Pope baptizes prominent Italian Muslim
posted at 8:35 pm on March 22, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A pontiff even the atheists can love. InstaGlenn’s got the right read here, although flipping Osama the bird’s only part of it. Benedict’s playing an interesting game with the Muslim world, equal parts outreach and antagonism, which I suppose is his way of trying to coax them towards tolerance. Surely a man who’d hold interfaith talks at the Vatican can be forgiven the occasional baptism of an apostate, can’t he? It’s all part of the “understanding” process.
Italy’s most prominent Muslim commentator is converting to Catholicism by being baptized by the pope at an Easter vigil, the Vatican announced Saturday.
An Egyptian-born, non-practicing Muslim, Magdi Allam has infuriated some fellow Muslims with his criticism of extremism and support for Israel.
The deputy editor of the Corriere della Sera newspaper, Allam often writes on Muslim and Arab affairs. He told the Il Giornale newspaper in a December interview that his criticism of Palestinian suicide bombing generated threats on his life in 2003, prompting the Italian government to provide him with a sizeable security detail…
Reaction to Allam’s conversion was largely muted from Italy’s Muslim community.
The Union of Islamic Communities in Italy — which Allam has frequently criticized as having links to Hamas — said the baptism was a personal choice.
“He is an adult, free to make his personal choice,” the Apcom news agency quoted the group’s spokesman, Issedin El Zir, as saying.
Wait ’til the Pope’s new Wahhabist friends hear. Exit question: Does this mean it’s ix-nay on those urches-chay?
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Mazel Tov to him :-p
Defector01 on March 22, 2008 at 8:36 PM
At least our conversion is not by the sword
Kini on March 22, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Turns out that Hagee guy is right about the Catholic Church being the big whore, right? Isn’t this “Spritual Fornication”? Is this a Mortal or a Venial sin?
DfDeportation on March 22, 2008 at 8:39 PM
my bad…I didn’t realize the guy was a non-practicing Muslim. The same still stands for the other scenario though.
DfDeportation on March 22, 2008 at 8:44 PM
1.2 billion to go.
profitsbeard on March 22, 2008 at 8:47 PM
DfDeportation,
What are you talking about? The guy converted to Catholicism. How exactly is baptizing him into the faith “Spiritual Fornication”? Or are Muslims (even non-practicing ones critical of Islamic extremism and terror) excluded from being allowed to become Christians?
The pope is using his conversion to showcase the single most critical difference between Christianity and Islam in the political/cultural world today: Islam converts by force, Christianity by peaceful persuasion.
I am not Catholic, but I applaud this man’s accepting of Christ.
Lancer on March 22, 2008 at 8:48 PM
I think he’d probably be more antagonistic, but given how dysfunctional and backward Europe is, he has to play a careful game lest he face a backlash from both the PC/Big Brother brigades of Europe and the Youths of Undetermined Ethnic Extraction.
doubleplusundead on March 22, 2008 at 8:56 PM
“Let’s see, what can we do with the Vatican Easter service that will really make a big statement? Hmmm. Thinking. Wait…wait…I think I’ve got an idea…”
That Pope Benedict. He’s got some…well, it wouldn’t be appropriate to say what he has, but he’s got ‘em, and they’re huge!
Rational Thought on March 22, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Wow. I may again have to alter my opinion on this Pope. This needs to be spun by Islam as the mortal insult it not so subtly is.
BL@KBIRD on March 22, 2008 at 9:04 PM
He does have a pair. I am very impressed. Happy Easter!
Realist on March 22, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Asians
dmann on March 22, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Although I’m Catholic and I greatly admire my Pope Benedict, I think I should give credit where credit is due.
Magdi Allam Has been around in the Italian scene for a while and is well-known for his writings condemning the practices of Islam.
I think he converted by conviction and now he has to bear the burden of “defying Allah and his prophet Muhammad.”
And if he truly converted by conviction as I think he did, that burden will be so light because the God of Muhammad -and I mean Jesus- who created Muhammad, will be with him, and as promised, He doesn’t abandoned those who believe in Him.
Happy Easter to all of Creation!
As they say in Arabic:
Al Masihu Kam, Hakan Kam!
Christ is Risen, He is Truly Risen!
Indy Conservative on March 22, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Expect assassination attempts on Allam.
Expect churches to be bombed.
Expect Westerners in Islamic countries to be kidnapped and killed. Or forced to convert to Islam (remember the guys kidnapped by Palestinians?).
