The Pope Speaks on Reason, Moslems React Unreasonably

The Pope, His Holiness Benedict XVI , gave a speech on reason and Moslems around the world reacted in a very unreasonable way. Now the Pope is being asked to apologize!


During a speech given in German at the University of Regensburg in Bavaria, the Pope quoted a 14th century dialogue between Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus and a Persian scholar. The Emperor was quoted saying: "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" . This raised the outrage of Moslems throughout the world.

Sure, taken out of context and attributed directly to the Pope, these words could be inflamatory. Unfortunately, the reaction went a long way in justifying Emperor Manuel II words. Mobs roamed the streets, churches were burnt (Orthodox and Protestant churches were not spared), Christian worshippers were attacked, the Pope was insulted.


But how could a speech delivered titled "Faith, Reason and the University, Memories and Reflections", in German, at a University make so many waves? How could a speech that also daclares that "Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul" lead to so much violence?

I believe that there are a number of explanations to these reactions:

1. Some Islamic religious figures believe that their position can be strenghtened by polarizing their constituents and suggesting to them that their religion is under attack.
   
2. Manipulation by Islamo-fascist groups. The speech in question was not a publicized one, and the discussion of the debate between the Emperor and the Persian was only a minor topic in that speech. Only someone looking to create dissension and violence would have found and publicized these comments.
   
3. Ignorance. I bet you that none of the demonstrators read the Pope's speech, and that a vast majority thought the Pope made the inflamatory statement and not Emperor Manuel II. None of them would understand the nuance of the speech and all of them rely on their bankrupt leaders to provide an interpretation.

What is really interesting about the whole story is this: The conversation relayed by the Pope took place over 600 years ago and has not cause any outrage until today. It has been published in numerous books (including Professor Theodore Khoury's), and nobody seemed to notice it until today.

You can find the full text of the Pope's presentation (translated to English) here.