Pope Francis, Christianity, Islam, and the UAE (part two) edited

The approach of Saint Francis is needed today.  Among our present western mentality, there are a number of approaches toward Muslims.  The first would argue that there is really no difference between Christianity and Islam.  This view is too simplistic and does not acknowledge important differences between the two religions.  The second sees Islam as an intrusion, alienation, and perversion of the Judah-Christian religion.  Islam is seen as a radical people set on violent hostility in order to bring the world into submission to Islam.  This view tends to instill mistrust and fear among Christianity and Islam.  The third approach looks for those essential things that are common in order to open doors of dialogue and mutual understanding in order to promote mutual growth and development.  This way does not deny differences, but rather seeks truth, beauty, goodness, and a just society with civility.  

Giotto - Saint Francis before the Sultan of Egypt

I visited Assisi, Italy in 1994.  This is a picture looking down from the mountain/hill where Francis spent time in prayer. 

I captured this still on top the mountain/hill of Assisi.  It was a wonderful experience.  There was a mysterious fog that covered the area and suddenly I spotted this vine like growth.  It was like seeing traces of the divine Trinity among God's creation.