Holy Father on War

[Curious Christian]

Here are some statements made by the Holy Father in an address to Makram Obeid, the new ambassador of Syria to the Holy See (from Zenit):


"You have spoken of your government's concern over the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel in 1967. With a heavy heart, I note that a wide range of territorial and other disputes have led to armed conflicts in recent times that threaten the peace and stability of the entire Middle East,"


"Repeatedly I have pleaded for a cessation of violence in Lebanon, in the Holy Land and in Iraq," the Pontiff said.


Benedict XVI said: "The world looks on with great sadness at the cycle of death and


destruction, as innocent people continue to suffer and targeted individuals are kidnapped and assassinated."


The Pope said that the Church "emphatically rejects war as a means of resolving international disputes, and has often pointed out that it only leads to new and still more complicated conflicts." The Pontiff added that the solution to the conflict lies within the framework of international law and "the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions."

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:

Here are some statements made by the Holy Father in an address to Makram Obeid,

were you referring to Benedict XVI as <b>“The Holy Father” </b> ??? I’ve never seen any reference in the Bible referring to <b>“God the Father”</b> as "the Holy Father" not even by Jesus himself, <b>then how can you give such title to the pope who is merely a human being? ? </b>


And even if <i>"God the Father"</i> was called “<b>Holy Father</b>” in the Bible, <b>then how can you give the same title to a man</b>?


Salam


Wael.

[Faith Hope Charity]

I'm close by if you need back up, Curious Christian ;)


Hope you had a happy & holy Christmas :)

[wel_mel_2]

Bismillah:

I'm close by if you need back up, Curious Christian ;)

The question is open for all Catholics actually.


CC.. did you become a Catholic already?


Salam


Wael

[Faith Hope Charity]

<b>May the love of God the Father, the Grace of His only begotten Son, & the indwelling of the Holy Spirit be with you.</b>


Wael, Pope Benedict XVI is the successor of St Peter the Apostle. He is the vicar of Christ on earth. The pope, along with all priests & bishops are given the title "father" because they care & provide for their flock. Holy Mother Church is the title given to Christ's Bride (the One Holy Catholic & Apostolic Church), who nurtures her children.


St Paul referred to himself as "father" several times in his letters:


<i>"I am not writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:14-15). </i>



<i>"To Titus my beloved son, according to the common faith, grace and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Savior" (Tit. 1:4).</i>


<i>"…for you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you" (1 Thes. 2:11).</i>


<i>"I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment" (Phile. 1:10). </i>


<i>"To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord" (1 Tim. 1:2).</i>


<i>"To Titus my beloved son, according to the common faith, grace and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Savior" (Tit. 1:4).</i>


"Holy" comes from he Hebrew word "Kadosh" simply meaning "set apart" or "sanctified".


<b>Peace!</b>


Faith Hope Charity Openness Tolerance Equality

[Faith Hope Charity]

In the Name of God - the Most Blessed Trinity.


I just realized that no one has responded to the Holy Father's comments :huh:


I'm curious to know what Muslims think about Pope Benedict's statements :conf06: Do you agree/disagree? Would you change/add anything? I'm interesting mainly in your thoughts on the last paragraph re: war.


Perhaps no one cares because they are not directly affected by the Syrian government like my close relatives & friends in Lebanon are :( This leads me to wonder... What Islamic denomination do ya'll belong to? I'm guessing it's either Sunni or Shiite, right? Do we have members from both groups on this forum or is it exclusive to one? My brother's currently dating a lovely Alawite Muslim so I've been learning a lot about her beliefs lately. Fascinating!!!


Peace & blessings!

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


salam FHC, if a reply was not made promptly, that is not because we dont care, but because we are living those blessed days of dhul Hija which makes muslims somehow busy in different kinds of worship and voluntary acts to come closer to Allah. Moreover, the Muslim Ummah is one body, we ach for whoever aches FHC. If u check the site, you will find numerous posts addressing those issues.


Now, as for the comment of Pope Bendict, hope someone there listens to him. But who can enforce UN resolutions, leave alone who can issue the fair UN resolutions. In fact, the current situation, if persisted, shall lead to nowhere but more war.


In regard to us as being what exactly, me and others would simply categorise ourselves as Muslims, simply Muslims.


The Messenger, prayer and peace be upon him, warned us against breaking into sects, which concurrently, he foretold that it will happen.


Hope i answered your querry.

[PUPPET]

Benedict XVI said: "The world looks on with great sadness at the cycle of death and


destruction, as innocent people continue to suffer and targeted individuals are kidnapped and assassinated."


The Pope said that the Church "emphatically rejects war as a means of resolving international disputes, and has often pointed out that it only leads to new and still more complicated conflicts." The Pontiff added that the solution to the conflict lies within the framework of international law and "the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions."

So why does "the father" speak to his fellow christians about their senseless invasion / killings of muslims,


Afghan, Chechnya, iraq ect

[Faith Hope Charity]

So why does "the father" speak to his fellow christians about their senseless invasion / killings of muslims,


Afghan, Chechnya, iraq ect

Which Christians are you referring to? (I know this sounds silly, but we are not all united, unfortunately)


John Paul II was the VERY FIRST PERSON to condemn the invasion of Iraq. He encouraged Mr Bush & all involved to avoid a war. George Bush, Tony Blair, etc, aren't Catholics, therefore, they don't heed the Pope's advice, although they do respect him (to a certain extent).


John Paul II kissed the Koran & entered a mosgue in Syria. He showed the utmost respect, love & admiration towards Muslims. I don't believe everything I hear in the media regarding Islam. You're way better off doing the same when it comes to Catholicism ;)


I'm not quite sure what you meant by your question. I hope I provided an adequate answer. Happy to elaborate (so long as you do - hehe).


Take care & God bless.


:peace:

[Curious Christian]

CC.. did you become a Catholic already?

By the Grace of God I'll be received on Easter.