If I have it right, the Pope quoted a medieval document, making the point that religious beliefs which lead to violence are misplaced. I can understand that some are offended by his reference. What I don't understand is that no one seems to find their reaction hypocritical and ironic. The visceral reaction by some within the Islamic community is the very thing which the Pope was saying is problematic. Violence will not solve our differences, although it will certainly punctuate them.
It doesn't make sense to me that voices of protest within Islam, who take offense at the Pope's remarks, can respond by calling the Pope Satan, burning his image in effigy, desicrating the American flag (the Pope is not American), torching churches in West Gaza, and vowing "war on the worshippers of the cross" (reference Reuter's news article 9/18), and then find it surprising that many in the Western world find their tactics unsavory, and misunderstand their religious views.
We are all hoping for a peaceful world in which to raise our children and live our faiths, respecting our differences. My prayer continues to be for peace. Those who speak and breathe violence do not represent the spirit of their faiths.
I love my Catholic faith and heritage. To disrespect the leader of our Church deeply offends me, and yet I am not inspired to speak of violence against them. I pray, instead for peace.
Psalm 120:2, 6
A Prayer for Deliverance
"Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue...Too long I have had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war."
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1 comment:
Beautifully said!
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