Pope's message for "Men and Religions" meeting

Zenit ^ | September 8, 2004

[AskStPhilomena]

To the Reverend Brother Cardinal Walter Kasper President of the Pontifical Council For Promoting Christian Unity

1. I am particularly glad, dear Brother, to give you the responsibility to convey my greetings and my sincere appreciation to all the Representatives of Churches, Ecclesial Communities and major world Religions who have gathered in Milan for this XVIII Meeting entitled "Religions and Cultures: the Courage to Forge a New Spiritual Humanism." For me it is a joy and a consolation to see that the pilgrimage of peace I started in Assisi in October 1986 did not stop. On the contrary, it continues to grow in terms of participants and fruits.

Furthermore, I am pleased to convey my greetings to the beloved Ambrosian Church. With its Archbishop, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, it generously welcomed this providential meeting once again. I also thank St. Egidio Community for having grasped the importance of what I called "the spirit of Assisi," and having constantly upheld it with audaciousness and perseverance since 1986, nourishing the commitment to a very necessary pathway in today's world, marked by deep misunderstandings and relentless conflicts.

2. The spirit of dialogue and understanding has often lead to endeavors of reconciliation. Unfortunately, new conflicts have broken out, and an attitude which regards conflicts of religions and civilizations as an almost inevitable heritage of history has become widely accepted.

They truly are not! Peace is possible always! We must always work together to eradicate the seeds of bitterness and misunderstanding embedded in culture and life, we must put all our efforts into eradicating humankind's determination to prevail over the other, we need to work together to erase the arrogance of asserting one's own interests disdaining the identity of the other. These feelings are the harbingers of a world of violence and war. But conflict is never unavoidable!

And religions have a specific task in reminding every man and every woman of this awareness, a gift of God and, at the same time, the fruit of centuries of historical experience. This is what I called "the spirit of Assisi." Our world needs this spirit. It needs convictions and behaviors that secure a solid peace to flow from this spirit, to reinforce international institutions and promote reconciliation. The "spirit of Assisi" urges religions to give their contribution to the new humanism today's world needs so badly.

3. The world needs peace. Every day we hear news of violence, terrorist attacks, military operations. Is the world truly abandoning all hope of attaining peace? At times it seems the world is getting used to violence and the shedding of innocent blood. As we face these troublesome events, I bow my head over the Scriptures and there I find the comforting words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

As Christians who believe in the one who is "our peace" (Ephesians 2:14), his words light up our hope. However, I wish to address and request everybody to withstand the logic of violence, revenge and hatred, and persevere in dialogue. We need to break the deadly chain that imprisons the world and sheds its blood. In this sense, there is so much religious believers can do. The image of peace that rises from the Meeting in Milan encourages many people to embark upon a commitment to peace.

4. In a few days time we shall commemorate that terrible September 11th, 2001, when death reached the very heart of the United States. Three years have passed since then and terrorism sadly seems to be increasing its threats of destruction. The fight against the death-makers doubtless requires firmness and resoluteness. At the same time, however, it is necessary to make every possible effort to eradicate the misery, despair, emptiness of heart and whatever favors this drift towards terror.

We must not let ourselves be overwhelmed by fear, which leads men and women to focus only on themselves and strengthens the selfishness entrenched in the hearts of individuals and groups. We need the courage to globalize solidarity and peace. I am thinking of Africa, first of all, "the continent that seems to incarnate the existing unbalance between the North and the South of the Planet" (Message for the XVI Meeting "Men and Religions": Palermo, August 29th, 2002) and at the heart of my concerns are the Iraqi people. Every day, I invoke for them peace from God, that peace that humankind is not capable of giving.

The Meeting in Milan shows it is crucial for humanity to resolutely make a true commitment to peace. Peace never requires violence, it always calls for dialogue. Especially those who come from Countries whose soil is stained with blood know well that violence constantly generates violence. War throws open the doors to the abyss of evil. War makes anything possible, even what is totally irrational.

