[rrstar96]

The complete text of this commentary also includes a lengthy quote from the Pope during World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany last summer as well as miscellaneous observations from other sources.

[rrstar96]

ping

[Brilliant]

It is actually irrelevant what the Pope said. Muslims do not need excuses to kill or riot.

[pgyanke]

Interesting comment on this here

[BigSkyFreeper]

The Pope's words don't need to be explained away. The muslims are clearly angry about anything and everything.

[livius]

"...In the beginning was the logos, and the logos is God.” As history is turning out, this theological truth is at the very core of what is likely the greatest political and cultural struggle of this century, and maybe beyond.

Remarkable but true analysis. I think the Pope's address cut through to the heart of the whole dispute. I hope people are beginning to understand this - certainly, after years of relativism and the shrugging off of "abstractions" and theological investigation, there is some irony in the fact that it should turn out that theology (along with epistemology) is precisely the center of the entire conflict over the future of the human race.

[maryz]

It can be argued that the Regensburg lecture will turn out to be the most important statement by a world leader in the post–September 11 period.

Looks like it already, from the amount of comment it's drawing.

Thanks for posting this -- always good to have Fr. Neuhaus's take.

[syriacus]

Muslims must remember this,
1) a diss is just a diss and
2) if the Pope meant to insult Muslims he would have discussed mustaches.

[siunevada]

Mary Habeck’s...Knowing the Enemy. Habeck...takes very seriously what these people actually say they believe, and how they intend to act upon what they believe.

I wish our media commentariat would take this approach. Stop pretending they have the same ideals, goals and methods as secular Westerners.

[BMC1]

A BIG AMEN....

[oldbrowser]

It can be argued that the Regensburg lecture will turn out to be the most important statement by a world leader in the post–September 11 period.

If the Islamic leaders fail to respond to his challenge, then we will know that there are no leaders and Islam is a false religion.

Islamics will be reduced to the level of shaman or witch doctors who uses "religion" for the purpose of controlling followers.

If Islamic leaders do respond to his challenge, they will begin a dialog that will lead to the reformation of Islam.

[fso301]

bump

[Beauceron]

Neuhaus is always worth reading carefully. Even when I disagree with what he's got to say, I recognize that he's a thoughtful, erudite man...