Remember that huge debate over whether Pope Benedict would lead the Church in a pro-Western direction that Jews could still be comfortable with? The one where liberal Jews “expressed concern” about his “conservative leanings” because they don’t understand how Catholic theology or Vatican politics work? The one where I expressed confidence in his pro-Jewish and anti-Islamist bona fides? And now we reach the part of the post where I politely request that you never question me in front of the children again:
Though the Oct. 5-26 Synod of Bishops was hardly defined by electric theological debate, the final propositions submitted to Pope Benedict XVI nonetheless represent a victory for what might be called a “moderate” line… Several propositions reflected a desire on the part of the bishops to send signals of sensitivity to other Christians and to Jews – including a call to review the lectionary, or the collection of scripture readings for the Mass, to ensure that it doesn’t promote a negative theology about Judaism… A proposition devoted to Islam, however, struck a slightly tougher line, insisting that an important part of any dialogue must be “reciprocity and liberty of conscience and religion.” Complaints about the treatment of religious minorities, including Christians, in several majority Muslim states have long been a flashpoint in Catholic/Muslim relations.
Good point. Anti-Christian massacres are getting a bit out of hand in the Muslim world. And while none of these recommendations have been given Benedict’s seal yet, his surrogates were certainly making his preferences known during the synod. It might even be time for liberal Jews to consider that maybe the greatest threat to world Jewry isn’t coming from the Christian world.
References:
* Mere Rhetoric Really Likes the Pope [MR]
* We Knew We Liked That Guy [MR]
* Synod: Moderate line prevails; bishops give thumbs-up to women, laity [National Catholic Reporter]
* New "Convert To Islam Or Die" Policy Replacing Old "Convert To Christianity And Die" Rules In Iraq And Pakistan [MR]
Previously:
* SCORE! Iran Blames the Jews for Benedict’s Statement!
* Pope Benedict: "Everything Must Be Done To Dispel Every Shadow" Of Anti-Semitism
* Benedict Media Coverage Wrapup
