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Justified Criticism?

Entry 397, on 2006-09-20 at 15:42:42 (Rating 4, News)

I can't really make up my mind about the Pope's comments about Islam. I know what he said in his recent speech was a quote and not an original thought, but by implication it must reflect his opinions. And now he has made a sort of apology. This raises interesting issues regarding the infallibility of the God's representative on Earth for the Catholic Church, doesn't it?

So the question is: is this criticism of Islam justified? Well yes, of course it is. No religion or belief system is without faults, and the more extreme elements of Islam are clearly out of control and very much deserving of criticism. That doesn't mean that Muslims in general should be criticised for the actions of extremists, although I would say various Muslim beliefs in general should be criticised. But that also applies to Christian beliefs and to any other belief system, religious or otherwise. The fact is, that a religion should accept criticism and act on it or refute it if they can, even if there are parts of the belief system which can be interpreted as meaning attack non-believers.

So if the criticism was justified, was it wise? That's what I can't decide on. I personally think we should criticise all institutions and backing down because of the threat of reprisals is just encouraging violent behaviour and threats. On the other hand, unless there is a clear positive outcome likely as a result of the comments, why make them at all? Everyone, including the Pope, must have known that they would provoke this reaction.

Another aspect of this is: does the Christian church have the right to criticise another religion when the history of atrocities originated in their own church is so bad? There have been a lot more "evil" acts done in the name of Christianity than in any other belief system I can think of. I know most branches of the Christian church have learned that extremism (crusades, witch burning, inquisitions, etc) aren't a good way to promote a religion which is theoretically based on good will and love for all people. This is a lesson the Christian church took a thousand years to learn, unfortunately Muslims haven't learnt it yet.

Its time Islam modernised its belief system. In my opinion all religious belief is counter-productive and I would like to see religion disappear completely, but if it must remain at least don't take it so seriously people!

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