AmericanPapist Comments
but of course....
~Sean
I think that they are confirming his comment to be true simply by their reaction! Of course he spoke correctly..
In large part, I'm a little worried about the apology, if that's what it is, not only in that it does give in to intimidation, but also in that it gives credence to those who violently react to any criticism of Islam. That is, the apology could be seen to imply that criticism of Islam is wrong, and that it is something that should be apologized for.
Thankfully, the apology hasn't been an all-out, blanket apology.
He apologized for the reactions, but did not totally apologize for the remarks. I think he really should not have to apologize because he really did nothing wrong. He just quoted someone; he never said he agreed or not.
Perhaps prior to delivering his speech, the Pope should have had it
censored and approved by an Islamic Censorship Board in Germany?
I think he was right, it needed to be said, and he should stand by it.
Of course, 'the Regensburg lecture' is much more than the Manuel II quote. It is, in fact, one of the best things the Pope has produced and it has a lot to say to all of us about reintroducing faith into even the secular bits of the western mindset. We mustn't let unreasonable people and the evil powers behind them spoil that.
Very few in the media-- or in the churches and mosques-- seem to be able to understand the lecture itself.
Here is the URL to an atheist's essay that clearly and effectively gives a breakdown of the lecture.
http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?a...?
articleid=9709
The writer has his own political agenda, however he is spot on in his understanding of the Pope's lecture.
I highly recommend the explanatory essay.
Pass it on to anyone who might be interested.
This could become the most lopsided vote since his "Do you like ice cream?" poll.
yes, at least we know where the AmP readership stands on this issue. :)
I thrilled at his speech - despite the quote being taken out of context and exploited by media and muslims - I thought the quote to be right on, and the behavior of Islamic fundamentalists proves it.
The link Fr Stephanos provides is pretty good.
I'm getting to be of the opinion that the muslims would be more correct demanding that the media starts saying the mea culpas.
not to say that they aren't loopy.
The Pope spoke the truth and said what he meant. The fact that the militants reacted the way they did was not anything out of the ordinary for them -- they typically react with violence toward everything. You could clear your throat and look in their direction and they would be pulling out their weapons.
The Pope is a peacemaker and wanted to be as charitable as possible so he clarified what he said.
The Holy Father wants to dialogue with the muslims and I think that is admirable and a good thing, but I think it's next to impossible to dialogue with the terrorists. They are intent on destroying humanity.
The press sure didn't help things with their outlandish headlines.
I think Benedict's speech is what one would expect from an intellectual. The fact is there are a great number of ignorant, uneducated people in this world (and to some extent I include myself). These masses would only comprehend his speech at face value or subscribe solely to the presentation laid before them by some equally ignorant journalist. The mistake that Benedict made was in treating us as intellectual equals....I wish! Which might not have produced such a furor if there was a tad more intellectual humility around.
Should he have apologized? I do not see how he could not. Whether through deliberate or pure ignorance, the perception brought about a very real threat to individuals and properties of the church, mainly, though ultimately perhaps not confined to Muslim parts of the world. I do not believe that our Pope would not feel great sorrow that his words would incite violence and would not want aplogize. To apologize is what any good, humble shepherd would do to protect his flock. God bless our Sheperd.
If you read the speech closely, the ones who should be most offended would be the Secularists and Bible-only Protestants but the Islamists had to steal everyone else's thunder!
Has anyone else realized that the vast majority of Muslims are always so miserable not because of America or because of oil or because of Israel but because their faith spreads misery and pain like a virus?
Do you all notice how Islam is set up exactly like any other fascist society?
Never again will I take at face value the pleading voice of a "suffering" Muslim. I will always remember the crybabies who want to assassinate our Papa because they are weak cowards.
It is time for the Islamic pity-party to end and for the so-called "religion of peace" to grow up and join the adult religions at the big table.
Once we get an alternative fuel source, their faith will die on the vine.
It is sad that muslim leaders throughout most of world respond with violence or fatwas. If it was possible for them to respond with a reasoned argument to contrast with the Holy Father's statements then they would have. It is obvious that they have no other recourse.
i think the polls results are more indicative of the small percentage of people who inevitbaly will mis-click poll responses.
Long live the Pope! His praises sound
Again and yet again.
His rule is over space and time;
His throne the hearts of men.
All hail the shepherd King of Rome,
The theme of loving song:
Let all the earth his glory ring
And heaven the strain prolong.
His signet is the Fisherman's:
No septure does he bear,
In meek and lowly majesty,
He rules from Peter's Chair,
And yet from ev'ry tribe and tongue
From ev'ry clime and zone,
All with united voices sing
The glory of his throne.
Then raise the chant, with heart and voice,
In church and school and home;
'Long live the shepherd of the Flock,
Long live the Pope of Rome.'
Almighty Father, bless his work,
Protect him in his ways,
Recieve his prayers, fulfil his hopes,
And grant him length of days.
by Hugh T. Henry
Sorry- just had to post this.
I bet those 3.9% voting the wrong way are due to confusion of the alternatives and pressing the wrong button.
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