And expect the U.S. mainstream media to either ignore these acts of non-tolerance, or to blame the Pope for the atrocities.
jediwebdude on March 22, 2008 at 9:08 PM
To read the popes books ( as Cardinal Ratzinger) is to lament his becoming pope at 78 instead of 68.
He is smart, tough and is fearless when trying to make a profound statement that would infuriate dangerous people.
I admired JP II but I love Benedict.
jjshaka on March 22, 2008 at 9:09 PM
You forgot someone, Bush will somehow be blamed as well.
Hog Wild on March 22, 2008 at 9:27 PM
I was always told sprinkling water isn’t good enough. Full immersion in the water is the way to go. I suppose sprinkling water is better than chopping off someone’s head.
SouthernGent on March 22, 2008 at 9:28 PM
He’s a very brave man.
SoulGlo on March 22, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Interesting to note the timing of the conversion,and
I think its priceless,I believe it has nothing to do
with the Easter,but I would imagine that the Muslims
think this is deliberate!
I know almost nothing of the Pope,but this Church
question in Saudi Arabia kinda looks like the Pope
did an end run on that.
I sure would like to hear the conversations in some
of the Jihadys caves.I bet, there the same as some
conversations some liberals are going to have in smoke
areas amd bathrooms in the DNConvention in Denver,that
of bitterness and frustration in the way things are
going for them!
canopfor on March 22, 2008 at 9:38 PM
…he said through clenched teeth, regretting that this didn’t happen in Saudi Arabia, where Allam would have been killed.
jgapinoy on March 22, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Yep, he’s no John Paul II but he’s growing on me. I like him. And Magdi Allam, wow. That is one heck of a man. Welcome to the church.
Happy Easter Everyone.
Zorro on March 22, 2008 at 9:39 PM
ooops.amd bathrooms should be and bathrooms.
canopfor on March 22, 2008 at 9:39 PM
There was talk that Benedict was just a transitional figure. The church just marking time until it could decide where it wanted to go next. Even as a Protestant I felt there was going to be a terrible and dangerous void in the world with the passing of John Paul II. I can now say the void has been filled. Benedict may not have as much time a JP II but it appears he is exactly what is needed at this point in history.
JonRoss on March 22, 2008 at 9:42 PM
We may all be required to “resist unto blood” before it is over.
labrat on March 22, 2008 at 9:51 PM
I was always told water isn’t good enough.
Full immersion in the water is the way to go.
SouthernGent on March 22,2008 at 9:28PM.
SouthernGent:If your baptizing converted Islamofashists
and full immersion is the way to go,I think
a boat anchor deep sixed to Dave Jones locker
will eliminate a repeat terrorist!(Snark!)
canopfor on March 22, 2008 at 9:52 PM
If dude converted, why does AP still call him a muslim. Shouldn’t it be “Pope Baptizes Prominent Italian EX-Muslim”
- The Cat
P.S. Is this a real convertion or did he do it for the booty?
MirCat on March 22, 2008 at 9:56 PM
They dress alike. Just the head gear is different.
Kini on March 22, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Here’s my thing. . . good news all around and I’m happy whenever another Christian gets baptized.
But REALLY, why are you Catholics (and non-Catholics) heaping praise on the pope? What did the pope do other than what he’s supposed to do? The praise goes to the guy whose life is in danger. The praise goes to the guy who was guided by the Holy Spirit to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior in the face of death threats.
Again, I appreciate this. I wish it would be more commonplace than the exception as it would be if penalty for apostasy was something a little less than death. But I wouldn’t applaud the pope for this man’s profound decision.
And as for this issue, the Vatican has been known for its criticism of Israel. I would bet that the pope and this new Christian differ on their feelings toward Israel – the ‘ex-Muslim’ being much more sympathetic to the Israelis than the pope.
I’m not trying to rain on any parade here. . . but it’s like you are applauding a bird for flying, or a fish for swimming if you applaud the pope for baptizing someone.
ThackerAgency on March 22, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Oh yeah, and Happy Easter!
ThackerAgency on March 22, 2008 at 10:16 PM
next up to convert to Christianity: OBAMA!
now THAT would be something!
reliapundit on March 22, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I think that the Pope conducting the ceremony was basically telling OBL where to stick his Koran, but people of all faiths convert to Catholicism .. Let’s not forget that Easter is also a time of year when many people do convert.
By being baptized by the Pope, Magdi Allam is now a Catholic.
