Several
centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Muslims had to convert to Catholicism or leave Italy.
There was
a huge outcry from the Muslim community, so the Pope
offered a deal.
He'd have a religious debate with the leader of the Muslim community. If the Muslims won, they could stay in Italy; and if the Pope won, they'd have to convert or leave.
The Muslim people met and picked an aged and wise Moulana to represent them in the debate.
However, as the Moulana spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Urdu, they agreed that it would be a "silent" debate.
He'd have a religious debate with the leader of the Muslim community. If the Muslims won, they could stay in Italy; and if the Pope won, they'd have to convert or leave.
The Muslim people met and picked an aged and wise Moulana to represent them in the debate.
However, as the Moulana spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Urdu, they agreed that it would be a "silent" debate.
On the
chosen day the Pope and Moulana sat opposite
each other.
The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.
The Moulana looked back and raised one finger.
Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.
The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.
The Moulana looked back and raised one finger.
Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.
The
Moulana pointed to the ground where he sat.
The Pope brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine.
The Moulana pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up and declared himself beaten and said that the Moulana was too clever.
The Muslims could stay in Italy.
The Pope brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine.
The Moulana pulled out an apple.
With that, the Pope stood up and declared himself beaten and said that the Moulana was too clever.
The Muslims could stay in Italy.
Later the
cardinals met with the Pope and asked him what had
happened.
The Pope said, "First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity.
He responded by holding up a single finger to remind me there is still only ONE GOD!!!
"Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that GOD was all around us.
He responded by pointing to the ground to show that GOD was also right here with us.
"I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that GOD absolves us of all our sins.
He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin.
"He beat me at every move and I could not continue!!!"
Meanwhile, the Muslim community gathered to ask the Moulana how he'd won.
The Pope said, "First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity.
He responded by holding up a single finger to remind me there is still only ONE GOD!!!
"Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that GOD was all around us.
He responded by pointing to the ground to show that GOD was also right here with us.
"I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that GOD absolves us of all our sins.
He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin.
"He beat me at every move and I could not continue!!!"
Meanwhile, the Muslim community gathered to ask the Moulana how he'd won.
"I
haven't a clue," the Moulana said.
"First, he told me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger.
"Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Muslims and I told him that we were staying right here!"
"First, he told me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger.
"Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Muslims and I told him that we were staying right here!"
"And
then what?" asked a man.
"Who
knows?" said the Moulana. "He took out his
lunch so I took out mine. And then he walked away!"
