Not Between Christianity And Islam

The Sunday Times has an analysis that points out what is really going on right now with the ruckus being stirred up over some remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI. It actually has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity versus Islam. It has nothing to do with any specific religion. It is both less and more than that.

The clash of civilisations is not between Christianity and Islam, it is between nations that encourage religious diversity and those which practise religious intolerance. It is between those who favour open debate and those who think free speech is anathema. The Pope may or may not have known what a hornets’ nest he was stirring up. Even if he did, there was nothing inappropriate, within context, in what he said.

I think that boils the whole issue down to the bare bones. The loudest screeching is coming from Islamists and those clerics who back and excuse Islamism. Politicians in Muslim-dominated nations are jumping on the bandwagon to appease Islamists and appear strong on the issue. This is a tolerance-intolerance issue playing out, not a religious one.

The Vatican has said he is very sorry his speech caused such offence to Muslims. That is fine but it should not go further than that. He should certainly not be pushed into withdrawing his remarks. As in the case of the Danish cartoons, Muslim zealots are trying to impose their restrictions of free expression on the West. Mindful as we should be of religious sensitivities, that cannot be allowed to happen.

Even though Benedict again today apologized for how his remarks caused offense, the usual suspects are clamoring that more is needed. The Pope should not give these people anything more by way of apology. He has nothing to apologize for.

H/T to Beachhutman who tipped me to this article in comments.