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Ok, I am no fan of the Nazi Pope, but the recent speech that sparked a controversy in the Muslim world got me thinking about him again. Earlier this week, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only “evil and inhuman” things. Though he never retracted the statement, he did release a statement as read by Vatican Secretary of State “The Holy Father is very sorry that some passages of his speech may have sounded offensive to the sensibilities of Muslim believers.” But not all accepted his apology, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said the statement did not go far enough and called on the pontiff to apologize in person. There are two ways of looking at this situation:
1) The Pope’s quote was wrong and Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, in which case, his statement should be tolerated and his apology peacefully accepted.
2) The Pope’s statement was correct.
If Islam indeed was about tolerance, why are Muslims intolerant towards western ideas? If, Islam indeed was about peace, how then can we explain more than half the raging conflicts worldwide?

Not to say that western religions are tolerant or peaceful, but they neither claim nor pretend to be. 

And for those who want to know what the Pope really siad, here it is (Pope on Holy War):
I was reminded of all this recently, when I read… of part of the dialogue carried on - perhaps in 1391 in the winter barracks near Ankara - by the erudite Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian on the subject of Christianity and Islam, and the truth of both.

In the seventh conversation…the emperor touches on the theme of the holy war. Without descending to details, such as the difference in treatment accorded to those who have the “Book” and the “infidels”, he addresses his interlocutor with a startling brusqueness on the central question about the relationship between religion and violence in general, saying: “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.”

The emperor, after having expressed himself so forcefully, goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable. Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul. “God,” he says, “is not pleased by blood - and not acting reasonably is contrary to God’s nature. Faith is born of the soul, not the body. Whoever would lead someone to faith needs the ability to speak well and to reason properly, without violence and threats.”

This is a totally useless post, but I think it is funny how one mans culture is another’s… smelly dog.

According to BBC, Malaysian authorities have published a list of undesirable titles to prevent parents giving their children names such as Hitler, smelly dog or 007. Also in this list are names that “mean”, snake, hunchback, smelly head, insane, black god, sexual intercourse, and all animals, insects, fruit, vegetables or colors.

Other restrictions stop parents giving children royal or honorary titles as names or calling their little ones after Japanese cars.

More on BBC.

Adrian MacNair lists the top 10 ”Worst Internet Topics to Debate” in his blog the Unoriginal Gangster.com, here is my take on the very topics, in that very order.

10) Religion: As an agnostic, I doubt your argument on religion, it is not that we know god does not exist, we just doubt it, just like everything else.

9) Feminism: Women, I can argue, I just can’t win.

Abortion: Suit yourself, if abortion is killing, so is electrocuting serial rapists, get over it.

7) Same Sex Marriage: I don’t understand why they want to, but if they do, so be it, but don’t adopt kids for f***s sake.

6) Immigration: Often confused with illegal immigration. I am a proud, legal immigrant, and I think I deserve it more than anyone else (who were here when I got here). Don’t like it, too bad, move to Canada.  

5) Iraq, only a Republican would not want to talk about Iraq, after all, why should they, they f***** it up for the rest to fix. What are they doing there now, still looking for WMDs?

4) Terrorism/911. Yeah, still hot in 2006, will be for a while, some baby boomers wish the communists were still around, at least we do not have to learn new words like ‘Jihad’ and ‘Haditha’.

3) Middle East & Israel, I do not have anything to say, except that “they can all kiss my a**”
 
2) On “Racism”: Adrian says, “Especially when it’s pretty clear the white race is the most superior. “Superior” in what is the question? There are more white gays than other races, which makes them “superior suckers,” right?

1) Nazis. You’ll need more that just a great leader to lead the Aryan race, I suggest y’all get an albino monkey, I heard they are ruthless vegetarians and like hiding in bunkers.

Nothing personal Adrian, just thought it makes for a good post.

Pope Benedict will stop over at Auschwitz later this week, he said “it reminds me of my Nazi days�. Ratzinger, as he was known before his papal act joined the “Hitler Youth�, a Nazi program founded by none other than the “Fuhrer� himself during World War II. Pope Benedict denies being active or enthusiastic about being a member of this group, but has so far not apologized or expressed regret. We should give it to the Catholics though, gay priests, pedophiles, communists, Nazis…where will they stop?

 

Germans are notorious in that they accepted Hitler as their legit and righteous leader, yet they oppose Bush.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I found this poster on Flickr!