tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post117016676029302810..comments2024-03-28T14:32:19.334+00:00Comments on Who Would Have Believed The Singularity Would Be So Stupid?: The Ayatollah Khomeini's Fling With A Four Year OldPastoriushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-16391026869857098552016-03-22T19:47:22.508+00:002016-03-22T19:47:22.508+00:00The problems are just starting for Muslims. Elsewh...The problems are just starting for Muslims. Elsewhere in the Quran men are permitted to marry and divorce young girls who haven’t attained sexual maturity:<br /><br />And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the 'Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubts (about their periods), is three months, and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death]. And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is until they deliver (their burdens), and whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. S. 65:4 Hilali-KhanPastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-43825769758430298562016-03-22T19:47:00.334+00:002016-03-22T19:47:00.334+00:00Narrated 'Aisha:
I used to play with the dolls...Narrated 'Aisha:<br />I used to play with the dolls in the presence of the Prophet, and my girl friends also used to play with me. When Allah's Apostle used to enter (my dwelling place) they used to hide themselves, but the Prophet would call them to join and play with me. (The playing with the dolls and similar images is forbidden, but it was allowed for 'Aisha at that time, as she was a little girl, NOT YET REACHED THE AGE OF PUBERTY.) (Fateh-al-Bari page 143, Vol.13) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 151)Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-57550279473317293332016-03-22T19:46:41.476+00:002016-03-22T19:46:41.476+00:00'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) report...'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) married her when she was seven years old, and he was taken to his house AS A BRIDE WHEN SHE WAS NINE, AND HER DOLLS WERE WITH HER; and when he (the Holy Prophet) died she was eighteen years old. (Sahih Muslim, Book 008, Number 3311)<br />Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-7008063034616720982016-03-22T19:46:04.041+00:002016-03-22T19:46:04.041+00:00Narrated 'Aisha:
that the Prophet married her ...Narrated 'Aisha:<br />that the Prophet married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e., till his death). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 64; see also Numbers 65 and 88)Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-45109736304254785472016-03-22T19:45:39.442+00:002016-03-22T19:45:39.442+00:00Narrated Aisha:
The Prophet engaged me when I was ...Narrated Aisha:<br />The Prophet engaged me when I was a girl of six (years). We went to Medina and stayed at the home of Bani-al-Harith bin Khazraj. Then I got ill and my hair fell down. Later on my hair grew (again) and my mother, Um Ruman, came to me while I was playing in a swing with some of my girl friends. She called me, and I went to her, not knowing what she wanted to do to me. She caught me by the hand and made me stand at the door of the house. I was breathless then, and when my breathing became all right, she took some water and rubbed my face and head with it. Then she took me into the house. There in the house I saw some Ansari women who said, "Best wishes and Allah's Blessing and a good luck." Then she entrusted me to them and they prepared me (for the marriage). Unexpectedly Allah's Apostle came to me in the forenoon and my mother handed me over to him, and at that time I was a girl of nine years of age. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 234)Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-5007750300241802532016-03-22T19:28:55.592+00:002016-03-22T19:28:55.592+00:00http://www.muslim.org/islam/aisha-age.htm
This is...http://www.muslim.org/islam/aisha-age.htm<br /><br />This is the more scholar explanation about Aisha age. Not 6, not 9, but 19. If you do more research, you can find it in later Islamic studies.<br /><br />Being pedophile and pathethic is by choice, not by religion. Shia and Sunni, is just like Catholic and Protestant and any other cult in Christianity. So why bother? Everyone declares they are the most righteous.<br /><br />It is the person who commit crime that needs to be punish, not the religion. If you read the Quran, please read the cites too (this is very important to know why the verse is written that way). I recommend you read the hard copy, not the online version), it will be very clear.