- Discussion:
-Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) once kissed an Islamic Koran during a meeting with the Patriarch of Chaldean. This action no doubt resulted in controversy, as one has to wonder precisely what the man was thinking. After all, the Islamic faith rejects the gospel. The religion denies the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. So it is quite evident that Islam and biblical Christianity are absolutely incompatible with each other.
Whatever the case, there is no wisdom in Christians (especially the supposed earthly head of the Christian church) bowing their heads and kissing the sacred texts of different religions. There is literally no excuse for this conduct, as such communicates endorsement. Christ made an exclusive truth claim (John 14:6). If other belief systems are acceptable or valid, then He must be a liar. But that charge would be blasphemous to the utmost.
In light of all this, apologists for the Church of Rome have came up with all sorts of could be explanations and appeal to the ex cathedra qualification. But embarrassing questions remain regarding the issue of the pope kissing the Koran. If he is truly the Vicar of Christ, then why would he display so much reverence for a religion that fundamentally contradicts his own? Why do Roman Catholics work so diligently to defend this behavior? His action so clearly resembles that of an apostate to any mind that has not been tarnished by ecumenicalism (Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11). It is not as though you will ever see an imam kissing a Holy Bible.
It seems that the pope these days will do just about anything to gain political power. That appears to be the motivating factor behind the Vatican associating with Islam. The Roman Bishop definitely seems to be a figure who has charisma. Even today millions flock to Rome just to behold him. Faithful Roman Catholics bow before him and kiss the hand which wields the ring molded for his coronation. All of this is idolatry, plainly and simply.
Whatever the case, there is no wisdom in Christians (especially the supposed earthly head of the Christian church) bowing their heads and kissing the sacred texts of different religions. There is literally no excuse for this conduct, as such communicates endorsement. Christ made an exclusive truth claim (John 14:6). If other belief systems are acceptable or valid, then He must be a liar. But that charge would be blasphemous to the utmost.
In light of all this, apologists for the Church of Rome have came up with all sorts of could be explanations and appeal to the ex cathedra qualification. But embarrassing questions remain regarding the issue of the pope kissing the Koran. If he is truly the Vicar of Christ, then why would he display so much reverence for a religion that fundamentally contradicts his own? Why do Roman Catholics work so diligently to defend this behavior? His action so clearly resembles that of an apostate to any mind that has not been tarnished by ecumenicalism (Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11). It is not as though you will ever see an imam kissing a Holy Bible.
It seems that the pope these days will do just about anything to gain political power. That appears to be the motivating factor behind the Vatican associating with Islam. The Roman Bishop definitely seems to be a figure who has charisma. Even today millions flock to Rome just to behold him. Faithful Roman Catholics bow before him and kiss the hand which wields the ring molded for his coronation. All of this is idolatry, plainly and simply.
