Why does the church "accept" Islam?

[SalamKhan]

From what I understand, heresy was traditionally considered the worst of all mortal sins by the church. This is why theologians like Thomas Aquinas thought heretics living in Christian lands should be punished, but he didn’t think non Christians living in Christian lands should be punished.

 

[ratio1]

that Muslims can be saved but also goes against salvation outside of the church.

No it doesn’t. Because if and when Muslims are saved they will be part of the Church. Hence they are not outside the church. No Muslim will be saved because they believe in Islam according to Catholic dogma. But Muslims indeed can obtain salvation through the grace of God and Jesus and they will be part of the Church when that happens.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Protestants are our seperate brethren. Research the recent Vatican commemoration of the reformation.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Also why did the Pope bless Muslim refugees?

He is the Vicar of Christ on earth. God’s man on earth. We are all his sheep, he shepherds everyone, whether they know this or not.

 

[TK421]

I am a converting Catholic and agree the Catholic Church is the way to go. With that being said and in light of Pope Francis’ attitude toward islam, I’m wondering why Catholics have traditionally been more open to Islam and Judaism than protestantism. CCC 1-2-3-9 States that Muslims can be saved but also goes against salvation outside of the church. Muslims reject Christ as the son of God while Protestants do not. I guess what my question is is why throughout history and today has the church been more harsh toward Protestants than Jews and muslims?

I don’t think the premise is correct.

Relations between Jews and Christendom were historically never stellar, although I suppose comparatively there was less drama with the Jews than with Muslims or even protestants. A lot of this boils down to size: Jews were a ubiquitous and significant group ever since the 2nd Diaspora in the late 1st century, but never large enough to be a threat to state sovereignty. Jews could live in Christian lands but were never accepted in mainstream society and various discriminatory practices were in place for them. This was ultimately more political than religious. Heretical sects of Christians were treated much more severely because of their potential to spread within mainstream society. Obviously the world operates differently today.

Relations between the Church and Islam was much worse than with Judaism. Muslims and Christians have been fighting almost interrupted in some theater or another since the 1st generation of Muslims in the 600s.
It’s extremely difficult for the Church to evangelize the Muslim world if Muslims are openly hostile against Christians. The central stretch of Africa is ground zero for conflict between Muslims and Christians (the northern continent is mostly Muslim, the southern continent is mostly Christian).

Vatican II accepted Muslims as worshipping the same God based on Tradition. A Muslim’s understanding of God isn’t the same but since they invoke the God of Abraham, they invoke the same God the Christians do. Building dialogue with the Islamic world is critical for Christians there to be safe and flourish.

 

[OriginalGabrielof12]

The Church does not accept Islam. She accepts all of these little ones who are impacted by other religions by no fault of their own. The Church recognizes the profession of faith by the Muslim in One God and One Creator. If one adds Islam or the Quran into the Church’s proclamation, that one is misunderstanding the Church’s teaching.

The Church who has the mind of Christ, has taught and continues to teach and be the example of God’s Love to all God’s Children, who desires for all mankind (includes women) ,by their free will, are welcome to God’s Love and His table (Eucharist). The Church never resist or fights against flesh and blood or on this subject the individual Muslim.
The Pope is doing what God commanded Peter to do. The Pope is constantly in prayer for these little ones. Our duty is to pray for the Pope, that the Holy Spirit gives him the Words he needs, so that Truth and God’s Love welcomes these of all faith’s. The Pope is following Jesus his master and Savior.
Ephesian 6:12
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.
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In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one.l
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With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones
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and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel
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for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

I have yet to see a thread here on the forums, that deals directly with the evil powers and principalities and when and how the Church battles them. That would be an interesting thread. The Church in her long historical life in Christ knows these powers and principalities and has battled them always. Never does the Church accept one little one over another, for She loves them all the same and welcomes them all the same to God’s Love and Communion, including her separated brethren who Publicly protest against her and her enemies whom, I know from personal experience Loves them.
Peace be with you