Cat Stevens criticizes pope over Islam comments

yahoo.com ^ | 9/24/2006 | Yahoo

[Screamname]

LONDON, England (AFP) - Yusuf Islam, the British singer known as Cat Stevens before his conversion to Islam, added to the criticism of Pope Benedict XVI's recent remarks about the religion.

Islam, known for his 1970s hits including "Father And Son" and "Wild World," said that the pope quoting from a medieval text which attacks some of the Prophet Mohammed's teachings as "evil and inhuman" showed the pontiff was not infallible.

Roman Catholic theology says that the pope cannot err in teachings on faith or morals.

In an interview with BBC television, Islam said that he went to a Catholic school, "so at one point I used to believe that the Pope was infallible."

But he added that the pope's comments on Islam showed he was fallible,

"because of the kind of interpretation he had of Islam, he should read Gandhi and find out what he said about Islam," the singer said, adding that the Indian leader had a more peaceful interpretation of the faith.

The pontiff "should have looked elsewhere if he wanted to quote but we respect the Pope and his position -- I do believe he has retracted in a way that statement and that's all to the good."

The pope's comments sparked outrage around the Muslim world and he has now said he was "deeply sorry" for the reaction they caused.

Perhaps Britain's most famous Muslim, 58-year-old Islam became a Muslim in 1977 after a near-death experience and is now a children's charity campaigner.

In 2004, Islam was on a flight from London to the United States which was diverted when he was found to be on a no-fly list. He was detained by US security officials before being sent back to Britain.

The music star said he has had "no explanation" for the incident but says he is now welcomed when he travels to the United States.

He also spoke out against Muslim extremism after British Home Secretary John Reid last week was barracked by a protestor, saying: "When a person actually doesn't abide by the basic etiquettes of Islamic life and behaviour, you can't blame Islam, you have to look at the individual."

[ladyinred]

Oh No! Now the Pope will have to resign! Cat Stevens disapproved! Yikes!

[stephenjohnbanker]

: )

[razorbak]

I'm just a follower of a moon demon -- moon demon, moon demon!

[madison10]

There's a bunch of "old" people on this thread. To think I thought Cat Stevens was make-out music. ;)

[Cogadh na Sith]

Of course, The Artist Formerly Known as Cat Stevens also applauded the fatwa against Salman Rushdie and supported calls for Rushdie's death....

The Former Cat Stevens is consumed by the hatred inherent in islam.

I've got a cell and a waterboard for his dopey ass....

[PennsylvaniaMom]

Yes, and Mr. Wakeman is, no doubt, considered by Mr. Stevens to be an 'infidel.'

I have no clue (nor do I really care) what lable will be marketing the newest release of Cat Stevens...but don't you just think those lucky music execs are ready to jihad all over him for throwing in his two cents on the Pope. It's a capitalist, capitalist world Cat...

[Colorado Doug]

Strange. He didn't have anything to say about the murdered Nun or the burned churches.

[liberte]

Hey Yusef, maybe you should put some ice on that.

[liberte]

Umm, Yusuf</typo>

[DaveTesla]

"While the character, message, and deeds portrayed
within its pages are the antithesis of Christ's and his
disciples, the Sira's chronological presentation is
similar in style to the Christian Gospels."

According to the author that makes him the Antichrist.

No wonder the left are in bed with them.

[jackieaxe]

He did a song called "Peace Train" back in the 70's.

Was the train in Spain the Peace train or was it the Piece(s) train? The world don't need to hear another album for an apolgist of a religion started by lying, murdering, back stabbing pedophile. And the Pope was right, Islam!

[Leftism is Mentally Deranged]

I hadn't heard this idiot's name in years. Could this be a way of him making a comeback?

[reagan_fanatic]

"Another J-DAM attack and I ain't got no body"

[Doc Savage]

Gee Cat, I probably failed to mention this back in the 1970's when you were a "recording artist", but I felt several your songs were lame. Hope you understand my criticism you pathetic Muslim apologist!

[TeleStraightShooter]

No, and the fact his premise is illogical matters not to him, to Islamists like him it's all about intimidation.

[BulletBobCo]

He also spoke out against Muslim extremism after British Home Secretary John Reid last week was barracked by a protestor, saying: "When a person actually doesn't abide by the basic etiquettes of Islamic life and behaviour, you can't blame Islam, you have to look at the individual."

Ruh roh!!! Dead man walking.

[TeleStraightShooter]

The explanation is their god understands not logic but intimidation.
It appears they can not logically explain that to you.

[redstates4ever]