The Pope in the Holy Land
Pope Benedict XVI, a person with whom I have many disagreements, has been making waves in the Middle East, and for this I'm thankful. This visit isn't especially welcomed by Israelis, who at this time, have hunkered down and are resisting any efforts to find accommodation with the Palestinians. Benedict was first criticized for something very different -- his wording at Yad Vashem. Because he didn't use the word Nazi to refer to the ruling party during the Holocaust he was roundly condemned.
But moving on from that, he has blazed some important territory. At a time when the Israeli government is in the hands of partisans that are at best not receptive to a 2-state solution, he has called for a Palestinian homeland and for an end to the embargo on Gaza. At the same time, even as he was affirming the aspirations of Palestinians for freedom and self-determination, something that they've not had now for 4 decades, he warned against turning to violence as the means of gaining that freedom.
The Pope's most recent statements came at a Mass in Bethlehem. About 10,000 Christians, including 100 from Gaza, attended. That may not seem like a lot, but one must remember that over the last 50 years Christians have been fleeing the Holy Land for safer places -- like the United States.
I hope and pray that the Pope's visit will, despite a decreasing level of Christian influence in the region, will have some positive effect.
But moving on from that, he has blazed some important territory. At a time when the Israeli government is in the hands of partisans that are at best not receptive to a 2-state solution, he has called for a Palestinian homeland and for an end to the embargo on Gaza. At the same time, even as he was affirming the aspirations of Palestinians for freedom and self-determination, something that they've not had now for 4 decades, he warned against turning to violence as the means of gaining that freedom.
The Pope's most recent statements came at a Mass in Bethlehem. About 10,000 Christians, including 100 from Gaza, attended. That may not seem like a lot, but one must remember that over the last 50 years Christians have been fleeing the Holy Land for safer places -- like the United States.
I hope and pray that the Pope's visit will, despite a decreasing level of Christian influence in the region, will have some positive effect.
Comments
Israel is surrounded by several far larger countries that could, if they wanted to, give a home to the "Palestinians". But no, Israel is required to give some of its small territory to people who will never be satisfied until there is no more Israel.
And while these demands are being made, Israel is constantly being accused of being a brutal dictator to the people Israel's enemies claim have a "right" to Israeli land.
This idiocy is to be expected from those who don't care what the Bible says and who have a warped sense of morality. Hopefully, Israel will have more wisdom than to listen to the Pope and Cornwall.
It seems unjust to dismiss the displaced people by saying find a homeland somewhere else because someone moved in.
Such thinking may encourage Native Americans to attempt to repossess American land and claim rightful ownership. Their claim would be much more valid because they were not dispossessed for more than 1,900 years like the Jews were before their return.
And don't waste our time with biblical arguments because they are specious and stem not from a heart intent on justice for Israeli Jews but from a heart bent on hurrying God up in pronouncing the Last Judgment. The Last Judgment will happen when it happens and nothing humans can do will hurry it up. (And it will be a tragic and painful day for everyone when it comes so I can't understand why anyone would be in a hurry for it.)
John
Your last paragraph was a breeze of fresh air.
Blows away the farty first post.
You must amuse Bob Gary. He never blocks or deletes you?
David Mc
Your post is a load of horse manure. Or bull excrement, if you prefer.
Now that's more like it. Get right to the heart of the argument, work through the issues, and see that truth prevails.
You're the best.
John