The events this past week are somewhat frustrating. The Muslim world is up in arms because the Pope quotes a Byzantine emperor. I read the speech. The point the Pope was making was about the West and that reason cannot be divorced from Faith. The Emperor’s point was that violence as part of religion is a violation or reason, and thus why he rejects Islam. The emperor’s point is that faith that is counter to reason is false. The Pope was scolding the west because reason without faith is false . His point … we need both! Where is that in the news? It’s not? Hmmm.
Now, one can take the quote of the emperor as saying that violence has no place as official doctrine and dogma in faith beacause it is counter to reason. And the Muslim world, in their violent reaction, is acting unreasonably. Did Catholics burn buildings at the Last Temptation of Christ movie? Was there revolt at the Da Vinci Code? Are we revolting now as Muslims burn the Pope in effigy? Are we calling for “Holy War” as nuns are gunned down and churches are burned? No. There is a lot of reaction and condemnation by the Muslim world of things they don’t like from the Western world (Catholic and otherwise). This condemnation is loud, clear, and violent. However, there is only quiet (if any) condemnation of the uncivilized, violent, and godless behavior done in the name of their very religion. How can anyone beleive this is reasonable?
Of course, I find it equally interesting that the amoral (often atheistic) Western media delights in fostering (even hosting) these battles. Why the coverage here? Why the search for that which will divide and undermine? They miss the point of the Pope’s speech (his whole trip, in fact), but delight in controversy.
Read the Pope’s speech. You will find that it is not a message of hate as the media and Muslim world would have you believe. It is a message of hope and a challenge to Western thinkers that they need faith as well as reason. The Muslim world, perhaps, should also listen. Perhaps more reason is a good idea with their faith.
I read the speech here http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=46474












