Vatican prelate challenges Islamic scholars to give peaceful interpretation of Qu'ran
August 12, 2016
The president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has acknowledged that passages of the Qu’ran seem to offer clear support for the use of violence.”
Free eBook:
|
| Free eBook: The Documents of Vatican II |
Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo said that it would be “naïve” to ignore the problematical passages of the Qu’ran, and it is a major challenge for Islamic leaders to “give a peaceful hermeneutic to these passages”—particularly in light of pressure from extremists.”
Bishop Sanchez Sorondo said that he “wouldn’t dream of telling Muslims how to interpret their faith,” but that any moderate Islamic scholars willing to take up the challenge of denouncing violence would “find a strong ally and friend in the Catholic Church.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: msrsm19887530 -
Aug. 16, 2016 10:01 PM ET USA
Yes, the Church has a duty to challenge Islam, and in so doing, not to stop at the essential issue of violence. Can Muslims give an account of the Quran that allows non-Muslims to coexist as equals in civil society? Mere freedom from violence is a long way from freedom from oppression. The mass media continually makes the illogical assumption that Islam is compatible with Western culture as long as Muslims aren't violent.
-
Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Aug. 16, 2016 7:54 PM ET USA
One good sign is that I have not heard of any riots in response to the Bishop's comments yet.
-
Posted by: WBSM -
Aug. 16, 2016 5:17 PM ET USA
The Church does not dialogue with other religions but with men and women of other religions. There is a great difference.
-
Posted by: bruno.cicconi7491 -
Aug. 15, 2016 5:48 PM ET USA
That is a good posture. True dialogue, acknowledging the problems but being open to a positive resolution.
-
Posted by: filioque -
Aug. 13, 2016 5:05 PM ET USA
Well, this is refreshing. Has Bishop Sanchez Sorondo talked to Pope Francis lately?
-
Posted by: unum -
Aug. 13, 2016 11:42 AM ET USA
I thought the Church called for dialogue with other religions, not challenges. Whatever happened to clear guidance and teaching for the faithful?
-
Posted by: Faustina01 -
Aug. 13, 2016 12:13 AM ET USA
Good luck with that.....
