MORE ON THE POPE AND THE MUSLIMS!

In the aftermath of Pope Benedict’s lecture, many different opinions are surfacing, written by people who actually read his speech.

Karen Armstrong, a much respected religious history scholar came out against the Pope for inflaming Muslims with old, untrue stereotyping. She talked about history, the Crusades and how we butchered Muslims for their faith as well as the Jews, etc. I think, as smart as she is, she missed the point.

The Pope’s defenders looked at what the Pope said in light of the current world situation and especially, the problems with Muslim nations and Muslims themselves. They point out that a dialogue, as asked by the Pope, needs to happen. Muslims need to start asking some hard questions about their faith and about the actions of certain Muslims who justify their murderous actions as holy and according to the tenants of Islam.

A radicalized Islam has emerged and is threatening people that adhere to the old Islam. I don’t hear any moderate Muslim voices in opposition to these nut cases; are they scared for their lives? Well, judging by the violence in the streets of Muslim nations, killing is sanctioned by the good book and even demanded if a Muslim is not following the rules as interpreted by the guys with the guns?

The Pope wants dialogue but can he actually get it if no Muslim is willing to get out on a limb and actually discuss Islam. Remember that freedom of speech is a western thing; Islam does not allow it in countries where it is the law of the land.

I think the Pope did a very brave thing. He brought up a subject that needs to be addressed if the radical Islamists are to be stopped. They can only be stopped by other Muslims who will adhere to their version of Islam and treat the radical version as heresy and unacceptable. Can a brave and smart Muslim or group of Muslims be found?

I have only heard maybe one or two moderate voices that appeal for calm since the violent antics of the demonstrators plays right into the hands of critics of Islam who say, see, look at these idiots, they resort to violence at the drop of a hat and call it religiously justified.

It did not help that Al Qaeda or the umbrella organization of all Islamic rebels came out and said that their aim is to destroy all “cross worshipers” and all who live in the west and to make the entire world a Muslim world. Are we dealing with rational people here?

I think the Pope needs to stand his ground and the west needs to produce a backlash; a backlash that will force Islamic moderates to emerge and take control.


Janusz