Pam on March 22, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Speaking of religion, reuters has a pretty good story about McCain’s pastor.
jgapinoy on March 22, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Happy–yet pensive–Resurrection Day to all!
jgapinoy on March 22, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I hate to say it, but he is a dead man walking. The Muslims will kill him.
simkeith on March 22, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I could say something political, anti-islam, sarcastic, or just down right mean.
Instead, I’ll say, Happy Easter and God Bless.
madmonkphotog on March 22, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I love ya AP, but please do not liken anything Pope Benedict does to “a game.” I’d much rather have Benedict in my theological corner than some educated-idiot like Hitch or Dawkins. Fact is baptisms, pennance, and confirmations are common practice on Easter Sunday. Anyone going through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process ready to convert will have their baptism/confirmation on Easter Sunday. Whether its the famous Italian Muslim guy or your next door neighbor.
BKennedy on March 22, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Oh yes!
Connie on March 22, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Wow! If we can get Fitna out tomorrow along with this, well, that would be quite the double play with two out and three on base….. in the top of the 4th inning. Long game but we have the better team.
MarkABinVA on March 22, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Substitute strategy for game, & you’ll see what AP meant…I think.
jgapinoy on March 22, 2008 at 11:01 PM
He’s not sprinkling water. He’s pouring water on his head. Whether pouring water or immersion in water, both are symbolism. God forbid that we have a thread that doesn’t degenerate to cheap insults of Catholicism.
Blake on March 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Matthew 28:5-9
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen , as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. KJV
I worship Him too. There is no other story like it. Our God, who lowered Himself to a lowly stature to prove that His love conquers evil.
HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE.
Skidd on March 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I hope you are implying a conversion from Protestantism, otherwise, sounds like more retarded crap.
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:09 PM
A good story indeed.
Happy Easter to my Christian friends
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:10 PM
If you think that The Pope does anything without consideration for worldwide implications, you are very naive I fear.
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Was Barack Hussein Obama baptised?
Seven Percent Solution on March 22, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Yes in 1988 in the Trinity Church.
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:20 PM
To all my American neighbors and Friends
at Hot Air a warm and heartfelt Happy Easter
from up north.
canopfor on March 22, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I worship Him too. There is no other
storyhistory like it. Our God, who lowered Himself to a lowly stature to prove that His love conquers evil.HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE.
There. Thanks for helping me correct it, Squid Shark. God Bless. :)
Skidd on March 22, 2008 at 11:32 PM
G-d bless to you too, I dont agree that what you mentioned is history, but I mean no offense.
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I can see it now; Muslims will start believing that Christian Baptism (the full immersion-type)is the same as water-boarding and calling it torture.
c3ichief on March 22, 2008 at 11:42 PM
I knew what you were getting at. I was just having a little fun with your post. Hope you have a great “regular day” tomorrow. (No offense). :)
Skidd on March 22, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Hahaha, I will. My Shabbat was today, and it was lovely. My wife is Catholic though so she will be out.
Thursday was quite busy too, I had a “Seder” for about 40 Christians so that they could learn more about Holy Thursday.
Squid Shark on March 22, 2008 at 11:45 PM
I’m sure the Christians were blown away with your presentation. I love the Passover meal and it’s total significance.
God and His Divine plan are mind-blowing awesome!
Skidd on March 22, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Yes, but McCain hasn’t been baptized yet. See the story about McCain’s pastor now in Reuters.com.
jgapinoy on March 23, 2008 at 12:04 AM
They may kill him, but the diference is where he’ll end up after he leaves this place! He dosen’t have to worry about whether Muhammed will accept him into Heaven, which is never really assured to all muslims (unless they martyr themselves supposedly), Jesus accepts every one who calls on his name!
Vntnrse on March 23, 2008 at 12:06 AM
It’ll be no problem to him as the concept of passive resistance comes from the New Testament, from Our Lord.
You’re right in a way. He did what he was supposed to do and that is perfunctory. Yet we live in age of crisis. Almost every Western leader has devoted themselves to betraying the people they are supposed to represent. With the possible exception of John Howard (and even that is generous) I would say every Western leader.
aengus on March 23, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Happy Easter ThackerAgency and all.
aengus on March 23, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Always glad to help my Christian brothers understand their own spiritual heritage, its quite important.
