My take on a variety of topics that are shaping the U.S. in the 21st century.
Monday, December 04, 2006
A refresher on Europe and the Muslims
James Carroll provides a brief summary of the history between the Muslims and Europe, while recognizing that Pope Benedict seems to be mellowing with regard to his concerns with Islam.
1 comment:
Anonymous
said...
I find James Carroll's views strangely antiquated. Kipling's works may have been relevant at the time of writing, but bear no relation to present European thinking. Turkey, with the exception of one small area, Thrace, is undoubtedly Asian, and any possibility of acceptance into the EU is very much dependent on reaching some agreement over the Cypriot problem. Religion is really not a factor, and Carroll's indication that somehow Muslim-Christian antagonism is involved is fanciful in the extreme. As is any idea that that the Pope will have any bearing on the decision. What the Pope does, or does not, in no way effects the political workings of the EU. He carries no weight in such matters. The secularity of Europe is, thankfully, its strength. Freedom of worship is sacrosanct, as is its separation from politics.
1 comment:
I find James Carroll's views strangely antiquated. Kipling's works may have been relevant at the time of writing, but bear no relation to present European thinking. Turkey, with the exception of one small area, Thrace, is undoubtedly Asian, and any possibility of acceptance into the EU is very much dependent on reaching some agreement over the Cypriot problem. Religion is really not a factor, and Carroll's indication that somehow Muslim-Christian antagonism is involved is fanciful in the extreme. As is any idea that that the Pope will have any bearing on the decision. What the Pope does, or does not, in no way effects the political workings of the EU. He carries no weight in such matters. The secularity of Europe is, thankfully, its strength. Freedom of worship is sacrosanct, as is its separation from politics.
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