Letters

Conversion by violence

Gregory F.J. O'Regan

Contents - Nov 2006 - Buy a copy now Editorial: EWTN and the secular media: fighting fire with fire Education: The Spirit of Generation Y: the challenge for Catholic schools - Cardinal George Pell Living the Faith: What distinguishes a practising Catholic? - Bishop Luc Matthys News: The Church Around the World England: British Catholicism's dark night of the soul Books: Is the Catholic Church in Australia 'lost'? - Michael Gilchrist Brisbane Archdiocese: inclusive language in the liturgy continues - Michael Apthorp Liturgy: US bishop sets out clear guidelines on celebrations of the Mass - AD2000 REPORT Television: EWTN: now affordable and accessible in Australia - Moira Kirkwood Letters: Missal translation - Pat Hurley Letters: Translation hang-up - Fran Swindale Letters: Accuracy needed - Carol V. Phillips Letters: Faith and reason - Peter D. Howard Letters: Narrow - Norm Yodgee Letters: Infallible teaching - Don Ford Letters: Education needed - Judy O'Reilly Letters: Early baptism - John Schmid Letters: Declining practice - Gerard J. Keane Letters: Chavagnes College scholarship applications - Ferdi McDermott Letters: Conversion by violence - Gregory F.J. O'Regan Letters: Generation 'Y' - Kevin Cains Letters: Common sense and married clergy - Errol Duke Letters: Poem's author - Valerie J.Staunton Letters: Anonymity - Michael Apthorp Letters: EWTN by broadband - Bren Scheiner Poetry: Sometimes Gladness: Collected Poems 1954 to 2005, by Bruce Dawe - Michael Gilchrist (reviewer) Books: St John Bosco, St Dominic and the Rosary, St Thérèe of Lisieux - Siobhan B. Reeves (reviewer) DVD: A Family Retreat, by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen - Daniel Tobin (reviewer) Events: The teachings of the Catholic Church: an exploration Events: Second Annual Victorian Catholic Students Association Conference 25-26 Nov 2006 Books: Order books from www.freedompublishing.com.au Reflection: Catholic schools must proclaim the total love of Christ - Fr Sebastian Camilleri OFM

The clamour of those who want an apology from Pope Benedict is, as usual, confected. Imams, muftis and preachers of Islam feel exposed by the Pope's reference to its history of conversion by violence which the Pope illustrates is not in accordance with reason, and is contrary to God's nature.

Islamic leaders seeing their influence challenged, resent a reasoned analysis of Islam, claiming it is insulting and warranting an apology.

The escalating reactions, demands and threats substantiate the Pope's claim that Islam fosters a mindset that approves violence as a means of responding to opponents to its viewpoint.

Though the Koran at Surah 2, 256 reads: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ there are a multitude of verses advocating violence against infidels if they are not persuaded to convert to Islam. For example, in 9:123: ‘O you who believe, fight those of the unbelievers near you and let them see how harsh you can be. Know that Allah is with the righteous.’ The injunction is to deal with unbelievers, even 'near' relations as well as those geographically proximate. Surah 9 also rebukes Muslims who see jihad only as a struggle of the soul and not of a military nature.

The previous Pope apologised for the past wrongs of Catholics. The present Pope need not apologise for an analysis of Islam.

The world is tired of the victim role adopted by Islamic leaders to excite volatile reactions. It awaits apologies and even acknowledgements for the litany of crimes against humanity committed in the name of Islam.

GREGORY F.J. O'REGAN
Farrer, ACT

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 19 No 10 (November 2006), p. 15