That is why war should always be considered a defeat: the defeat of reason and of humanity. May a new spiritual and cultural thrust soon lead humankind to banish war. War never again! I was convinced of this in October 1986 in Assisi, when I asked people belonging to all religions to gather side by side to invoke God for peace. I am even more convinced of it today: as the body grows weak, I feel the power of prayer grow.

5. The title St. Egidio Community has chosen for this year's Meeting is, therefore, very significant: "Religions and Cultures: The Courage to Forge a New Spiritual Humanism." Meeting generates in itself a new humanism, a new way of looking at one another, of understanding each another, of envisioning the world and of working for peace. At the Meeting there are people capable of staying next to one another, who discover how friendship enables them to perceive the extreme dignity of every man and every woman and the richness that is often rooted in diversity.

Dialogue releases the courage for a new spiritual humanism, because it requires to trust in men and women. It never sets person against person. Its purpose is to overcome distance and vulgarity, so we may become aware that we are all creatures of one God, and brothers and sisters all belonging to humankind.

Cherishing these convictions in my heart, I assure you of my participation in spirit in the meeting and invoke upon each of you the heavenly blessings of Almighty God.

Castel Gandolfo, September 3rd, 2004

Joannes Paulus II

[Translation of Italian original published on the Web site of the Community of Sant'Egidio]

[Land of the Irish]

The "spirit of Assisi" urges religions to give their contribution to the new humanism today's world needs so badly.

[pascendi]

"You're getting worked up about an ecumenical and inter-religious meeting for dialog."

That's correct.

"I don't see any "new" theology or spirituality here."

I know. It's really strange that you can't see it.

"Nope, I don't think he is talking about political socialism, or left-wing defined humanism, or syncretism of the Catholic Faith with other religions."

He was.

[AAABEST]

Thanks for the commentary from the Special Olympics lobby of Christianity. It's nice to have a self appointed prophet aboard.

In the world of sola scriptura, don't they read the part that says false prophesy regarding such scripture is extremely sinful?

[AAABEST]

Mmm Mmm. I fail to see where the Pope is denying this command of Christ by sending this message for an inter-religious dialog.Maybe, just maybe, an open dialog like this can be used as a tool (among many others) for the eventual freely sought baptism of many current pagans.

"Mmm Mmm" nothing.

You also fail to see that when JPII states "I was convinced of this in October 1986 in Assisi, when I asked people belonging to all religions to gather side by side to invoke God for peace" he ignores the fact that while he was standing next to a Buddha feeling grand, that almost none of those standing with him believe in Christ In fact most were pagans who don't even believe in God.

Forget the misguided Global Lennonism, I fail to see how scandalizing the flock and dereliction of duty regarding the first commandment produces any fruit for Christianity or Catholicism. Christianity 101.

It's been nearly 20 years now, please show me all of these imaginary baptized converts you're referring to - they don't exist and never will. He himself never promotes converting them, he promotes foolish acceptance their false doctrines.

[pascendi]

Someone was complaining on another thread that there was not yet one positive comment on this particular thread. Let me dispel the negativity strawman.

Traditional Catholics are already blessed. Here's how:

Traditional Catholics are blessed to live in these times of duress for Holy Mother Church, because it makes them rise up to defend Her. In better times, many may have fallen victim to complacency in regards to their Faith for lack of resistance to it.

Traditional Catholics are blessed to live in these times because of the greater urgency to pass on the Catholic Faith to their children, whereas they might have been slack and may have entrusted the task to others who may have cared less. They have all the more reason than ever to shield their children from the insanity of the ways of this world, and to most potently pass the Faith on forward to the next generation of Catholics.

Traditional Catholics are compelled to appreciate to the fullest the remnants of a lost tradition which they manage, sometimes only by great effort, to get hold of and experience. In any other time, such appreciation may have not come so readily to them.

Traditional Catholics are blessed because just at the right time, they have, for the first time in human history, access to nearly every document of the Church and every story of every saint that ever lived, and every text of every council, to use as tools with which to defend Holy Mother Church in Her time of greatest need.