Squid Shark on March 23, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Actually, conversion thru Baptism is a big part of the Easter Vigil Mass. Just got back from ours and we had 9 conversions. Converts must attend classes before their Baptism so I am sure the Pope didn’t “Go find this guy”. For those who were already Baptised in other Christian faiths. This part is waived. The Baptism is performed by immersion or laddling the water over the head. The sprinkling of the water is done after the Baptism ceremony to re affirm the rest of the congregations faith.
NYNastyboy on March 23, 2008 at 12:09 AM
McCain has been baptized into the Episcopal Faith, in fact there is a famous photo with his Dad and Granddad at his christening. He has been reluctant to be rebaptized to his wifes faith and has only recently associated himself as a Baptist.
Squid Shark on March 23, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I’m sure the Pope considered the impact of his baptizing Allam publicly at this Mass, but it was long before the Osama tapes came out this week. Benedict plans things out very carefully with an eye to the long term, not the short term we are used to seeing from most other leaders.
That said, it does have to take a certain amount of guts on the part of both men, as I am not sure how many clergy anywhere in Europe of any Christian stripe would dare to publicly baptize an ex-Muslim at present, or how many ex-Muslims would dare to publicly broadcast their apostasy.
Cyrus on March 23, 2008 at 12:24 AM
This man knows full well that he has just authorized his own death at the hands of some, “very religious young man”.
The Koran dictates that whoever leaves the Muslim religion must be killed if they do not repent.
This happens quite often and he will be treated no differently. He has my admiration and my prayers that he survives his conversion.
Army Brat on March 23, 2008 at 12:41 AM
So few Christians have an understanding of it. The whole point about passover, and Jesus being sacrificed for all of mankind in the place of a traditional sacrificial lamb for the Jewish passover ceremony. The whole thing fits together so amazing that you couldn’t make it up. Jesus Christ is the most amazing story ever in the world. Something happened. Many different people corroborate Jesus’ life and travels. Believe it or don’t, but it happened and it was significant.
If there is a ‘man of the cloth’ who would be afraid to baptize someone who asked them to, that person doesn’t belong in the clergy. If they don’t baptize and preach the Gospel, they don’t believe it. . . I guarantee you that there are a LOT of priests and preachers that don’t really believe it (Catholic and Protestant).
By the way, it’s my birthday today. . . you know Easter this year:)
ThackerAgency on March 23, 2008 at 12:41 AM
yeah baby!
homesickamerican on March 23, 2008 at 12:42 AM
A Blessed Easter to you all….. there is Hope in this World.
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2008 at 12:44 AM
I am an ex-Muslim. I was raised in Islam and taught never to question the truth of Islam and to believe in Allah and his
messenger with blind faith. I was told that Allah would forgive all sins but the sin of disbelief.
But I committed the ultimate sin of thinking and questioned the beliefs that were imposed on me and I came to realize that far from being a religion of eternal truth, Islam is a hoax, it is delusion of a sick evil mind and nothing but lies and fraud.
Aleph on March 23, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Let there be peace.
Domino on March 23, 2008 at 12:53 AM
I was referring to a highly public ceremony broadcast live all over the world versus a private ceremony at a small church with only a handful of witnesses that would never be known except to those who saw the man attend church. But I do agree with the point being made.
Cyrus on March 23, 2008 at 1:00 AM
The Pope’s stock goes up. Nice move.
Mojave Mark on March 23, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Malkins.
Happy Easter!
Pablo on March 23, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Both men obviously paid attention to Matthew 10:32-33.
baldilocks on March 23, 2008 at 1:23 AM
O yeah and there’s Matthew 10:28:
baldilocks on March 23, 2008 at 1:25 AM
Osama Versus The Vatican
Connie on March 23, 2008 at 2:18 AM
Ran into this today at a Muslim guy’s blog.
Scroll 1/2 way down to Anonymous said…
The Seven Deadly Questions of Islam
Slightly long, but easy to read. Bookmark for later if you don’t have time to read now.
Connie on March 23, 2008 at 2:25 AM
I can’t figure out why some Muslims are of the mind that Christian’s still carry a torch for Crusades against all other faiths (Islam in particular). Weird.
MannyT-vA on March 23, 2008 at 5:44 AM
The crusades were a highly appropriate counterattack after centuries of Muslim invasions and marked a major turning point in the ascent of Western power. Please stop misusing them as a metaphor for undue zealotry.
GermanAtheist on March 23, 2008 at 5:52 AM
This is not where the war against Islam can be won. Churches are by their very nature antagonistic to eachother – my beliefs are true and yours aren’t – and Islam is anyway not a threat as a religion, but as a totalitarian political ideology.
