What is tolerance? — it is the consequence of humanity…
September 20th, 2006 by timelady
…we are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly — that is the first law of nature.
The current Pope, Benedict XVI, head of the Catholic Church, has managed to be offensive to Islam (despite being infallible). This was abject intolerance, (and no, Catholic spin doctors, it was intolerance. The Pope is too smart to do this lightly. He is also noted for his controversial stances), and breathtakingly silly in todays fraught climate. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, even though he was highly conservative, was noted for his more open stance, working with other religions, in an attempt to find common ground.
So, in response to intolerance (and no, Catholic spin doctors, it was intolerance. The Pope is too smart to do this lightly. He is also noted for his controversial stances.) we see - intolerance. Thats effective!
Pope asked to convert to Islam
Sadly, also violence. Thats beyond unacceptable. Appalling behaviour.
And yet….we also see reason!
“Nadhlatul Ulama chairman Hasyim Muzadi called on Indonesian Muslims on Monday to accept Pope Benedict XVI’s apology for offending Muslims, saying it was “an obligation” according to Islamic teachings.”As long as it (the Pope’s remarks) was made out of negligence, we are obliged to accept the apology,” Hasyim said. Hasyim said the regret was “enough” and further resentment from the Muslims would only justify the pope’s statement. “If the rage continues, perhaps what the pope said is true,” he said.”
I only wish all sides could continue with the stance of reason and enlightenment this man has displayed in this situation.
[...] So, the Pope in his recent speech offending the Muslims, also made a comment about Western (secular) society: “Only this can free us from being afraid of God — which is ultimately at the root of modern atheism” [...]