VATICAN'S (Ratzinger .. on) TIES WITH ISLAM

Benador ^ | 4/16/05 | Amir Taheri

[abu afak]

"....One critic is Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, a leading candidate for papacy. Ratzinger believes that John Paul II's strategy of alliance with Islam has put the Vatican not on the side of the Muslim peoples but on the side of despotic regimes that dominate the Muslim world. Ratzinger sees relations between Islam and Catholicism as one of competition over the truth.

Ratzinger suggests an alternative strategy under which the Catholic Church would focus on the consolidation of its position in its traditional strongholds in Europe and the American Continent. In that context Ratzinger has publicly opposed the admission of Turkey into the European Union.

Ratzinger regards a formal dialogue with Islam as a handicap for the Catholic Church because it would assume a measure of equality between the two faiths, signaling to people, especially in Europe, that they can shop around for religion. Ratzinger's strategy enjoys much support in the College of Cardinals. But it also has critics...."

[Huck]

I like it.

[e5man_r_u?]

One day I was talking to my sister in law (8 at the time). We were discussing Catholic doctrine and other faiths. She asked "who is right?"
Without hesitating I answered "we are. I would not have become Catholic if I did not believe that"

Nobody should be shocked that a Roman Catholic Pontiff should be promoting Catholicism over other faiths. It should go without saying!

[JimRic54]

This is excellent news. I hope he continues with this.

[squirt-gun]

All nice philosophy and strong analysis....but is it factual?

I don't think anyone knows.

[freeangel]

"competition over the truth"

I see no competition here. The muslims don't need to compete. They are allowed to spread their hatred over all civilized countries and Christainity is banned in their native lands. Just as it will be when enough of them are elected to governments in the "free" world.

[Darkwolf]

I love this bizarre thought--which I heard ten years ago expressed very strongly--that somehow it's evil that the Catholics think their religion is THE religion.

As I have said each time I encountered this idiotic thought: "What idiot would be in a religion he or she didn't think was the true religion?"

[Cyclopean Squid]

Is the Pope Catholic?

LLL: No, he should represent all faiths, including the lack of any faith, or the uncertainy of if there is any right faith.

[Rockitz]

I like this guy already. You won't see him kissing the Koran.

[Luke]

If I were Catholic... he would be my kind of Pope. I like him!

[sgtbono2002]

I always thought the previous Pope was off the mark about Islam. Not tough enough on fag Priests and should have allowed Priests to marry. We also need a change in the policies of birth control.

[45Auto]

competition over the truth"

If there is such a competition, then it is instructive to note that every so-called Christian nation allows Muslims to become citizens and practice their religion freely, yet the same cannot be said for any Muslim country. Islam has that in common with communist and other despotic nations - it must be afraid of something - the truth, perhaps?

[GeekDejure]

I like this guy already. You won't see him kissing the Koran.
=======

BINGO !!!

[jolie560]

The more Islam gets talked about, the more Islam gets drawn out on its own, the more Islam gets publicized, the clearer it becomes what Islam is all about.

Let Islamic discussions begin versus the rest of the world's religions. The truths will become very apparent. Catholicism can lead the way.

[nightdriver]

"Nobody should be shocked that a Roman Catholic Pontiff should be promoting Catholicism over other faiths. It should go without saying!"

And good for them!

I'm not shocked to learn that some of the apostate mainline protestant denominations have ordained moslems on their pastoral staffs.

Talk about sleeping with the enemy!!!

It's proof positive that liberalism in the churches has completely anhilated any semblance of Christianity.

[Cronos]

Ratzinger sees relations between Islam and Catholicism as one of competition over the truth. Ratzinger suggests an alternative strategy under which the Catholic Church would focus on the consolidation of its position in its traditional strongholds in Europe and the American Continent. In that context Ratzinger has publicly opposed the admission of Turkey into the European Union

I like this guy more and more

[Cronos]

I'm not shocked to learn that some of the apostate mainline protestant denominations have ordained moslems on their pastoral staffs.

I've never heard of that. Do you have any links?

[Fred Nerks]

Me too! I hoped it would be him! He's German, the Bavarians will be SO proud. There are no apologists for islam in Bavaria. (Where I was born.) Whoopeee!

[SJackson]

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