You know, people insult me on this blog from time to time. It’s my home turf, and I get testy about it, but I can’t recall ever having demanded a personal apology. What is it with fundamental religious types? Why are they so sensitive and demanding?
Anger spread throughout the Muslim world yesterday following an address given by Pope Benedict XVI at the university of Regensburg in Germany last Tuesday in which he quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor on the spread of Islam through violence.
Last night a high-ranking Catholic Church source expressed fears for the Pope’s safety, saying “while I think the controversy will go away, it has done damage and if I were a security expert I’d be worried”.
Easily offended people who also carry around a large bag of self-righteousness are quite dangerous. I’m very tired of them. Perhaps the Pope’s comment were out of line. Wouldn’t it be enough to politely say, “we disagree.” Wouldn’t it be enough to point out evidence that contradicts what the Pope had to say? Then leave it alone.
You know what? I’m not going to apologize for my perceptions and beliefs. Words are just that – words. I may feel offended when someone smears something I hold dear, but I don’t go to rallies and demand official apologies or renouncements. If you believe something different from me, something that’s offensive to me, that’s your right. As long as you aren’t inciting people to kill me, or trying to do so yourself, then by all means, carry on.
I wish people would grow up.