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-Keith Pelczarski
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Pope Benedict XVI done stepped in it this time
The Pope enraged Muslims across the world recently with comments from a speech. As reported by CNN:In his speech, the pope quoted 14th-century Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus who said: "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."Uh... Pope? Did you not think that the Muslim world would be pissed about this? They recently firebombed stuff over a cartoon drawn by some Dutch guy. I love the Dutch and all, but they haven't been much of a geopolitical threat since they handed New York over to the British.
More from the CNN article:"Of course as we know the meaning of jihad can only be understood by Muslims," Budianto told the crowd. "Only Muslims can understand what jihad is. It is impossible that jihad can be linked with violence, we Muslims have no violent character."Now I don't claim to understand all the nuances of jihad, but "no violent character"? When people are fire-bombing churches that had nothing to do with the Pope's statement? That's a lie just as weak as the ones that the Bush administration trot out to defend their actions.
Call me crazy, but I think that the root of the problem isn't genuinely spiritual folks (of whatever creed). The problem is all the political hosers all over the world (including the Pope and *many* other robe-wearers) who like to push people's religion buttons so they can get all the money and all the power.
Here's some power to the people: Assalaamu alaikum. Shalom.
Or as I learned it as a Catholic kid in mass: Peace be with you.
:: Keith 00:20 [link] :: ::