Benedict… again…
Finally, I was able to read the the entire speech of Pope Benedict XVI, given at the University of Regensburg. Well, there are some conclusions to be drawn from it:
- As expected, Benedict is far more “theological” than John Paul II. The speech is very rational, being centered on the close relationship between Christian and Greek philosophies. It’s clearly a theological opinion, not a pastoral letter or indication. Benedict clearly wants to remain as a theologian, in spite of his new functions.
- The polemic citation, although perfectly harmonious with the rest of the text (and, consequently, his position), was clearly a bad option, because
- It messes with Islam… so, it’s potentially dangerous (doesn’t he remember the cartoons?);
- It criticizes Islam… It’s insane! In my opinion, a religious leader should be more careful with the examples he picks.
- It refers to a period when both Islam and Christianity practiced the art of bloodshed pretty extensively;
- It refers to the Byzantine empire, highly attacked by the Crusades.
- The Pope, being a religious leader, is supposed to abstain from certain practices, such as actively criticizing the fundamentals of other religions.
- In addition, Ratzinger is no longer the great theologian, neither the grand inquisitor. Now, he’s supposed to have a neutral opinion in what concerns to inter-religious dialogue. I mean, “neutral” inside the catholic church - he’s not the conservative Opus Dei supporter, neither Küng’s former fellow… he’s the Pope. He’s supposed to reflect the opinion of the church as a whole.
As usual, an infinite stream of nonsense keeps happening through the world…