That last point I think needs clarification.
While we would hope that Pope Benedict is incapable of making a diplomatic mistake, no amount of hope can change the reality that it is in fact possible.
What is the alternative? A "carefully" orchestrated plot to call the bluff of militant Islam? This is not the role of the Church, and it contradicts the Church's social teaching. We should not forget that the Church is the "sacrament of the salvation of the world," and that it is in fact possible for Muslims to be saved only because of the Church. The Church exists for the Muslims just as much as she exists for us.
The Church does have the moral responsibility of educating the world of those things that are against the dignity of the human person, violence being one of them. But the Church through her Vicar should not be the one to strong arm her way into the inner workings of Islam, especially when there is nothing intrinsically evil about the practice of Islam as a religion. Are we to expect from now on that the Pope will be addressing the evils of other religions haphazardly in obscure academic gatherings? I think this would be a subversive move on the part of the Pope for ecumenism everywhere: "so that's how the Pope wants to deal with things."
The humble apology of the Pope did not in my opinion look to be one of mere diplomacy or just "good PR." As Pastor of the entire world, he is in a certain (but real) sense, responsible for the salvation of everyone--including the Muslims. I do not think the Pope would have sacrificed authentic dialogue with peaceful and rational Muslims, nor do I think he would have endangered the lives of Christians so haphazardly. This would not be in accordance with the dignity owed to Muslims, nor would it be in accordance with the role of the Pope.
The Church can never be used as a "means" for anything. It doesn't seem reasonable to me that if Pope Benedict was so fed up with intellectual terrorism, that he would take it upon himself to use his position to effort a change in this way, especially when--as Christopher J said--the Pope has exhibited a pacific stance in regards to Lebanon AND Iraq, both having ties with radical Islam.
While I do think that the clash between Islam and the West is problematic and may one day lead to apocalyptical happenings, I don't think this is what the Pope hopes to achieve, nor do I think that he despairs of the possibility.
Any thoughts out there?
-CS
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Benedict did not take his name by accident. It was Benedict and his holy Rule that was instrumental in the Christianization of Europe. Benedict XVI has made no secret that this is one of the primary missions of his papacy.
Europe is becoming Islamified. Christians are losing their faith and failing to repopulate anywhere near the rate of Muslims, and in one or two generations, Muslims will be the majority. Anyone who isn't clear on what happens when Muslims get a majority can ask the churches in the Book of Revelation how they are doing. Or better yet, in more recent events, ask how the Christians in East Timor are holding up under Shar'ia law. Name a Muslim country that wants to allow peaceful worship of religions, specifically Christians, specifically Catholics.
What Europe considers "tolerant" and "PC" and unconcerned with the ever growing and increasingly hostile Muslim population will lead to the same end as all the other countries that used to be Christian: Muslim, Muslim, Muslim.
I think his warning to Europe is loud and clear: Europe! They don't want to co-exist with you! You either wake up and recognize the danger around you, or it will be too late!
He's not asking for violence, or crusades, he is asking the Christians for conversion. He is asking to be on-guard in their faith, he is asking for vigilance, he is warning them loud and clear and I think there are some people over this recent uprising that are starting to listen.
Benedict is smart and it is not in the least duplicitous or undiplomatic to call a spade a spade. And I'm 100% sure he could have predicted the consequences (the cartoon fiasco wasn't that long ago). He's looking out for his people, he's warning them about the wolf. Is that a mere means? or is that what a shepherd is supposed to do?
If Christians don't convert themselves, Shar'ia will be upon them, and the violence they are seeing now over one simple comment, will be their life in a few short generations. There is no evidence to suggest the contrary. Ever.
His apology does not suggest anything about regret of his statements or meaning behind them. Any woman whose significant other said, "Well I'm sorry you were hurt" will tell you that's not a "real" apology. He didn't say I'm sorry for what he said, he said he was sorry they got hurt. Haha. I think it was brilliant. And not every Muslim fell for it. That's why lots of them are still hopping mad.
Islam may have a few truths,and insofar as they live in accordance to that truth, Islam has dignity, but even that is a double-edged sword. The truths they do have only make their untruths all the more potent.
Bravo Benedict.
--SD Papist.
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