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The "EveryBody" Insider |
Logoz Not Into Destruction On 9-12-06 in Germany , scholars at the University of Regensburg were treated to a lecture By Benedict XVI. The topic of the lecture was "Faith, Reason and the University Memories and Reflections". A copy of the text of the lecture may be found at - The lecture discusses the importance of the use of reason in the university setting where dialogue and debate on various subjects is expected to take place. Differing views, opinions and positions are encouraged to intermingle so as to create a complete experience, conversation, atmosphere, and culture. And, part of the subject matter for discussions in the university setting should include contemplation and investigation of religion, ethics, and morality. Benedict XVI was striving to explain that theology should not be diminished in size of importance and relevance in the intellectual discourse of the university setting. In fact, he explains that the concepts for establishing a university is consistent with the ancient Greek philosophical inquiry and dialogue. The ability to reason and to approach rationally topics in conversation with fellow scholars is the example of the nature of the university. Again, the topics may range appropriately to include reflections on GOD and the relation between GOD and humankind. The Greek word, logoz , Benedict XVI explains to represent both "word" and "reason". It was this particular word, logoz, that stands as a reminder of the pursuit of knowledge and understanding by the ancient Greek philosophers. Benedict XVI ties nicely the idea of "reason" to the concept of university . And, he defines clear relationships between the philosophical inquiries of the ancients and the dialogue of scholars in the modern university. However, in striving to explain the relationship between "reason" and "religion", Benedict XVI draws an example which has infuriated many people. Benedict XVI quotes a Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus who in conversation with a Persian scholar likens Islam to a sort of faith based on violence. While Benedicts XVI's point is to explain that violence is illogical, irrational, unreasonable, and inconsistent with the will of GOD; Benedict XVI fails to calculate the weight of the example on the passion and reasoning faculties of the current adherents to Islam. While Benedict XVI praises the ancient Greek scholars for the ancient investigation of philosophy driven by the idea of logoz, he leaves the modern adherents of Islam with but a single reference, a negative comparison between Islam and violence. This example implies that Islam is unreasonable, irrational, violent, and inconsistent with the will of GOD. Perhaps, Benedict XVI did not mean to diminish the respect for the traditions, religion and culture of Islam but he leaves little positive commentary in regards to Islam. He seems to imply that the Greeks gave logoz and thus provided, with later heritage from the Romans, the essence "of what can rightly be called Europe" in his words. He further explains that logoz appears in the Gospel of John: "In the beginning there was the logos, and the logos is God, says the Evangelist." From such points as these, Benedict XVI shows the relevance and importance of the Greek heritage in the development of Christian thought, tradition and culture. He rejects any modern attempts to divorce the Greek thought, spirit and heritage from Christianity. "Biblical faith and Greek inquiry" are intertwined in Benedict XVI's view of "Christian spirit". Therefore, the Bible and logoz are essential to understanding and living Christian faith. And, such faith need not be excluded from within the walls of the university. This seems to be the major point of Benedict XVI's lecture. The secondary point was to illustrate that violence is inconsistent with will of GOD. The example cited by Benedict XVI implied that Islam was both unreasonable and ungodly. There is a tertiary point made in the discussion. This revolves around the definition of science. That which is provable by mathematics, experimentation, and logic is universally accepted as being reasonable, objective and rational. However, Benedict XVI strives to show that faith is also reasonable and rational albeit it subjective. Religion, ethics, and morality must be treated with the similar intellectual respect given to science, mathematics, and empirical study. To exclude religion, ethics and morality from intellectual discussion and position of respect is to diminish humankind. Benedict XVI's point is that religion, ethics and morality form part of the make up of the human and of the society. He perceives inadequacies in constructing human interaction, rules and behavior based solely upon "rules of evolution or from psychology and sociology". In summary, the lecture made three main points. Logoz is GOD. It is both "reason" and "word" consistent with the will of GOD. Thus, the university and the faith must not divorce themselves from logoz. Logoz is not violence. Violence is neither reasonable nor holy. Thus faith must not be rooted in violence. Faith is reasonable. Faith guides the sense of morality and ethics. Science and mathematics alone are inadequate in defining the complete sphere of human purpose, identity and interaction. -- While invoking the topic of religion, one must recognize the emotional, psychological and spiritual dimensions of the topic. Great passion and sensitivity are likely to reside within the confines of the discussion on GOD and the relation between GOD and humankind. The use of reason would tend to force one to admit the potential for arousing deep passions when such a topic is addressed. Benedict XVI's discussion on violence drew from one single example which painted Islam as being violent. Certainly other examples could have been used. Violence has been invoked in the Christian heritage as well. Clearly, one Christian's destroying another Christian has many examples in history. However, Benedict XVI left Islam to bear the example of violence in the lecture. In reaction to the lecture, one must also consider logoz. What is the logical, ethical and spiritual manner in which to respond? The logical approach would seem to be to read the entire text of the lecture for oneself, find the major points, review the points, evaluate the merits of each point, define the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments, and then reach a conclusion. If action needs to be taken then it should be guided not solely by heated passions but rather by the will of GOD. And, the will of GOD is surely consistent with logoz. I do not think it to be the will of GOD to invoke destruction on a small and/or large scale. Benedict XVI chose one example from the past which caused passions to rise in the present. ________________________________________ |