Bill's Notes

Bill,

I'm waiting for your commentaries on the Pope's recent comments that you don't convert someone at the point of a swort (and the way they are being pulled apart).

Super G

My initial take on his discussion was that the use of violence is not consistent with God. Because what I read in the newspaper differed from what I read on the web - different focus. My feeling was that his sentiments (which I thought were laudable) were being warped into condemning Islam. I could see that it would be viewed as condemning element of Islam that condone violence in the name of God, but seems like a legitimate point.

Now - of course - I may have been wishfully thinking about my initial interpretation and only chasing down a full(er) text of the speech/comments will give me the whole story.

In the end, though, those that condemn the Pope ought to be willing to comment on whether they agree with his position on violence. Which is part of the story here. Is it there a lack of condemnation of violence from Muslims or do we simply not hear it because the news only brings us the harshest voices? How hard will it be to track down what the Pope said without filters.

Have a good weekend.