Posted by
T.C. on Sunday, September 17, 2006 12:29:30 AM
Once again the Islamic world is enflamed by words of criticism but this time, it appears that the offending statement was uttered a long time ago in a very different time and culture. Pope Benedict XVI, while reading prepared remarks, quoted Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus:
"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"
Now for those of you who were unaware, this quote was made during the seige of Constantinople in 1394 and 1402 AD. This was hardly a high point in relations between the Islamic and Christian civilizations.
After reading the text of the Pope's speech, it can be seen that he was engaging in an in-depth academic discussion. He wasn't making that statement or even defending the veracity of the long-dead Emporer Manuel II. Personally, I suspect that this story was intentionally distorted and the Pope's intent was obscured by individuals with some kind of inflammatory agenda.
The rest of the text is very difficult to absorb for the unintiated, your blogger included. For those of you who are interested and brave enough this link will take you to the text of the Pope's speech on MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14848884/
Predictably enough, after distorted reports hit the Arab street, a storm broke loose and now headlines such as "Pope’s remarks may lead to war", "5 churches attacked in Palestinian areas following Pope's comments on Islam", and others can be found. Especially in these troubled times it is imperative that reporters accurately report the news so as to avoid needlessly creating havoc. Justified or not, the Islamic world is very sensitive to critiques of Islam. Even more so when they come, or appear to come, from a world leader such as the Pope.