Rusty Glynn Blog Post
I) http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/05/europe/vatican.php
Title: Vatican and Muslims agree to start regular dialogue
Source: International Herald Tribune
Date: March 5, 2008
II) The Vatican and Muslim leaders agreed on Wednesday to host a Catholic-Muslim Forum later this year to help create dialogue between the two religions in an effort to resolve conflicts that have been evident for thousands of years. This announcement was made after a two day meeting with many representatives of both Muslim and Catholic faith. Many Muslim scholars and leaders had been sending messages to the Pope about his disregard for the faith, especially after a speech he gave in Germany in 2006 that was interpreted by the Muslims to be a major offence, saying that it made Muslims seem like “violent and irrational people”. Although Pope Benedict apologized for the speech Muslims still don’t feel he was sincere. The president of the Italian Islamic Religious Community stated that terrorism is one thing that will be discussed at the meetings scheduled to take place some time in November.
III) A-I think this article relates to the theme of Interaction between Different Cultures. The purpose of this forum is to stimulate positive interaction between two faiths and hopefully sort things out between them.
B- The tension between these two religions has been evident for thousands of years. Since the Crusades there has been a hatred shared by both Catholics and Muslims. The Catholics took over holy land from the Muslims during the Crusades and they have always been negative toward each other since.
C- This article was written by Reuters; they are an international news source and are most likely outsiders.
D- The article could be seen a little distorted because of how the writer may make it seem as if the Catholic Church is doing the right thing but it is mostly not bias.
E- In the article you hear from a few Catholic Church leaders but you do not hear much from any Muslims on they’re view on the situation. It would be interesting to read the point of view from a Muslim scholar perhaps.
F- After just learning about the origin of their conflicts I understand where the conflict began. I think this is a good first step in resolving the issues that these two religions have with each other. If they can continue to have meetings like this I think you will see a decrease in violence and anger toward each other and will help end future conflicts.
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7 comments:
I like the way that people are trying to bring two religions together after years of conflict. I see it as one more step towards world peace which is what the whole world should aim to do. And besides, the fight was sparked so long ago why should it drag all these years.
Tara Feeney
I agree with Rusty's reaction to this article. I think its great that the heads of the Catholic and Muslim religions are trying to work out conflicts between them. Not speaking about their issues could make the problem just worsen. Even though I do not believe by one meeting they will be best friends, it is a step in the right direction. :)
After a thousand years I think it is about time that these two religions have finally discussed their issue. Discussing this issue can benefit these religions as well as set an example to other religions. This is just the first step in bringing non-violence in the world.
I think it is a great way to take a step toward happiness the way the Catholics and Muslims are trying hard to resolve their disputes between each other after all these years. I also agree with Rusty's thought about the article. Still even though They are taking steps toward solving their problems its going to take many years before its all done.
I feel that this was a great article that fits with not only today's current events, but our current topic. I agree that this forum will help solve conflicts that will help terrorism slow down. If the roots of Islamic terrorism are stopped with the religous aspect between a conflicting religous group, great results will come about. The only problem is that if this does not work, war in the Middle East could spread farther.
I think it is a good idea that they decided to create dialogue to discuss problems because it is a step in the right direction. I think that they shouldve done this a lot earlier to spare the lives of people. if more places decided to talk things out there would be a lot less war.
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