And for every positive thing Benedict does, there are his critiques of free markets and his support of leftist causes like “social justice” and “the environment”. He lost me a long time ago, and I think it’s a mistake to import too much moral authority to him simply because of a public conversion.
Halley on March 23, 2008 at 7:01 AM
Oh man, s*** is going to hit the fan.
KBird on March 23, 2008 at 7:19 AM
Yeah, we were justified in killing every person in Jerusalem.
Squid Shark on March 23, 2008 at 7:56 AM
And those damn Byzantines, good thing we killed all them too…
Squid Shark on March 23, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Oh no, I am not a “Jesus denier” Thacker, I am far too well read for that :)
I dont buy the Messianism, thats all.
Squid Shark on March 23, 2008 at 8:03 AM
It would be spineless beyond belief for him not to baptize someone out of fear, and so my opinion of the Pope does not go up. I hold the Catholic Church responsible for promoting the pacifist values that make us so defenseless before the muslim savages. If the West had the will, we could eliminate Islam from the face of the Earth, which we clearly need to do for our own safety. Instead, we are stuck worrying about whether waterboarding is torture and if there was greater death rates in Iraq after the invasion due to a decline in public health measures.
thuja on March 23, 2008 at 9:28 AM
In a way, it doesn’t surprise me that Benedict has a set of brass, clanking Malkins.
He was, after all, the protege’ of the Pope who followed up what we now know to be an assassination attempt by Bulgarian Intelligence on the Soviets’ direction by a Papal visit to then-Communist Poland.
Sekhmet on March 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I cannot believe I agree with a “Kennedy” – ahahahaha!
Happy Easter Everyone! {if that offends you then let me just wish you a beautiful day}
And a Father who was HIGHLY critical of Nazis – had to move his family – and in fact Ben XVI went AWOL on the Nazis! Just saying…
Branch Rickey on March 23, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I can not be denied that crimes were committed, many of which nevertheless conformed to contemporary rules of warfare. Others, like the Sack of Constantinople, were sternly repudiated and its participants excommunicated.
The Byzantines themselves called for help when Seljuk Turks started yet another wave of conquest against one of the centers of classical antiquity, which is today disgustingly referred to as “Turkey”. Pope Urban II was wise to use this as an opportunity to reunite the West by calling for a crusade. It is a pity that he failed and that the crusades failed.
GermanAtheist on March 23, 2008 at 3:48 PM
The only good Muslin, is an apostate Muslim.
Hening on March 23, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Squidzo,
Research a bit about what happened when a city was taken by siege anywhere in the West or Middle East before and after 1099AD. Even at the time of WWI, Muslims would slaughter everyone in a city taken by siege or enslave the women and children. It isn’t a proud moment when blood lust takes over the Crusaders, but don’t try that old Islamic PR ploy. Islam swept across the Middle East, Northern Africa, Asia Minor, Spain and elsewhere for over a thousand years leaving a trail of genocide of Christians and Jews. That started at Islam’s invention and was still going on in the last century.
Before you start creating anti-Western propaganda over the sack of Constantinople by the Venetians, I suggest you read about what the Turks did to the population in the fifteenth century after they took the city with the aid of a Venetian super canon. It was tough times back then without Cindy Sheehan and Sean Penn to keep the locals straight.
I suppose your type will be around in a thousand years missing the entire point of the current war, screaming about Gitmo, wearing orange jump suits and water boarding each other for college credits.
Hening on March 23, 2008 at 4:59 PM
So it begs the question… exactly when was Obama baptized?
It seems while we non-muslims are so quick to interpret meanings in Islam, the jihadis will get the last word as the self proclaimed authorities.
This week has re-revealed that Obama grew up in a non-religeous white liberal house hold (big church-goers?), and was “introduced to Jesus” in his mid-20s (for political reasons).
Sounds like an apostate to me. But Kerry says they’ll love him cause he’s black. Those jihadis love black folk, like those in Darfur.
Agrippa2k on March 23, 2008 at 7:12 PM
So it begs the question… exactly when was Obama baptized?At TUCC no doubt. A better question: in the name of whom?
Indeed.
baldilocks on March 23, 2008 at 10:09 PM
This is how you end islamic terrorism/muslim global conquest.
SaintOlaf on March 23, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Baptizes him today, bury him next week…you will be number one target for some Muslim nut case.
right2bright on March 24, 2008 at 10:01 AM
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