DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH dot com?
You also left out the next sentence:The photo of that gesture has been shown repeatedly on Iraqi television and it demonstrates that the Pope is not only aware of the suffering of the Iraqi people, he has also great respect for Islam."
The photo was taken in 1995. Saddam Hussein was still in power. The Iraqi people were under oppression. It is worthwhile to mention that JPII, as he is affectionately known, loved all people of all faiths. He wasn't hating and relishing the idea of people going to hell. He grew up with Jews and saw their persecution under the Nazis, because he lived among the Jews and was in danger himself for practicing his Faith. When the Communists took over, he stood his ground and remained in his formation of the Catholics under his care as Archbishop of Krakow. He was not about war, he was about loving even your enemies. Gee, didn't Jesus say we should do that?
BTW, Why are you answering for Metmom's post, and why have you still not answered my last post to you? God bless you, Bear! Believe as you choose! Continue to interpret Scripture as you see fit, I'm sticking with my Catholic Faith!
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 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.
BTW When you mention someone in a post that person is supposed to be pinged.
The photo, and just what it was that was being kissed has been gone over and "answered" on this forum many times in the past.
It certainly was a Koran according to a Catholic from Iraq who had traveled with others, including the Muslim who presented the "gift" to that pope. Though to this day there may be [Roman] Catholics (aka -- papists?) who may attempt to deny the truth -- that the book, given as a gift to that pope, was indeed kissed by that man.
John Paul II kissed nearly everything. He would kiss the ground upon exiting an airplane.
And that not coming from the school of thought, "any landing one can walk away from is a 'good' landing".