<br /><br />May the peace be with you. <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-42074985463708321182014-10-17T06:30:08.286+01:002014-10-17T06:30:08.286+01:00He is not islam...he is syiah. ..a pedophilesHe is not islam...he is syiah. ..a pedophilesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-64692605307857930462014-10-17T06:26:19.387+01:002014-10-17T06:26:19.387+01:00I'm a female muslim and my religion is islam.....I'm a female muslim and my religion is islam...this is all wrong under syariah law...never heard such thing only from syiah...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-61663681333962852972014-10-17T06:23:11.271+01:002014-10-17T06:23:11.271+01:00This is SYIA!!! not real islamic teaching! I'm...This is SYIA!!! not real islamic teaching! I'm a muslim and islam is my relAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-33581914030076792432010-12-19T19:10:48.148+00:002010-12-19T19:10:48.148+00:00Hi just now there is a discussion on the EDL site ...Hi just now there is a discussion on the EDL site about this article<br /><br />Here s an interesting comment<br /><br />I have searched for this book on several occasions but it does not seem to exist.<br /><br />Anyway the authors name and alias is a give away that this is a spoof<br /><br />Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and Husayn Al-Musawi, as you should know are both notorious terrorists<br /><br />http://s1.zetaboards.com/EDL_The_Forum/single/?p=1378829&t=2728219Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-54493342697896953382009-03-08T05:20:00.000+00:002009-03-08T05:20:00.000+00:00really think that it’s hardly fair to blame to an ...really think that it’s hardly fair to blame to an entire religion for the despicable misdeeds of one individual. If Ayatollah Khomeini did commit the act, then he was one sick person. If Islam is to be looked at in its purity and entirety, then this type action is clearly forbidden and punishable by death according to Shariah Law. However, some people in power who believe themselves to be “scholars” mutate the teachings of Islam to facilitate their own dark desires. This is a universal problem among all religions. His teachings and interpretations of the religion have been convoluted and transformed to such an extent they no longer resemble the original tenets. As mentioned previously, “scholars” usually pass rulings that are not embedded in the original teachings and that are based on inauthentic sayings “attributed” to the Prophet. There have been cases where they cite fabricated religious references as well. This is done to placate their own conscience and give to themselves the “divine go ahead” to commit such heinous acts when it is blatantly obvious that these actions are clearly forbidden in the religion. In conclusion, the precepts that they preach are basically BS and have either a patriarchal or personal basis and in NO WAY are representative of the true teachings of Islam.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-15417552565852111762007-08-01T01:26:00.000+01:002007-08-01T01:26:00.000+01:00Oh, by the way, one more thing.You may wonder why,...Oh, by the way, one more thing.<BR/><BR/>You may wonder why, if I know about Itjihad, and if I think it is a positive thing, then why do I talk about Islam with so little nuance.<BR/><BR/>The answer is because I think Islamism, from what I have read, and I've read alot, is dominant throughout almost all the Islamic world.<BR/><BR/>I think we are past the time for nuance. When it is time to go to a debate, you bring notes, and references. When it is time to go to war you bring a gun.<BR/><BR/>Guns have very little nuance about them.<BR/><BR/>However, that does not mean I am incapable of thinking in a nuanced way. Nor does it mean that I will not indulge in such conversations with respectful people like you.<BR/><BR/>Good luck to you too.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-46621999429525048682007-08-01T01:22:00.000+01:002007-08-01T01:22:00.000+01:00Thanks Stephen.One of my favorite radio guys is De...Thanks Stephen.<BR/><BR/>One of my favorite radio guys is Dennis Prager. He always says the motto of his show is that he prefers clarity over agreement. <BR/><BR/>Now, you and I are clear on where we each stand. <BR/><BR/>Let me advise you to look at what people were saying about Hitler, Germany, and the Nazis during the 1930's. There were an awful lot of people saying pretty much the same things you are currently saying about Ahmadinejad, the Guardian Council, and the Iranian people.<BR/><BR/>Problem is, this time, we won't even have as much lead time as we did last time.