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April 6, 2008 at 12:54:35
by RHM Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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Just in case you don’t recognize the charming man in this photo, it’s Pope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Ratzinger) the head of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. When he’s not busy sending thousands of Catholic operatives to Africa to teach against condom use (even between married couples where only one partner is infected) or condemning anybody whose not Catholic to eternal hellfire, he can be found inciting Muslims with his arrogance and poor judgement. Today’s lesson is simple – just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. Magdi Allam is a well-known writer in Italy who also happens to be an Egyptian-born, non-practicing Muslim. Allam decided (for whatever reasons) that he wanted to be baptized a Christian and convert to Catholicism. Fine, that is his right and really isn’t that big of a deal. Enter Pope Benedict.
Religious tension around the world is so thick you could cut it with a crucifix. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists (yes, even them!), and the super-delusional Scientologists are all embattled in their own struggles brought about by their religious convictions. This tension can manifest itself violently in the blink of an eye. So, what does the Pope do? He personally baptizes Magdi Allam on Easter Sunday in Saint Peter’s Basilica to much fanfare. Why the show? I’m all for civil rights and free speech, but did he not consider that doing so could put a target on the back of every Catholic around the world? Couldn’t Allam have been baptized in his local parish like everyone else?
When Ratzinger became Benedict there was much talk about his extensive intellectual credentials. He speaks multiple languages with almost native fluency and has authored volumes on theology (i.e. historical fiction). But how could someone so smart do something so stupid? Arrogance, that’s how. He believes his own hype (that he was chosen by God) and is basically giving the finger to over 1,000,000,000 Muslims and, in the process, putting all Catholics in danger.
The Muslim world needs to be engaged by the West. Not all nice and snuggly, but seriously engaged. They need to be educated them that our values like free speech, gender equality, and democracy are things we will never, ever give up. The message needs to be sent clearly that they don’t have to like our ways, but they’d better get used to them. Unfortunately, we won’t get to that kind of direct dialogue as long as high-profile religious zealots like the Pope continue to sabotage the way with unnecessary incitement. Baptizing a Muslim on Easter Sunday in Saint Peter’s Basilica?
That’s almost as bad a drawing a Mohammed cartoon.
Randall H. Miller is an American educator and blogger currently living in the Dominican Republic. He blogs daily at TheCandidacy.
www.thecandidacy.com
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
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QUESTIONS FOR RHM
Have you read the Koran, or studied how Islam came to exist through Mohammed, or studied the life of the Prophet? BTW, I'm not a Catholic. by W.M.L. (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 537 comments [52 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 at 7:06:10 PM  (0+)
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Reply: Answer
Yes. by RHM (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 7 comments) on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 at 7:13:05 PM (0+)
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Reply: Prove It
What did Islam add to Christianity? Did early Muslim theologians accept the Dome of the Rock as an actual Holy Islamic site? Why or why not? Why is the rock at Mecca important? Why is Medina important? Is Islam a religion of peace, and if so, from where do you derive that conclusion? Why were the crusades fought? If you have truly studied as you claim, these answers should be on the tips of your fingers. Indulge me. by W.M.L. (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 537 comments [52 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 at 8:16:29 AM (0+)
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Freddy Krueger
Is it just me, or does Ratzinger (gotta love that name) look like F.K. in that photo? To inflame or not to inflame is a tough moral call. In and of itself, baptising anybody anywhere is not inflammatory. The catholics who complained about "Piss Christ" didn't threaten to murder the artist and bomb his house. Catholics haven't been murdering people for directly theological reasons for quite a while now. Unfortunately a significant number of Muslims have not reached that pinnacle of sophistication. On balance I believe the world would be a much better place without any religions. by John Haigh (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 118 comments) on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 at 6:28:59 AM (0+)
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Reply: Agreed
I definately agree with your last statement. Most of the feedback I am getting from this article (so far) has been criticism of Islam. Interestingly, nobody has even tried to defend the Pope or the Catholic Church. We'd be much better off if more people could recognize religion for the man-made phenomenon that it is. Feedback and comments are always welcome. RHM by RHM (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 7 comments) on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 at 8:13:22 AM (0+)
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I think not
Blaming the Pope for the actions of some of the more radical elements of Islam is like blaming an abused wife for making her husband mad. by Michael McCormick (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 at 8:14:38 AM (0+)
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Reply: Not quite
Nowhere did I make excuses for unacceptable behavior. Those who commit violence are 100% responsible for their own actions. However, you'd think that someone in his position (Pope and leader of over 1 billion Catholics) would have enough common sense not to fans flames. It's called judgement. I appreciate your comments. RHM by RHM (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 7 comments) on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 at 8:24:33 AM (0+)
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