It is not often that one feels compelled to correct one the world’s major religious leaders but in these times of religious conflict, I cannot remain silent.
Last week, Pope Benedict XVI returned to the University of Regensburg, where he had once been a Professor of Theology. There, he delivered an excellent university-level lecture on the need – or rather requirement – for Reason in Religion. A highly commendable position.
In the beginning of his lecture, however, the Pope chose to cite the thoughts of a mediaeval Byzantine emperor, during a siege of Constantinople. Such an educated, erudite man as Pope Benedict should have known better than to quote an understandably biased emperor, particularly in this time of inter-religious tension.
In so doing, he has intensified the conflict between the so-called “Western” and Islamic Worlds. He has also reduced the response to his overall argument to a mere “ad hominem” position and obscured the majority of his lecture. A debate over the Pope himself now overshadows the need for Reason in Religion.
By quoting a scurrilous slander on the Prophet Mohammed – and not immediately condemning it – he has opened himself to the charge of agreeing with it.
The Roman Catholic Church, with all its brilliant mysticism and great charitable works, nevertheless has a blood-stained history. From its persecution of dissent, to its many “Crusades”, to the Inquisition, to the so-called “religious wars”, it has too often ignored the Teachings of Christ, in favour of political pressures.
How much better it would have been had Pope Benedict cited one of the many Roman Catholic Theologians who have criticised Roman Catholic violence.
Please read the controversial speech – and judge for yourself.
Papal Address at University of Regensburg :
"Three Stages in the Program of De-Hellenization"
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=94748
Faith, Reason and the University
Memories and Reflections
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html
Please also see:
Muslims Fume at Pope's Islam Jibe
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/14/04.shtml
Pressure on pope for personal apology
Sunday 17 September 2006, 6:53 Makka Time, 3:53 GMT
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DF1C168D-EA5D-46A2-8138-A435FF186E30.htm
Pope Sorry for "Offending" Muslims
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/16/05.shtml
Pope 'sorry' for offence to Islam http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5351988.stm
UPDATES
Pope sorry for offending Muslims http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5353208.stm
Text of Pope's apology http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5353774.stm
Pope admits to shock and sorrow
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/FA590F8B-70E7-4054-88ED-6131FB326D1C.htm
Pope Meets Muslim Envoys, No Apology
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/25/04.shtml
Uri Avnery: Benedict XVI Joins Forces With Bush II
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-09250664724.htm
Last week, Pope Benedict XVI returned to the University of Regensburg, where he had once been a Professor of Theology. There, he delivered an excellent university-level lecture on the need – or rather requirement – for Reason in Religion. A highly commendable position.
In the beginning of his lecture, however, the Pope chose to cite the thoughts of a mediaeval Byzantine emperor, during a siege of Constantinople. Such an educated, erudite man as Pope Benedict should have known better than to quote an understandably biased emperor, particularly in this time of inter-religious tension.
In so doing, he has intensified the conflict between the so-called “Western” and Islamic Worlds. He has also reduced the response to his overall argument to a mere “ad hominem” position and obscured the majority of his lecture. A debate over the Pope himself now overshadows the need for Reason in Religion.
By quoting a scurrilous slander on the Prophet Mohammed – and not immediately condemning it – he has opened himself to the charge of agreeing with it.
The Roman Catholic Church, with all its brilliant mysticism and great charitable works, nevertheless has a blood-stained history. From its persecution of dissent, to its many “Crusades”, to the Inquisition, to the so-called “religious wars”, it has too often ignored the Teachings of Christ, in favour of political pressures.
How much better it would have been had Pope Benedict cited one of the many Roman Catholic Theologians who have criticised Roman Catholic violence.
Please read the controversial speech – and judge for yourself.
Papal Address at University of Regensburg :
"Three Stages in the Program of De-Hellenization"
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=94748
Faith, Reason and the University
Memories and Reflections
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html
Please also see:
Muslims Fume at Pope's Islam Jibe
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/14/04.shtml
Pressure on pope for personal apology
Sunday 17 September 2006, 6:53 Makka Time, 3:53 GMT
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/DF1C168D-EA5D-46A2-8138-A435FF186E30.htm
Pope Sorry for "Offending" Muslims
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/16/05.shtml
Pope 'sorry' for offence to Islam http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5351988.stm
UPDATES
Pope sorry for offending Muslims http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5353208.stm
Text of Pope's apology http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5353774.stm
Pope admits to shock and sorrow
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/FA590F8B-70E7-4054-88ED-6131FB326D1C.htm
Pope Meets Muslim Envoys, No Apology
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2006-09/25/04.shtml
Uri Avnery: Benedict XVI Joins Forces With Bush II
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-09250664724.htm