<BR/><BR/>So, you will trust Iran to keep peaceful and pragmatic. I won't.<BR/><BR/>I trust Ahmadinejad at his word, because history has taught me that when someone says he wants to kill you, you'd better take him seriously.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I am not Jewish, in case you are wondering, but I will be very, very angry with my fellow Christians, if they sit back and allow another Holocaust to happen.<BR/><BR/>Thus far, the Christian church has proven itself to be a bunch of pansies, and they disgust me.<BR/><BR/>That's coming from a guy who goes to church every week, and plays in the church band, and hangs out with the Pastor from time to time.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-30685136460499859512007-07-31T19:39:00.000+01:002007-07-31T19:39:00.000+01:00At any rate, thank you for the discussion. I'll r...At any rate, thank you for the discussion. I'll read that link and consider your perspective more. I wish you success with your blog!Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-21206593169936876222007-07-31T19:37:00.000+01:002007-07-31T19:37:00.000+01:00I do appreciate the civility involved! You have c...I do appreciate the civility involved! You have certainly been fair and courteous. Sometimes it's difficult to avoid smarminess and belittlement with the anonymity the internet allows. I do not deny the pervasive anti-semitism rampant in Islam, and you're absolutely right to fear governmental Islamization. To my knowledge, the marriage of government and any religion has never brought about widespread liberty and happiness.<BR/><BR/>As for the anti-semitism, I will not doubt its rampant existence throughout the entire world, and the muslim world is no exception--in fact, I'll concede it's probably stronger there than anywhere else.<BR/><BR/>I really wouldn't worry about Ahmadinejad. There are multiple competing power centers in Iran, and Ahmadinejad is rather low on the totem pole. I firmly believe most of what he spews is for internal consumption in order to detract away from Iran's faltering economy. I wouldn't say he's a puppet for the Guardian Council. Khatami, Rafsanjani, Khamenei, Ahmadinejad and his mentor Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, all maneuver for power in rivalry with each other. The people deciding whether to send a nuke to Israel--should they ever get one--have proven to be much more pragmatic (although equally corrupt).<BR/><BR/>Perhaps one question is extremism's extent, which is one which cannot be taken lightly. The other question is how do we handle it? But, that's another whole can of worms.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-65902195283962818982007-07-31T18:40:00.000+01:002007-07-31T18:40:00.000+01:00Stephen,Sorry, I misunderstood your point about th...Stephen,<BR/>Sorry, I misunderstood your point about the Guardian Council. As far as I understand, there is, indeed, a lot of diversity of opinion within Persian culture. So, I agree with you there.<BR/><BR/>I know about Ifjihad. And, I agree with you that it's process is the same as the processes of reasoning through the scriptures as Christians, and particularly, Jews do. In fact, the tradition reminds me of the Talmudic process in Judaism.<BR/><BR/>That being said, I think once again, you are implying much more adherence to the principles of Ithihad than actually exists in the real world.<BR/><BR/>Yes, Christianity went through its Inquisition, and also there were the Crusades. And certainly, there have been Christians who have openly, and subtly, advocated violence against abortion doctors, and the like. <BR/><BR/>It is upon the issue of proportionality that you and I are seeming to disagree. <BR/><BR/>I think, the fact is, you seem to have more hope for the Muslim world than I do.<BR/><BR/>In the long run, I do have hope, but I'm sorry, I do not have hope for them in the short run.<BR/><BR/>It seems obvious to me that, when a person studies history, he will find that great civilizational changes are rarely, if ever, brought about without great violence.<BR/><BR/>I often point to the successes of the American wars against Germany, Japan, and the American South, as examples of how massive violence actually seemed to have to be used to effect change. Violence wasn't the only thing that needed to be used, but massive violence was the mechanism which brought about submission, which resulted in the United States then being able to force its will on the people's of those three cultures. <BR/><BR/>In each of those cases, the United States stepped in in the aftermath and rewrote Constitutions and forced change in the foundational ideologies by banning the teaching of the previous ideology outright.