CynicalBear, I did not say that Arabs have special rights nor did I say that they serve the God the God of the Bible. If that is what you think I said, it is a misunderstanding.
I am well aware of the the story of Hagar and her son and the Arab/Muslim claim that it was Ishmael whom Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice.
I spoke of what they claim and how the pope may have been respectful of that in his actions. Isn’t it more important to start from common ground rather than what separates us?
Jesus went among and interacted with people that were prohibited to the Jewish people. He associated with sinners, a prostitute, lepers and tax collectors and by doing so, scandalized His fellow Hebrews.
Peter in the verse I gave you says quite openly that it is forbidden for him to be around Gentiles lest he be considered impure because of it. Yet, he knew the Holy Spirit had led him to do so.
Everyday I interact with people who are not of my faith. Am I to refuse service in my department store to a LDS family seeking to buy clothes for the son who is going on a mission? Shall I attack and curse the Jehovah’s Witnesses who come to my door? How about the many Indian/Pakistani/Iranian/Iraqi/Asian people I meet? Shall I curse them? Or can I be respectful without accepting their faith as truth?
Are they not children of God too? Does God not want them to be with Him in heaven for eternity?
For that matter, what of the protestant ministers who have attended mass or held prayer services with Catholics and people of non-Christian faiths? Remember those held after 9/11?
It is a complicated world in which we live. The pope, as do we all, must find a way to live in peace with others and pray that through our peaceful interactions we may be a light of truth for them.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. >> Does God not want them to be with Him in heaven for eternity?<<
“…I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” -Romans 9:15-16
“You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” -Romans 9:19-21