Saturday, May 09, 2009
Pope acknowledges misuse of religion
I'm developing a new, expanded website and blog for Jesus and the End of Religion, but in the meantime will occasionally find time for a few new posts:
This week Pope Benedict XVI has been on a goodwill tour through the Middle East, trying to build bridges with Muslims. His trip has generated some controversy, especially in light of some past statements he made.
Interestingly, in Amman Jordan, the Pope said:
"Some assert that religion is necessarily a cause of division in our world and so they argue that the lesser attention given to religion in the public sphere the better."
"Certainly, the contradiction of tensions and divisions between the followers of different religious traditions, sadly, cannot be denied.
"However, is it not also the case that often it is the ideological manipulation of religion, sometimes for political ends, that is the real catalyst for tension and division, and at times even violence in society?"
These statements are certainly no new revelation. But, coming from the leader of the the most venerable religious institution on earth they are significant.
What would have been more profound, however, is a confession over how Christianity has moved away from the radical message of Jesus and repentance leading to the dissolution of the Christian religion. That would really get the attention of those the Pope is trying to reach.
(Source: BBC)
Technorati Tags: religion, pope, Christianity, endreligion
This week Pope Benedict XVI has been on a goodwill tour through the Middle East, trying to build bridges with Muslims. His trip has generated some controversy, especially in light of some past statements he made.
Interestingly, in Amman Jordan, the Pope said:
"Some assert that religion is necessarily a cause of division in our world and so they argue that the lesser attention given to religion in the public sphere the better."
"Certainly, the contradiction of tensions and divisions between the followers of different religious traditions, sadly, cannot be denied.
"However, is it not also the case that often it is the ideological manipulation of religion, sometimes for political ends, that is the real catalyst for tension and division, and at times even violence in society?"
These statements are certainly no new revelation. But, coming from the leader of the the most venerable religious institution on earth they are significant.
What would have been more profound, however, is a confession over how Christianity has moved away from the radical message of Jesus and repentance leading to the dissolution of the Christian religion. That would really get the attention of those the Pope is trying to reach.
(Source: BBC)
Technorati Tags: religion, pope, Christianity, endreligion
