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"This is not a time in our history to be emphasizing the similarities between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. On the contrary, we need to emphasize most strongly those things that separate us from those other religion, those things that make Christianity absolutely unique in the history of the world."

Agreed. This is a time when the Catholic Church, uniquely positioned to do so, should be leading a revitilization of Christianity, not affirming it's "deep respect" for Islam...a faith which is not only contrary to Christianity, but holds it in contempt.

"In recent years a mentality has emerged in theological and ecclesial circles which tends to relativize Christ's revelation and his unique and universal mediation in the order of salvation ... In order to remedy this relativistic attitude, we must insist on the definitive and complete character of Christ's revelation … Therefore the theory of the limited character of the revelation of Christ, which can be complemented by other religions, is contrary to the faith of the church." - John Paul II

"This is not a time in our history to be emphasizing the similarities between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. On the contrary, we need to emphasize most strongly those things that separate us from those other religion, those things that make Christianity absolutely unique in the history of the world."

That was a significant remark from Pope John Paul and the statement was made January 28, 2000. It may have been aimed as a jesuit professor someplace - teaching otherwise. Interesting.

I clipped the wrong italicized part of your message - I guess I was not careful.

Here is an article from Christianity Today that includes more of the story and in particular "the theories of a Jesuit theologian, Jacques Dupuis, whose work had disturbed the Vatican."

Thanks for your note to me.