The dialogues of faith and the Pope’s Gospel
Vir Sanghvi’s The Ratzinger Gospel (Counterpoint, September 17) was an apt portrayal of fundamentalism in religion. Being adversely judgmental on any religion is always blasphemous to the followers of that religion. Religion as an institution has far outlived its utility.
Rajiv Bhalla, Chandigarh
II
In or out of context, Pope Benedict’s comments on Islam are both inopportune and inappropriate, and can offend any Muslim. However, Vir Sanghvi seems to have gone overboard, offending Catholic readers.
Harry D’Silva, Navi Mumbai
III
Vir Sanghvi has reduced the serious issue of violence and Islam to a level of absurdity. He finds an excuse for RSS-bashing because it “refused to condemn the Pope’s statement”, as if it is mandatory.
M Ratan New Delhi
IV
Vir Sanghvi has talked disapprovingly about the Crusades, the Inquisition and Torquemada but is silent on Islamic violence and aggression. The concluding remarks in his article about RSS and VHP are really cheap.
Shreeram Paranjpe, Mumbai
Yes, sir!
I really enjoyed Karan Thapar’s Sunday Sentiments (Yes sir — or no sirree! 17 September). I fully share his sentiments of being flabbergasted on being addressed as ‘Nanoo’ as I myself feel hurt when my son’s friends call me auntyji!
Mousumi Biswas, Delhi