Second, the controversy. In an article by Yahoo! News, Pope Francis is quoted as saying that fundamentalism "is a disease of all religions." The article further quotes him as saying, "Fundamentalism is always a tragedy. It is not religious, it lacks God, it is idolatrous." You can access the article here.
Third, my reaction. We must be careful before we accept back-door invitations. Encouraging the dismantling of fundamentalism could mean . . .
- Stop taking literally the teaching of your holy book.
- Stop speaking publicly about your faith, which matters greatly to you.
- Stop suggesting that there is such a thing as truth.
- Stop allowing what you believe to affect how you live.
Just so we're clear -- Enthusiasm is welcome. Excitement is welcome. Devotion is welcome. Violence is not welcome.
Fourth, a conclusion. Revelation teaches there will be a seven-year period known as the Tribulation. A universal religion will be implemented at that time. For that to occur, a lot of "selling" is happening to pave the way. "Since your religion might be controversial and my religion might be unacceptable and another's religion might be divisive, and since violence is associated with radicals from all religions, why don't we all abandon all of our doctrines and practices and come together as one? It will be ecumenical nirvana."
