[EternalHope]

The second striking thing we note is that Benedict characterizes this passage of the Koran as "one of the suras of the early period," a period "when Mohammed was still powerless and under threat." What is Benedict doing? He is setting up his argument that this passage has more authority for Islam (because it is earlier) than the later passages which seem to contradict it, and call for compulsion in religion. In an oblique way, he is inviting Muslim theologians to undertake a type of textual criticism of their own sacred scripture, the Koran, to uncover its deepest meaning.

It would be nice if Muslims would take the hint.

However, Muslims are apparently well aware of the contradictions between earlier and later passages and already have an answer. Unfortunately.

It seems the LATER passages are considered more authoritative than the earlier passages, and the contradictions are therefore resolved in favor of the later passages.

[Alia]

I read the Pope's presentation. And from this article:

Benedict's main point -- and few have noted this -- is that the West, unless it recovers a vision of God, cannot engage in a fruitful dialogue with the other great cultures

Has been a matter I've been on about for many years, hitting acute concern since the bombings of 9-11; my concerns and worries for the safety of say, San Francisco, for example. I remember full well, the Ayatollah Khomeini's (sp) loud and adamant voice declaring the US the "big satan". Living in the cultural cesspool that I was, and seeing already how far removed from religion the area was becoming, I could understand his words. However, the liberals in the SF Bay Area, having heard the same words, spun his words -- to instead interpret for the area's colleges that what the Ayatollah was saying was that American was evil BECAUSE it was "capitalistic".

That was not at all and whatsoever what the Ayatollah was averring. He was addressing the "braying culture". That culture in America that demands adherence to its own whims, desires, and dictates: it's own worldview, thoroughly disrespecting of the views and beliefs of others.

Most cultures do not see "abortion" as birth control (as our liberals do). But it somehow sneaks into every package of aid the US gives to others -- that abortion MUST be practiced as a condition of funds and assistance. Etc. Many countries do need the financial assistance in order to grow in freedom. What they don't need are scolds and busybodies inserting their fascistic secularized hands as a noose around these country's necks.

[Pyro7480]

Catholic ping!

[PandaRosaMishima]

If the Pope is really critisizing the West, my fear is that too many pseudo-Christians are going to join the Islamic world in screaming to burn him at the stake. Can we say Rosie O'Donnell, anyone?