Comments on: On the Pope, the Catholic Church, and Islam http://bnonn.thinkingmatters.org.nz/on-the-pope-the-catholic-church-and-islam/ developing the mind of Christ Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:12:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Bnonn http://bnonn.thinkingmatters.org.nz/on-the-pope-the-catholic-church-and-islam/#comment-3 Bnonn Thu, 26 Oct 2006 03:19:00 +0000 http://bnonn.thinkingmatters.org.nz/?p=3#comment-3 I agree that the Pope's speech was unnecessary, in the sense that it did not defend or promote biblical Christianity, but did still prompt ill-will and violence. But this seems rather moot; one might as well say that any secular speech which promotes these things is unnecessary. In any case, we should be hesitant to lay blame on the Pope for the actions that resulted from his speech. His words were merely a necessary cause, and <i>not</i> a sufficient cause for, the violence that resulted.<br /><br />In as much as something promotes and defends the Christian faith, there is always a place for it, even (and sometimes especially) if it causes hardship. While it could be said that it's easy for me to criticize, being that I'm not in the same situation, I am at least here making my position known in a public forum. It shouldn't be thought that I would not uphold the truth of the Bible if it might cause deaths (even my own); though of course I would be more circumspect about doing so if it were not <i>necessary</i> (as decided by biblical principles).<br /><br />Finally, we should not conclude that "Muslims are doing the will of God", because this carries the implication that they are doing what God has <i>expressed</i> his will is for mankind. They are not. They are defying it. However, they <i>are</i> acting exactly as he has determined in his good pleasure; so in this sense they are indeed doing what he has willed them to do. I agree that the Pope’s speech was unnecessary, in the sense that it did not defend or promote biblical Christianity, but did still prompt ill-will and violence. But this seems rather moot; one might as well say that any secular speech which promotes these things is unnecessary. In any case, we should be hesitant to lay blame on the Pope for the actions that resulted from his speech. His words were merely a necessary cause, and not a sufficient cause for, the violence that resulted.

In as much as something promotes and defends the Christian faith, there is always a place for it, even (and sometimes especially) if it causes hardship. While it could be said that it’s easy for me to criticize, being that I’m not in the same situation, I am at least here making my position known in a public forum. It shouldn’t be thought that I would not uphold the truth of the Bible if it might cause deaths (even my own); though of course I would be more circumspect about doing so if it were not necessary (as decided by biblical principles).

Finally, we should not conclude that “Muslims are doing the will of God”, because this carries the implication that they are doing what God has expressed his will is for mankind. They are not. They are defying it. However, they are acting exactly as he has determined in his good pleasure; so in this sense they are indeed doing what he has willed them to do.

]]> By: Anonymous http://bnonn.thinkingmatters.org.nz/on-the-pope-the-catholic-church-and-islam/#comment-2 Anonymous Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:26:00 +0000 http://bnonn.thinkingmatters.org.nz/?p=3#comment-2 I agree with much of what Bnonn said. But I think we have to be careful in how we respond to Islam. The Pope's speech may have been true but also unnecessary. And it caused the death of one Nun and the burning of a number of Churches. It's easy to critize when you are in safety - others paid the price for his statements. <br/><br/>And I would add that given Bnonn's view of sovereignty we can only conclude that Muslims are doing the will of God. I agree with much of what Bnonn said. But I think we have to be careful in how we respond to Islam. The Pope’s speech may have been true but also unnecessary. And it caused the death of one Nun and the burning of a number of Churches. It’s easy to critize when you are in safety – others paid the price for his statements.

And I would add that given Bnonn’s view of sovereignty we can only conclude that Muslims are doing the will of God.

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