Need Understanding about Pope Benedict's Intentions

[Tracyms1974]

Hello, Everybody.

   I have been reading lately in Catholic newspapers that our Pope is interested in training, or retraining clergy and perhaps laypeople too, in the fine art of religious dialogue.  He feels that all can benefit if people of different faiths can sit down and have well-meaning and friendly discussions about religions and (I guess) their similarities and differences.  I have also read in Columbia Magazine that Pope Benedict also feels that religious freedom is a God-given right that we as human beings have no business interfering with.  Both positions are true, but it seems to me that it would be very hard for both of them to be true at the same time.  If religious freedom is a right, then why waste your time discussing religion?  People are just going to believe what they want anyway.  If religious dialogue is important, then how do we as imperfect human beings do so without trying to "sell" what we believe?  It's very hard to do.  How do we listen to others' beliefs without thinking silently to ourselves, "These people couldn't be more wrong if they tried,"?  In short, what does dear Pope Benedict hope to accomplish be holding these two positions so dear and by executing them as well?

Tracy

 

[LittleOne1]

He means have respectful dialogue and try to understand what their beliefs are and where they are coming from. Many of us were blessed to grow up in a Christian family, but others understandably came from different cultures and backgrounds and therefore have strong beliefs in their particular faith. The only way to evangelize is respectfully discuss similarities and differences between each other and through the grace of the spirit and the seeds we sow, they may indeed convert. But ultimately they must freely choose for that is what love is; a free choice.
If they do not choose to convert, they can still be friends because we both respectfully listen to each other. These two thoughts compliment each other.

 

[nobeerinheaven]

If religious freedom is a right, then why waste your time discussing religion? People are just going to believe what they want anyway.

Are you suggesting that the only profitable religious dialogue comes with the enforcement of the State? *Persuasion *is a wonderful thing.

 

[Tracyms1974]

Are you suggesting that the only profitable religious dialogue comes with the enforcement of the State? *Persuasion *is a wonderful thing.

Is trying to persuade one of another religion to adopt your own even ethical? I would imagine that it’s okay, but how do you know you’re “crossing the line” from gentle persuasion into brow-beating? Perhaps that’s what these talks that the Pope is referring to is intended to do - to educate priests how to do it properly.

Tracy

 

[Tracyms1974]

He means have respectful dialogue and try to understand what their beliefs are and where they are coming from. Many of us were blessed to grow up in a Christian family, but others understandably came from different cultures and backgrounds and therefore have strong beliefs in their particular faith. The only way to evangelize is respectfully discuss similarities and differences between each other and through the grace of the spirit and the seeds we sow, they may indeed convert. But ultimately they must freely choose for that is what love is; a free choice.
If they do not choose to convert, they can still be friends because we both respectfully listen to each other. These two thoughts compliment each other.

That’s a good way to explain it. I like it.

Tracy