Thanks to Pope Francis for emphasizing, as the Washington
Post said, “A Gospel teaching that may become the touchstone of his
papacy: mercy.” These are the most inspiring words in a world that has
placed mercy on the mantel. We pray a new norm of religion emerges:
mercy. Muslims are particularly excited about Pope Francis’
message of mercy. He is one of the best representations of the teachings
of Jesus Christ (my pluralist mentor) and Muslims can relate with him. Indeed Prophet Muhammad is
called “Rahmatul Aalameen – a Mercy to mankind”.
URL – http://nabsites.net/demo/texas-faith-what-relevance-does-pope/
TEXAS FAITH: What relevance does Pope Francis have beyond the Catholic Church?
By Bill McKenzie / Editorial Columnist | 4:23 pm on August 6, 2013 |
Francis made quite a splash when he said last week in response to a
question about a priest being gay: “If someone is gay and he searches
for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
those remarks, the pope has received ample attention for the simplicity
of his lifestyle, his attitude toward the poor and his humility in
washing the feet of criminal offenders. In fact, those are just some of the areas in which the pope has gained attention, as this Washington Post editorial indicates.
what relevance do they have to non-Catholics? The Catholic Church may
be the world’s largest body of Christians, but what about other
Christians and the many other faith traditions? What difference do
comments from the pope make to them — as well as to non-believers?
MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas, and speaker on interfaith issues
to Pope Francis for emphasizing, as the Washington Post said, “A Gospel
teaching that may become the touchstone of his papacy: mercy.” These
are the most inspiring words in a world that has placed mercy on the
mantel. We pray a new norm of religion emerges: mercy.
I welcomed him, “I hope he heralds a new beginning for building a
better world. In behalf of the people of faith or no faith, and my faith
Islam, I welcome the Pope and make myself available to jump at his call
for creating peace in the world, where no human has to live in fear of
the others, let the world be the new kingdom of heaven where we all feel
safe and secure with each other. Amen.”
all his predecessors, he is relevant to non-Catholics. “He is a man of
dialogue, a man who is able to build bridges with other faiths,’ says World Jewish Congress President Ron Lauder. Padma Kuppa of the Hindu America Foundation
says: “Pope Francis offers a great opportunity for the Church to build
meaningful and substantive relations with a billion Hindus.” Similarly,
Protestants, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others see a lot of hope in the Pope.
I believe he will heal the wounds of Native Americans as well natives
of the world.
Adam, his message to gays and lesbians is one of the most powerful
statements ever delivered by a world leader other than President Obama.
“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who
am I to judge?” This is precisely what surrendering to God means.
and non-believers are part of his family now. As one observer put it,
“Pope Francis has good news for atheists. Jesus died and was raised for
them as well. His redemptive embrace was for all, not just a chosen
few.”
are particularly excited about Pope Francis’ message of mercy. He is
one of the best representations of the teachings of Jesus Christ (my
pluralist mentor). Indeed Prophet Muhammad is called “Rahmatul Aalameen –
a Mercy to mankind”.
brought freedom to humanity, freed the slaves, women were restored
their rights to be free individuals. He taught that all are created
equal in the eyes of God, and the humility became the foundation of all
of the Muslim religious practices, including ritual prayers, fasting,
obligatory tithe along with performing the Hajj Pilgrimage.
enjoined us that “if any one eats a full meal when his neighbor is
hungry or starving, then he is not from among us.” He never said “Muslim
neighbor.” He loved humanity and asked Muslims to be role models of
mercy, charity, kindness, concern and love to all.
To read the other ten panelists thoughts, please go to Dallas Morning News at : http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/texas-faith-what-relevance-does-pope-francis-have-beyond-the-catholic-church.html/