The Hypocrisy of Muslim Anger

This week Muslims around the world were inflamed by the Pope’s citation of an obscure 14th century debate between a Byzantine emperor and an educated Persian. The remark that especially angered Muslims was this comment by the king: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." Even though the Pope said this statement was brusque, Muslims around the world are outraged. One Muslim cleric said of the Pope: "He is going down in history in the same category as leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini."

I am sure you could make an argument that the last person who should criticize spreading the faith by the sword is the head of the Catholic Church. The history of the Church is filled with blood, especially in the era of the Crusades and the Inquisition. However, the Pope would be the first person to say that these were glaring mistakes.

Even more hypocritical is the hysterical outrage on the part of Muslims around the world over this remark. The simple fact of the matter is that the Qu’ran itself argues the very point that the Pope was making, namely that “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (Surah 2:256).

In the past I have written many posts in support of the Palestinians and in criticism of our policy in the Middle East. I am very sympathetic to the grievance of many Muslims. But these overwrought protests over the Pope’s remarks make Muslims look foolish. Where is the outrage when Osama bin Laden releases videos that I know most Muslims must cringe at, videos that make the Pope’s comments ring true?

If there is ever going to be rapprochement between Muslims and the West, both sides must be willing to take criticism without throwing a hissy fit.