There's no negativity on this end... traditional Catholics have so much to be thankful for. I wouldn't have picked any other time in history to be alive.

[bornacatholic]

Amen. God Bless you. Your Faith is strong. So is your trust.

[bornacatholic]

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000806_dominus-iesus_en.html

[AAABEST]

Hey, whatsamatta wit you. The Pope validates heathens and you can't find anything nice to say?

[marshmallow]

"Pope is an apostate" thread, du jour.

What is truly incredible is not the Pope's words but the complete inability of some to understand what he is saying and doing and the scorn, overwheening pride and uncharitablenes which characterizes their words.

Blessed are the peacemakers, indeed.

Had you people an ounce of humility and prudence you might care to contrast his method of reaching out to those not of the faith, with your own uninviting methods, as exhibited on this forum.

In-your-face shouting of the righteousness of your own position and the inevitability of damnation for all those who don't hold to it, attracts precisely nobody.

On the contrary, people find this habitual, daily, papal second guessing obnoxious.

Spare us the pretentious "Lord have mercies". The Pope will be just fine.

Here are your two new study words for the day : Respect and Dialogue.

They are not dirty words and they are very much part of evangelism.

[sinkspur]

You are wasting your time.

[Mark in the Old South]

I guess I am looking for a silver lining but there is one line I agree with: "Every day, I invoke for them (Africa) peace from God, that peace that humankind is not capable of giving"

It is a pity the rest of the letter contradicts this singular sentence.

[pascendi]

"Respect and Dialogue."

Every sentence of your own post is a contradiction of these.

This, while the objection remains solid and necessary: the pope is talking about secular humanism.

[Pio]

The bottom line is: Bend over, kiss the Koran.

[pascendi]

lol. These are truly the times spoken of when good is evil and evil is good.

It's honestly the most amazing thing I've ever seen.

[marshmallow]

This, while the objection remains solid and necessary: the pope is talking about secular humanism.

I don't think so. In fact, I know so.

Bolding individual words in a single article is a very poor way to interpret his thoughts. It's a method which can and is used to twist virtually any piece of writing .

The Pope has repeatedly spoken out against syncretism. Furthermore, he has done it in circumstances which required faith and courage.

In India in 1999, in the midst of reports of Hindus beating and raping Catholics, The British Daily Telegraph ran this headline:

POPE REJECTS HINDU CALLS TO END QUESTS FOR CONVERTS"

The Electronic Telegraph (Nov. 6, 1999)

The article goes on:

"The Pope arrived in India yesterday to meet Asia's Roman Catholic bishops in the teeth of opposition from Hindu nationalists. A group of extremist Hindus burned the Pope's effigy in New Delhi shortly after he landed in the city amid tight security. They are demanding that he should halt conversion of Hindus to Christianity and should preach the equality of all religions."

In 1995, before the United Nations he had this to say:

"As a Christian, my hope and trust are centered on Jesus Christ, the two thousandth anniversary of whose birth will be celebrated at the coming of the new millennium. . . . Jesus Christ is for us God made man, and made part of the history of humanity. Precisely for this reason, Christian hope for the world and its future extends to every human person. Because of the radiant humanity of Christ, nothing genuinely human fails to touch the hearts of Christians. Faith in Christ does not impel us to intolerance. On the contrary, it obliges us to engage in a respectful dialogue. Love of Christ does not distract us from interest in others, but rather invites us to responsibility for them, to the exclusion of no one. . . . Thus as we approach the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Church asks only to be able to propose respectfully this message of salvation, and to be able to promote, in charity and service, the solidarity of the entire human family.

In January, 2000, the Pope pronounced explicitly against all fashionable Indifferentism and Syncretism to participants of the plenary session of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying:

"It is against the faith of the Church, to hold the thesis on the limited character of Christ's revelation, which would find its complement in other religions."

Even more precisely:

"It is an error to consider the Church as one more road to salvation together with that of other religions, which would be complementary to the Church, although converging with it toward the eschatological Kingdom of God. Consequently, a certain mentality of indifference characterized by religious relativism that leads to believing that religions are equivalent among themselves, must be excluded".

