The New Duranty Times (thanks to Seymour Paine) is at it again, in an unsigned editorial, “The Pope’s Words”:
The Vatican issued a statement saying that Benedict meant no offense and in fact desired dialogue. But this is not the first time the pope has fomented discord between Christians and Muslims.
In 2004 when he was still the Vatican’s top theologian, he spoke out against Turkey”s joining the European Union, because Turkey, as a Muslim country was “in permanent contrast to Europe.”
A doctrinal conservative, his greatest fear appears to be the loss of a uniform Catholic identity, not exactly the best jumping-off point for tolerance or interfaith dialogue.
The world listens carefully to the words of any pope. And it is tragic and dangerous when one sows pain, either deliberately or carelessly. He needs to offer a deep and persuasive apology, demonstrating that words can also heal.
Why doesn’t the Times, or anyone, point out that riots and threats are not a constructive way to demonstrate that Islam is actually peaceful?
Why doesn’t the Times, or anyone, invite Muslims to bring us, and live out, teachings of Muhammad that are not “evil and inhuman”?
Why doesn’t the Times, or anyone, take any serious note of the ongoing persecution of Christians by Muslims, as examples of Muslims “fomenting discord” with Christians not just with words, but with lethal deeds?
Some recent examples:
Saudi Arabia: Four African Christians Deported
Molotov cocktail against Christian activist’s home in Bethlehem
Chaldean priest kidnapped in Baghdad
Pakistan: Muslim land-grabbers attack Christians
Egypt: Copts lose homes, freedom over spurious murder charge
And all those are just from the last month.