British philosopher A C Grayling has withdrawn from attending an interreligious event to promote world peace hosted by the Vatican.
Although the professor of philosophy had originally planned to attend the third “Prayer for Peace” in Assisi, Italy, he later changed his mind on discovering that it was an event for pilgrims.
Professor Grayling told The Catholic Herald: “I thought it was originally to have a discussion with the Pope about the place of religion in society but then it turned out it was a minor event and what they wanted was these guests to accompany the Pope on a pilgrimage. So I decided to withdraw.”
It’s a sad day when an atheist shows more sense and conviction than the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. We have no business at this inter-religious pantheistic quasi-pagan love fest. As a long time admirer of Joseph Ratzinger I can not say how deeply disappointed I am at his revival of one of John Paul II’s bigger mistakes. Not to mention surprised. Ratzinger after all was sharply, and rightly critical of the first two events for their syncretist nature.
I see to the right of the article under Related Posts the title, “[i]No joint prayer at Assisi, says cardinal[/i]”
What’s syncretic about this event? What beliefs are being melded into a new understanding? If athiests are invited to participate it seems to me what beliefs one brings to this “Prayer for Peace” are irrelevent. My understanding is that this is more a summit to discuss how they can promote world peace. And who wants less world peace? ;0
Well, Assisi I and II were extremely syncretistic, and accordingly drew intense criticism from orthodox Roman Catholics and non-Roman catholics around the world. Word is Benedict XVI was upset by it too, and plans to personally put the kibosh on any syncretism at Assisi III.