I believe that the passages which I have quoted clearly demonstrate both his respect (one of today's key words for you) for those of other persuasions but also his wish to bring the good news of Christ to them.

The two are not incompatible and there is a great deal to be learnt from his teachings on this matter.

[pascendi]

"...one of today's key words for you..."

You propose to teach. What have I learned from your key-word lesson? You've taught me that you have not honored your own key-words, but have yourself violated those two words which the pope promotes, to whit, Respect and Dialogue. Here's how:

You have accused others of the following:

1. An inability to comprehend
2. Scorn
3. Overwheening pride
4. Lack of charity
5. Lacking humility
6. Lacking prudence
7. Self-righteousness

Further more, you have made use of sarcasm:

8. "Blessed are the peacemakers, indeed."

...and attributed statments not made:

9. inevitable damnation for all those who disagree

I cannot therefore hold you to be one who practices what you would teach.

The Pope says this: "Faith in Christ does not impel us to intolerance." Even if it were true that traditional Catholics were really guilty of the entire list of offenses you provide above, why are you not tolerant of them in spite of this? How is it that you can be the accuser, while no one else can? Why are you exempt in the course of judging others? Why aren't you tolerant? I know the answer to this: I simply believe that you are guilty of the same things you would rebuke others for.

To other matters:

"Bolding individual words in a single article is a very poor way to interpret his thoughts. It's a method which can and is used to twist virtually any piece of writing."

It is impossible to twist this writing so that it does not speak of secular humanism.

As for the last quote provided regarding indifferentism: the pope does very well here upholding the one path to salvation, which is the Catholic Church. In fact, I could provide for you, if you wish, quotes which are even more precise and pointed than this, coming from Pope John Paul II. Once or twice, he has actually come out and stated that all who are outside the Barque of Peter are lost.

But the anti-syncretism and anti-indifferetism quotes are few and far between in the course of a very long papacy of words and actions which fly in the face of doctrine and tradition. If you would, please, find me more than one or two statements of John Paul II to support the claim that "the Pope has repeatedly spoken out against syncretism." As indifferentism and syncretism are pandemic in our times, and given that you have claimed that he has repeatedly spoken against these things: I ask you, marshmallow, in the name of Dialogue and Respect, to provide for me more quotes or example, that I may come to know the truth which you possess.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

You are correct.

Traditional Catholics will never abandon the Faith for the modernist agenda.

[sempertrad]

It is impossible to twist this writing so that it does not speak of secular humanism.

Just as it is impossible to bridge the following from Pope St. Pius X and this latest message from our current Pope.

But stranger still, alarming and saddening at the same time, are the audacity and frivolity of men who call themselves Catholics and dream of re-shaping society under such conditions, and of establishing on earth, over and beyond the pale of the Catholic Church, 'the reign of love and justice' with workers coming from everywhere, of all religions and of no religion, with or without beliefs, so long as they forego what might divide them - their religious and philosophical convictions - and so long as they share what unites them - a 'generous idealism and moral forces drawn from whence they can'. When we consider the forces, knowledge and supernatural virtues which were necessary to establish the Christian City, and the sufferings of millions of martyrs, and the light given by the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and of the self-sacrifice of all the heroes of charity, and a powerful hierarchy ordained in heaven, and the streams of Divine Grace - the whole having been built up, bound together, and impregnated by the life and spirit of Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, the Word made man - when we think, I say, of all this, it is frightening to behold new apostles eagerly attempting to do better by a common interchange of vague idealism and civic virtues. What are they going to produce ? What is to come out of this collaboration ? A mere verbal and chimerical construction in which we see, glowing in a jumble, and in seductive confusion, the words of Liberty, Justice, Fraternity, Love,Equality and human exlatation, all resting upon an ill-understood human dignity." - Saint Pius X, Our Apostolic Mandate, letter on the "Sillon", August 25, 1910.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell us what this Pope Saint 'reeeeeaaallly meant.'