<BR/><BR/>We were as cruel ideologically in the aftermath of the war as we were physically cruel during the course of those wars.<BR/><BR/>This is the direction I think we are inevitably headed with Islam. You have more hope than I.<BR/><BR/>I recognize that there are many fine and decent human beings who are Muslim. However, they have no appreciable political power within the Muslim world. Even institutions like Al-Azhar University are shot through with Islamism. Turkey recently swung massively Islamist. Malaysia and Indonesia are both shot through with Islamism. These three countries were the world's hope for a moderate Islamic model.<BR/><BR/>Sad.<BR/><BR/>You make a good point about Iran tolerating Jews more than Germany, but I think it is a mistake to take the Islamists word that there is a real clear difference between a Zionist and a Jew. Why shouldn't the Jews have a country? Do you want Israel to cease to exist? Why is it that the Islamists of our world can not tolerate the tiny country of Israel?<BR/><BR/>Why is it that the President of Iran calls for Israel to be wiped off the map, and constantly alludes to its impending disappearence from the face of the Earth?<BR/><BR/>Ahmadinejad, who let's face it, is a puppet of the Guardian Council, is making the intentions of Iran clear, with regards to the Jewish state of Israel, in a way that Hitler never did prior to approximately 1939.<BR/><BR/>The Grand Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini (Mufti of Jerusalem during the 30's and 40's) was Arafat's uncle, and Arafat declared Husseini to have been his inspiration. <BR/><BR/>al-Husseini collaborated with Hitler, and indeed called for him to extend the Holocaust into the Arab world.<BR/><BR/>The lineage of Muslim anti-Semitism is clear.<BR/><BR/>And here's something for you to read. Note the Koranic quotes about killing Jews:<BR/><BR/>http://www.mideastweb.org/hamas.htm<BR/><BR/>I very much appreciate your reasoning skills. You have not once resorted to insult. I am attempting to be as fair with you in this disagreement as you are being with me. That is why I use the words "It seems," or it is my opinion."<BR/><BR/>I hope you recognize and appreciate what I am doing with you. I usually don't waste my time with people who disagree here, because they aren't approaching the process of argumentation as a way of learning.<BR/><BR/>Clearly, you do.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-23773180378322264062007-07-31T17:21:00.000+01:002007-07-31T17:21:00.000+01:00Islam, like Christianity, values free will informe...Islam, like Christianity, values free will informed by virtue, not one or the other. Most Christians would not look kindly on a life of reckless hedonism. And, both Christianity and Islam value submission and sacrifice to God or Allah, respectively.<BR/><BR/>You write of a Good Muslim:<BR/>"He is not to be analytical, because his analysis can never add anything to that which Allah has already provided."<BR/><BR/>A fundamental principle in Islamic law is ijtihad, which essentially involves forming judgments derived from one's own reason. In Shia Islam, they simply believe that an answer can be derived from either the Koran or the Sunna--but, this still requires interpretation. Sunnnis, on the other hand, believe that the Koran or Sunna do not possess all the answers, and then employ ijtihad to arrive at an answer outside of the text. The difference is only a matter of technicality to me, really.<BR/><BR/>Indeed, there are is also taqleed, or emulation of a scholar with more religious authority. We all have our pastors, youth group ministers, priests, and some of us our pope, to which we often defer.<BR/><BR/>Muslims and non-muslims can be friends. Music is not forbidden in Islam. A simple Google search will confirm that. You simply interpret the Koran or the Sunna as a fundamentalist, and then apply it to all of Islam. In fact, your interpretation seems to give credibility to the extremists' creed, which we should always try to avoid.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure you've heard it before, but Christians had their own inquisition and conversion through coersion. Culture, ideology, and values can all be changed, even if the religion remains the same. It's slow and it's gradual, though.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and I didn't say the Guardian Council is eclectic in its religious viewpoints. Most (if not all) agree with everything Khamenei does, and of course, if they don't, he can simply give them the boot. My point was that division among the parliamentary branch (Majlis) and the Guardian Council exemplified diversity of opinion in Iran, and more largely within Islam.