Civilization demands reasoned discourse -- not random violence

And good for the Telegraph for saying so:

The combination of grievance-nurturing multiculturalism and instant headlines is having a disastrous effect on the worldwide Muslim community. There seems to be no limit to its spokesmen's willingness to voice outrage; and their messages are then picked up by fanatics who mount appalling attacks on Christians in Muslim countries. When was the last time a Muslim leader apologised for such atrocities?

The truth is that barbaric attacks happen weekly. No wonder that Benedict favours an urgent dialogue with Muslims on the subject of religious violence, rather than the usual touchy-feely exchange of compliments.

Well, he has started a dialogue now, albeit not quite in the way that he intended. And it is essential that it continue. A self-abasing apology from the Pope would have postponed that discussion yet again.

We suspect that Western public opinion is not displeased that Benedict has said the unsayable. Now it is time for other churchmen to tell their Muslim counterparts that, in addition to dishing out criticism, they must learn how to take it.

H/t Jihad Watch

We should have plenty of time to discuss Muslim grievances when we aren't preoccupied with Muslim atrocities.

Comments

[Jake]

When the media looks for an Islamic response to anything why do they seek out and give airtime to the craziest, most over the top, fringe element Muslims they can find ? When a Christian response to world events is called for I don't see them searching out hardcore Christian Identity White Supremists as representative Christians... Maybe it's not that a moderate Islam doesnt exist.. Maybe it just doesnt sell as many papers or as many commercials as as the radical suicide bombers do.. Since news became entertainment, truth has taken a backseat to to keeping the Nielsen families glued to their sets...

[gail]

One problem is that many of the moderate Muslims who do speak out against the fanatics find themselves targetted by them. If they don't want their throats slit, they keep quiet.