Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Akrasia & apology

The editorial "Papal akrasia and apology" (Sept. 19) deserves praise for its timely and bold advice to both Pope Benedict XVI and Muslims across the world. So much damage was done in the brief interlude that followed the Pope's remarks on Islam and his expression of regret. When learned men do not observe restraint, how can we expect ordinary men to do so? Alas, the damage cannot be undone.

K. Navaneethan,
Virudhunagar, T.N.

* * *

Not many had heard of Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologos till the Pope unearthed him from the dark and dank recesses of the library and quoted him. If the quote does not reflect his views, why on earth did he include it in his speech on theology?

P.P. Ramachandran,
Mumbai

* * *

While I agree that attacks on innocent nuns and churches are condemnable, I do not think the Pope's regret is adequate. While he seeks to put an end to the controversy by saying he only quoted the Byzantine Emperor, the question that remains unanswered is: what was the Pope trying to drive home by referring to the quote?

Syed Ali Hashmi,
Hyderabad

* * *

The statement "deeply sorry" by Pope Benedict XVI may cool the anger of Muslims but will not clear the air. Initially, the Vatican spokesman tried to defend the Pope and only when the issue refused to die did the Pope express regret. All the same, Muslims should take the expression of regret in the right sense and desist from protesting.

P.C. Hamza,
Mannarkkad, Kerala

* * *

The controversy should end as the Pope has tendered an apology. It is hoped there will be no more serious reactions.

V.M. Khaleelur Rahman,
Ambur, T.N.

* * *

Two clear stands have been taken on the issue. One is that the Pope erred grievously in his judgment while referring to some passages which were offensive to Muslim sensibilities and that his subsequent apology does not undo the damage done. The other is that a person of the Pope's status is hardly given to making such off-the-cuff remarks against another major religion of the world and it is possible that he was quoted out of context, in spite of which he has apologised for the misunderstanding caused. I would like to subscribe to the latter view.

Felix Rozario,
Coimbatore

* * *

It is reaction that makes news controversial, whether it is to the caricature of Prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper or to the remarks of Pope Benedict XVI in a speech in which he quoted a medieval king. It is time Muslims understood the difference between responding and reacting. Adverse reaction is no way to suppress criticism.

Sebastian John,
Bangalore

* * *

The Pope's remarks on jihad should be understood in the context of increasing terrorist activity in the name of Islam. Muslims should do some soul searching on why holy jihadis have turned violent over the years.

Ravikumar Sreepada,
Jagtial, A.P.

* * *

The Pope's expression of regret is yet another incident of the leaders of the West falling into the trap of making unwanted comments and then backing out. A person of the Pope's stature and organisational support is expected to check his facts and anticipate the consequences of a speech. If this was done, there was no need to apologise. If his apology was the result of violent reactions, it is an abject surrender to militant Islam.

S. Kamat,
Bardez, Goa

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