Al-Qaeda Leader Defames Christianity

The recent video tape released by Osama bin Laden's right hand Imam al-Zawahiri, includes this declaration (as reported by CNN):

On the tape, al-Zawahiri calls the leader of the Roman Catholic Church an "impostor" whose religion "is made of myths, like the Trinity, crucifixion, sacrifice and the original sin."

I've previously reported on this increasing tendency among radical Islamists to attack the validity of Christianity and who consider it to be polytheistic rather than monotheistic. Here, for once, we have a clear statement of the Islamist's rejection of the central tenets of the Christian faith as being "myths."

Zawahiri is, of course, entitled to his opinion. But so is Pope Benedict XVI and the 14-century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologos.

From an objective standpoint neither has really defamed the other. They have simply asserted certain beliefs that challenge those held by another. The Byzantine Emperor did so in the context of personal dialogue with a scholar who represented the beliefs that were being challenged.

Benedict has also called for personal dialogue.

Personally,I would be deliriously happy to see a public debate on these matters between Pope Benedict and Zawahiri.

Like far too many of his Islamist friends, the blowhard Zawahiri, hiding in a cave in fear for his life, a man with blood on his hands and hatred in his heart takes offense when his brand of Islam is accurately described by someone who lived seven centuries ago yet sees no irony in calling into question the beliefs held by over 2 billion people.

According to CNN Zawahiri said that Benedict "went beyond his way to defame us, [but] we will respond to his insult with kindness."

I think that we can all figure out what Zawahiri means by "kindness:" First cut out the heart of the Christian faith . . . and then cut off the head of the Christian believer.

It adds new meaning to the phrase, "Killing with kindness."