Replies

I would more admire the Pope if he were to take a real stand against radical islam. This comment was taken out of context and superficially looks like a criticism but in fact is not. The Pope should warn Christianity that a real threat is out there and that all Christians everywhere should beware the radical interpretation of muhammad's teachings. The church seems to be taking a politically correct path tiptoeing around the critical issues.

By the way, welcome to Free Republic.

The Church does not exist to be "politically correct."

The Pope was speaking to his own and giving them reason to consider the times in which we live.

I believe there was no other reason for his words.

It's better to appreciate that than to complain "why not more?"

"I would more admire the Pope if he were to take a real stand against radical islam."

What? Pope Benedict has taken a firm stand, not only against "radical" islam, but against islam itself. This is something neither Bush nor any other Western leader has the guts to do. Just recently the Holy Father stated that "islam and democracy will never mix until islam decides to reinterpret the koran", (paraphrase). That, my friend, is a complete condemnation of all of islam. The man in the White House still calls them a "religion of peace", and he commands the greatest army on earth. Even with all this might behind him, President Bush will quote that Greek philosopher who called Islam "brutal and inhuman" when Hell freezes over. Islam is on fire, literally, because of the Pope's words and his stance, and you have the b@lls to say the Pope isn't taking a stand? Pure ignorance on your part.

If you are looking, however, for the Pope to give instruction, courage and leadership to the West's timid leaders, I think he does that rather wonderfully, as a religious leader; but most of the West's leaders are self-styled 'born agains' or other non-Catholics who aren't looking to the Pope for political or spiritual guidance in the first place, nor would they follow it if offered. But hey, this is Free Republic, where the majority of members seem to be anti-Catholic bigots anyway, so fire away at the only leader on earth with the b@lls to call islam what it really is, "brutal and inhuman".