Pope Utters Hostile Words

Pope Benedict XVI is in his homeland of Germany this week and stirred a bit of controversy yesterday with a speech at  Regensburg University.

Benedict quoted 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."  Benedict was careful to state the words were not his nonetheless it bropught a swift reaction from Islamic clerics in Turkey where the Pope is due to visit in November. The report says:

Benedict has been very open in his opposition to Turkish entry into the European Union saying their culture is incompatible with European "Christian" culture.

What the Pope says about Islam is true. It is equally true about historic Christianity. Many "Chrisitan" emperors were adept at spreading the faith at the hilt of a sword.

I was reading last night about the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles the Great (Charlemagne). While fighting the pagan Saxon tribes in what is now Germany he waged relentless war for more than twenty-five years. In one battle Charles gave the conquered Saxons a choice between baptism and death, and had 4500 Saxon rebels beheaded in one day; after which he proceeded to Thionville to celebrate the nativity of Christ. And this from the great defender of the faith of Rome!

Both Islam and the Pope's brand of Christianity have blood on their hands and have fallen short of the teachings of the Christ who said "those who live by the sword will die by the sword". This current tempest illustrates the deep divide between the two camps. It is a different approach than that taken by Pope John Paul II who made ecumenicalism a foundation of his papacy. Where this current dialogue goes will be interesting to watch.