www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Pope Francis wishing a happy ramadan to Muslims?

BEAUTIFULLY SAID!!

Here we go. Its not a matter of being a jerk. Its a matter of the actions of the leadership. Laity exchanging greetings in the work place is one thing, Bishops and priest another.

The Muslims I knew at SFSU did not wish me a "Merry Christmas," and even told me that they thought it was an idolatrous festival. I took no personal offense at their remarks, because I understood that they saw such things as compromising their "faith." My own views have formed over the years because of my involvement with Muslims in the SF Bay Area. I have no animosity toward Muslims as human beings, why would I? After all they are created in the image of God. Nevertheless, the Islamic "faith" is a vile deception, and I will never compromise in dealing with it.

Religious relativism is popular at the present time in the West, but it is a very modern thing, and I have not seen the Church's relativistic views, which try to legitimize Islamic beliefs, bring anyone to Christ. My own personal interaction with Muslims over the past 15 years reveals that the indifferentism promoted in the Church today is seen as weakness by most Muslims, and that Christians really do not believe in the doctrines that they espouse.

I would simply add that there is nothing discourteous in not saying "happy ramadan" to someone. I don't tell people "happy kwanza" either, and no one has ever called me a jerk or said that I was discourteous for not saying that greeting.

The Pope said, “I also think with affection of those Muslim immigrants who this evening begin the fast of Ramadan, which I trust will bear abundant spiritual fruit. The Church is at your side as you seek a more dignified life for yourselves and your families. To all of you: o’scià!”

He didn't say "happy ramadan" or that it definitely will be spiritually beneficial, only that he hopes it will be. He didn't say the Church supports their beliefs, only that these immigrants have a better life in leaving their homeland and coming to Italy.

I totally understand the posters here, and Islam is indeed a great threat to the world, however, they are also a majority in many countries where Christians live and thus, it would be irresponsible of a political leader to not at least try to be polite and to emphasize the spiritual commonalities of both, as Patriarch Bartholomew did. What better time than during Ramadan, where Muslims, like Eastern Christians, fast and try to repent of their sins?

With uncovered plots for the assassination of the Ecumenical Patriarch yearly, and with the very survival of Patriarchate of Constantinople in Turkey at great jeopardy, anything offensive would have dire ramifications. The greater good is always taken into account by leaders.

'You catch more bees with honey'....

Did not the Virgin Mary herself appear in a form unprecedented in ecclisiastical history to Christians and Muslims alike in Zitoun, Egypt?

We should pray for Christ to change their hearts and mindset. Nothing can be accomplished without it. Who ever thought that the evil of atheistic communism would fall? What man cannot accomplish, prayer and the mercy of God through His most Holy Mother can.

btw, my Muslim friends wish me "Happy Easter" and "Merry Christmas" every year!

I totally understand the posters here, and Islam is indeed a great threat to the world, however, they are also a majority in many countries where Christians live and thus, it would be irresponsible of a political leader to not at least try to be polite and to emphasize the spiritual commonalities of both, as Patriarch Bartholomew did. What better time than during Ramadan, where Muslims, like Eastern Christians, fast and try to repent of their sins?

With uncovered plots for the assassination of the Ecumenical Patriarch yearly, and with the very survival of Patriarchate of Constantinople in Turkey at great jeopardy, anything offensive would have dire ramifications. The greater good is always taken into account by leaders.

'You catch more bees with honey'....

Did not the Virgin Mary herself appear in a form unprecedented in ecclisiastical history to Christians and Muslims alike in Zitoun, Egypt?

We should pray for Christ to change their hearts and mindset. Nothing can be accomplished without it. Who ever thought that the evil of atheistic communism would fall? What man cannot accomplish, prayer and the mercy of God through His most Holy Mother can.

His desire that the new immigrants find a dignified life for themselves in their new homes is commendable, but as far as the comment about gaining "spiritual fruit" from the observance of a false religion is concerned, I respectfully dissent from that theological nonsense. As far as hope is concerned, our Hope is in Christ.

I am pleased that you have had that experience. Nevertheless, I will never wish someone happiness in the observance of religious error.

I would only ask what about the martyrs? Are we all not called to be martyrs for the faith? I am sure that the martyrs prayed for their tormentors, but to the Christian God.

And I don't understand the statement of the Pope being a political leader? Or the EP for that matter. I always thought this was expressly prohibited. I can see a gray area though, but in cases of meeting bodily needs. Food, clothing, shelter, but spiritual and political?

As far as the Theotokos appearing to the faithful in Egypt, I would venture to say hind sight is 20/20. It was a warning. She is with us during times of persecution. Not the first time she has had a miraculous appearance before great calamity.

Very easy for you to say, from the safety and comfort of Kansas.

I've said to many Catholics, Orthodox, and protestants regarding protestant leadership (clergy, excluding laity) are teaching a false Gospel, one without real hope and that their teachings and systems are not Apostolic and therefore not really Christian. The laity are not culpable, since they are not as educated or learned as the leaders. What do you say about this position I take? Most folks think I'm being too harsh or rigid.

Agreed.

Not to lessen the impact of your statement, which has merrit. But I have served in 42 countries, 7 combat zones, 5 humanitarian missions, and a list of other interactions with the religion of peace. Ever have a fatwa issued on you?

I know quite well what it is like to wrestle everyday with the thought in the back of your head that if captured alive that I wont stay like that for long. Knowing that I will be on another video handed over to civil affairs, that the American public will never see. Thinking that it might save my hide to convert in such an instance. I might not know what it is like to live my whole life in a place like that, but I do know what it is like to be a target in a place like that.

I don't presume to be in the ivory towers of academia, nor do I have the know it all attitude. But, if you want to talk about the face of Islam, then I do know something of it.