Last week, Pope Benedict XVI made a blunder. In a speech delivered to a university audience in Germany, he made some remarks that deeply offended the world’s Islamic community by referencing the 14th-century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus. He quoted Paleologus as saying, “Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

This excerpt was intended to be part of a scholarly study of the history of violence and the morality thereof, and in fact, the pope never implied that the Paleologus’ view was his own. It was a blunder all the same; the remark was insensitive and easy to take out of context. It spread like wildfire, drawing the attention of the international press and the ire of Muslims around the world. In light of the remark and the age-old tensions between religious sects, this isn’t a surprise. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t even be that bad if the incident sparked dialogue about the nature of the Islamic faith; perhaps such conversation would merely increase awareness of true Muslim principles and beliefs.

Sadly, the reaction was not nearly so civil. People went beyond mere public outcry and condemnation. They turned to violence—the very precept that Benedict was preaching against. Among other things, militants promised to assassinate the pope, to destroy landmarks in the Vatican City, and even to kill all the Christians in Iraq. Churches have been firebombed and individuals murdered, all in the name of vengeance and religious fervor.

And so I ask, is this as far as we have come? Recent events have sounded like they belong in the Middle Ages, in the Crusades, or perhaps in ancient Rome. To be perfectly fair, I’ve only highlighted some of the worst results of Benedict’s speech. Many have responded to the situation by condemning it without threatening extreme action, much less carrying it out. All the same, even a little violence is too much by far. It is a sad day indeed when a university lecture—about peace, no less—causes anyone’s death.

We can bring this idea closer to home, too. I am sure most of us recall, or at least have heard about, the fiasco involving the new greek initiatives late last semester. That was another case of leading figures blundering; under no circumstances should our administration have pulled such a stunt. Perhaps more appalling, though, were some of the students’ responses.

Before proceeding, I should stress that there are many worthwhile, even commendable proposals that resulted from student action regarding greek initiatives. I am not attacking them in any way. Rather, I would like to draw attention to other events that occurred. For example, several groups responded by holding massive drinking parties. While not exactly “violent,” this particular response was, in two words, stupid and counterproductive. Even more disturbing, perhaps, was the student who threw an axe into the Troy building. Acts like these—while amusing to read—don’t help anybody and in fact often serve to promote the very cause they are protesting.