Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] the Pope's remarks

[Stephen Montgomery-Smith <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

Mike Miller wrote:

> OK, but the part about Islam is the part that attracted all the media 
> attention.  Integrating that with what you have written above, isn't it 
> fair to say that the Pope is saying that the Muslim view of God is like 
> that of Duns Scotus or Ibn Hazn -- that God is not bound by reason?  I 
> think he is saying that the Muslim view of God is incorrect.  And that 
> the Muslims have promoted violence because they have the wrong idea 
> about God's wishes for humanity.  I'm not arguing about the merits of 
> any such arguments, I'm just wonder if that is what he meant to say.  It 
> seems to me that he said it.  I don't think they are denying it here:
>
> http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4191825.html

He is saying that a certain point of view (that of Duns Scotis or Ibn 
Hazn) is incorrect.  It is not meant as a critique of Islam per se. 
Rather, that is how some Muslims interpreted it.  But whether he 
intended it that way or not, that I cannot know.  But in their 'apology' 
they are basically saying that this was never their intent.

It is a little shocking that they took some very thoughtful remarks 
completely out of context, and now conduct violent demonstrations as a 
result.  The Pope's remarks are entirely reasonable, and even if one 
were to disagree with them, they are clearly and respectfully 
articulated.  If they think he is wrong, they should produce a coherent 
argument, not violent demonstrations.

Incidently, my (sarcastic) remark that Lutherans should also demonstrate 
against his speech is probably not correct - his criticism is probably 
more aptly aimed at (an extreme version of) the Presbyterian point of view.

Stephen

_______________________________________________
discussion mailing list
EMAIL:PROTECTED
http://mlug.missouri.edu/mailman/listinfo/discussion