Reply #54: This is news? [View All]

[FloridaJudy]

Doesn't every religious denomination think it has the monopoly on the truth? Well, maybe except for the Unitarians, and I've met some really intolerant Humanists there. Don't Shiia's, Sunni's and Sufi's each think they're the real disciples of Mohammad? Don't Theravada, Mahayana and Pure Land worshipers each claim to be carrying the authentic Buddhist message? As for the Jews, when not railing at the Palestinians, the Ultra-orthodox, Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed branches seem to have a lot of energy left to attack each other's notions about how to use the dinnerware. The Christians have broken into so many sects they resemble a Balkan republic, with each claiming exclusive ability to read God's mind. I used to be a Pagan, and believe me, when it comes to quarrelsome we can sling dirt at other Pagan groups better than anyone else.

What's appalling is Benedict's use of the word "defective" to describe other beliefs. That's gone beyond mere arrogance to real hostility, and we need only look at what the Moslems in Iraq are doing to each other to recognize this is not a path that anyone should be pursuing.