Muslim dialogue --Indonesian, Iranian, European, and American thinkers and activists.
In this way, we would all have a more nuanced view of Muslim thought today.
As for Pope Benedict XVI's remarks on Islam in Regensburg, they made evident the dangers of knowing too little and mentioning it too briefly in a talk that was primarily about something else.
In the electronic age, this is naive and dangerous.
For a response to the remarks, please look at the six-page statement of 38 Muslim scholars from around the world, published in Islamica Magazine online:
http://www.islamicamagazine.com/online-analysis/open-letter-to-his-holiness-pope-benedict-xvi.html
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
