Al Mohler on Respecting Other Religions

May 15, 2009 – 5:31 pm

UPDATE: This is post #300 for MM! It’s been a great journey thus far.

Al Mohler wrote an editorial yesterday on the Pope’s visit to Nazareth, particularly focusing in on his statements regarding showing “respect” for Islam:

My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by His Majesty the King in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam.

Mohler responds by stating that

there are so many different angles to this situation.  First, we have the spectacle of a Pope being received as a head of state.  This is wrong on so many counts.  Second, we have the Pope speaking in diplomatic jargon, rather than in plain and direct speech.  Third, we have the Pope speaking of “respect” without any clear understanding of what this really means.  Does the Pope believe that Muslims can be saved through the teachings of Islam?

Actually, he probably does — at least within the context of a salvific inclusivism.  The Roman Catholic Church officially teaches that Muslims are “included in the plan of salvation” by virtue of their claim to “hold the faith of Abraham.”

Entire article.