De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

Larry Chapp, ex-seminarian and renowned, retired professor of theology for 20 years has written an excellent analysis of the papal comments in Singapore. He commences by endeavouring to interpret the Pope’s remarks within their rightful context, scrupulously resisting the allure of hyperbole, so as not to exacerbate the situation further than it already stands: "Before I proceed, however, a couple of caveats are in order. First, these remarks by the pope are clearly not in any way definitive teachings of the papal magisterium. Even if we judge them as imprudent and ambiguous, there is no need to throw accusations of formal heresy around. Let’s not invent crises where none exist. The remarks are problematical, but can also be dismissed as the mere incautious musings of a pope speaking off the cuff." I recognise the need for a caution which seeks to avoid any further undermining of a papacy which is doing enough of that all on its own, but how much "informal heresy" ...

We are, sadly, watching the latest round of aggression in the Middle East currently as Israel and Palestine exchange rockets night after night. I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the ease with which those in charge seem to fall into such destruction. Of course the roots of the conflict are as old as historical record can recall. However, here in the UK, the BBC take an overtly pro-Palestinian position which I find disturbing. Part of the reasoning appears to be that Israel has better weapons so it is unfair for them to retaliate when Hamas fire rockets at civilian targets in Israel. I wonder if France was bombing London they would be suggesting we only respond with little guns so we don't kill the aggressors too much? I don't suppose many of those commenting can imagine living in a place where your civilisation is surrounded by enemies determined to exterminate you completely. But when you think about it, they really should, following 9/11 and the War on Terror, we sh...