The Pope’s non-apology apology
19
September
So the official line is that the Pope is “deeply sorry” about the fury his recent words have caused across the globe. I must say that this sort of non-apology apology (by no means acceptable) is expected from a politician, but for the figurehead of Christendom to employ this same tatic is almost as distasteful as the speech itself.
The Goat went to a catholic college during his formative years and although I’m no specialist in this field or practice the faith, I am pretty sure that one of the bread and butter lessons is repentence, without this essential ingredient, there can be no forgiveness. I could’ve been practicing truancy when the this topic was being discussed in religon class but I’m not sure that saying “I’m sorry you feel that way” amounts to an apology or “sincere dialogue”
Concern around the Muslim world is mixed and protests continue. Lets hope they remain just that - protests!
1. Oz | September 19th, 2006 at 20:45
You really love that white board, don’t you?
I suggest, and I throw this suggestion to all who read this blog, that you read the entire speech here.
Sadly, one small part of quite an enlightening thought process HAS been taken out of context. Sadly, the outrage this minor part has caused only further serves to give credence to the ethos of Benedict’s speech: that religion and reason must come together more completely in what are ‘religiously charged’ times.
2. BillyGoatEric | September 19th, 2006 at 22:39
Oz, Oz, Oz,
Regardless of whether the words were taken out of context or not the point is, a person in his lofty position should realise the risk of media interpretation and in the event of mistinterpretation, be prepared to do what it takes to ensure “that religon and reason must come together more completely in what are religously charged times.”
Saying he is sorry for the reaction to his words is barely enlightment my friend.
3. Thomas | September 20th, 2006 at 09:50
Still holding my breathe for a formal apology from the leaders of Islam for 9/11…. Judging from the reactions by Muslims on the streets and being shown on CNN burning Jewish, European and American flags I don’t think the Pope should apologize to anyone. If anything he has apologized too much.
4. Jimmy James | September 20th, 2006 at 20:40
Wow Thomas, I wish you were the Prime Minister, but I guess little Johnny already shares that attitute.
So it’s tit-for-tat is it? Thats how Israel and Palestine got to where they are today. The rest of the world needs to set an example and respect others for a change.
Also of course CNN will show that footage but don’t forget what has been happening in US detention centres to people who have not been charged with anything.
Western governments are chicken shits with too much power and no morals so don’t try to convince anyone that they are the victims.
5. Oz | September 20th, 2006 at 22:53
Apologising for a reaction is not enlightening - it’s the official line, nothing more. I can appreciate if the offending speech didn’t strike a chord in you like it did in me. I understood what he was getting at and continued overreactions from people who take their cues solely from what the media regurgitates will miss the point completely, only sreving to further foster the hostility and insecurity that so desperately needs to be resolved.
Amazing that this speech was given over a week ago and only now are people cracking the shits. The example chosen was meant to highlight how little
educatedwestern views have changed over 700 years. I’m with Thomas on this one - the Pope has nothing to apologise for.6. MonkeyBoy | September 21st, 2006 at 03:12
Apologise - FOR WHAT!
Just because the media changes the essence of what was said, in no way gives any reason to apologise.
What a JOKE!
People just need to read, listen and/or understand what was really said, then there will be no need for outrages, over-reactions from those friendly Muslims, who are just waiting for any small reason to cause a fuss.
The fact that they (a select few) are burning our countries flags in their streets, because something they read in the Newspaper or saw in Television was not what they wanted to hear or see (AND WAS TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT) does not mean that the Pope needs to apologise.
FLip the coin, maybe certain media should apologise or maybe those muslims burning our flags should, BUT NOT THE POPE!
I am sick of these over-reactions to senseless issues. It reminds me of the reactions we saw about those infamous recent cartoons. If everyone reacted like these select few radicals, the world wouldn’t exist today!!!!
7. Jimmy James | September 21st, 2006 at 07:13
Fuck the Pope (or maybe i am way too old for that to be possible).
Its easy to think in the now, but the paedophile on the papal throne simply tows the line of the hundrewd before him. From the crusades onwards these hypocritical tyrants have been trying to tell the world, Christian and “heathenâ€, how to think.
Yes, we in the west are more liberated in our ability for individual and liberal thought. Ayatollahs and all of those other Muslim leaders have a lot to answer for when they put spin on issues emanating from the west and cause flag burning and all kinds of other insane reactions in the streets.
The problem is, the West is represented by George bush and the Pope, an inbred hillbilly and a kiddy fiddler. Of course they want to burn flags.
Poor diplomacy caused these issues, and only good diplomacy (and a few choice bombs) will fix it.
8. Jade | September 21st, 2006 at 15:28
At first I thought that the Pope had made a bit of an ignorant boo boo, but nothing that man says in speech is his own words. The apology was a way of rubbing salt into the wound to aggravate the situation a little more.
Do you think that the Catholic army have fired off the first shot in a way of a warning?
Scary thought. They can fight it out all they like..just leave me alone.
9. Oz | September 21st, 2006 at 23:36
And of course all Muslims burn flags. No citizen in a free-thinking democratic society ever does that…
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