Pope Benedict XVI made some comments in Germany that drew much criticism from Muslims today. He quoted (notice the word “quoted”, he did not compose this particular statement himself) a 14th century Byzantine Emperor, who said,
Show me just what Muhammad 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.
Remember that the Emperor was speaking in a time when Islam was a serious force in the world. He was feeling the effects of this himself, being under siege several times from the Muslim Ottomans.
Anyway, the Muslims are all angry because he insulted “the Prophet” for what Muhammad truly stood for in the 14th century. Then they say that the pope doesn’t even understand Islam, even though
a. The pope didn’t say those words; he was quoting someone else.
b. He was addressing Muhammad, not Islam per se as a system, which contains some admirable things, such as morality laws.
c. The pope quoted a historical person who was critiquing Muhammad because he sought to spread his religion by violence (which was commonly known and felt in Manuel II’s time).
Despite these realities, Muslims are all angry over the pope making this statement. Hey, at least it shows some firmness; compared to this photo. Ohhh boy, watch out for another Crusade…
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