<BR/><BR/><BR/>The Iranian regime isn't pretty, but it is far from the Nazis. I'll take up the challenge. First, their constitution:<BR/><BR/>The nineteenth principle: "the Iranian people, no matter which ethnic group, should enjoy equal rights; colour, race, language, etc. are not a cause for different treatment."<BR/><BR/>Of course, it doesn't look as good in reality as it does on paper (does it ever?). Jews in Iran face discrimination, both personal and institutional. As do most minorities, such as Ahvazi Arab Shiites in Khuzestan.<BR/><BR/>However, Khomeini also distinguished between Israeli "zionists" and the indigenous Jewish population. They are free to practice their religion there and have one seat reserved for them in parliament, and they aren't being shipped off like chattel to a concentration camp, or forced to wear an armband, etc.<BR/><BR/>The Iranian regime has also not invaded, occupied, or annexed another country since its inception.<BR/><BR/>I think it'd be a mistake to deal with the Iranians the same way we dealt with the Nazis.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-32667409239348070252007-07-31T04:39:00.000+01:002007-07-31T04:39:00.000+01:00Indeed, I agree there are mutliple streams of Isla...Indeed, I agree there are mutliple streams of Islamic thought. However, Jihadic extremism exists in Shia, Sunni/Wahabbist, Sufi, and most other forms of Islam.<BR/><BR/>Why is this? <BR/><BR/>It's because the Koran values virtue over free will.<BR/><BR/>The Bible (for what it's worth, I'm one of those who believes that the Bible, and the theology which sprang from it, are among the foundational documents of Western Civilization) on the other hand, values free will over virtue.<BR/><BR/>Here's an essay I wrote on the subject where I elucidate the diffeence and it's importance in the different directions which Islamic culture takes compared to the direction of Western Culture:<BR/><BR/>http://cuanas.blogspot.com/2006/05/why-christian-church-must-take-on.html<BR/><BR/>The point is, a culture which values virtue above free will will attempt to enforce virtue through coercion.<BR/><BR/>This is also the problem we see in Communism. Communism values equality of resources (not equality of opportunity), over free will, and inevitably, Communism has led to the enforcement of equality of assets through coercion.<BR/><BR/>Do you see what I mean?<BR/><BR/>Once again, does Marxist philosophy play any important role in the intellectual debate (dare I say, intellectual dialectic?) of Western Civilization? It certainly does.<BR/><BR/>Does that mean we ought to follow it's precepts to the letter. I don't think so.<BR/><BR/>Now, getting back to the idea of their being multiple streams of Islamic thought; yes there are. However, I don't think there is nearly as much variance within Iran's Guardian Council as you seem to think there is. And, even if there is, Khameini is the final and deciding vote, thus he possesses the veto power on any issue. And, we know where he is coming from.<BR/><BR/>There has been lots of talk of triangulating the Mullahs, and of triangulating the various streams of thought within Iran. I have not seen any demonstrable success.<BR/><BR/>Let me ask you a question: Do you think we ought to have dealt with the Nazis that way?<BR/><BR/>Because, I challenge you to tell me how it is that the Iranian government differs from the Nazis, except in economic and indusrial efficiency.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-89963649310007939742007-07-31T04:22:00.000+01:002007-07-31T04:22:00.000+01:00Pastorius,I came back, and I'm glad you took the t...Pastorius,<BR/>I came back, and I'm glad you took the time and courtesy to read and respond.<BR/><BR/>You're right. I don't have a problem with anything you've said in your post. It appears we are on the same page when it comes to the barbarity of Sharia law, whoever implements it. And, yes, ideology and values affect the behavior and the culture. The source of cruelty does not absolve the cruelty itself.<BR/><BR/>However, understanding the source(s) and nature of the threat are vital to eliminating it. All to often I see bifurcation of the issues. My end is not to be overly sensitive to the integrity of Muslims. I think we'll find that the mouth of extremism, bigotry, and oppression has multiple tributaries.<BR/><BR/>The terrorists (Jihadists has too soft a connotation) that attacked on 9/11 had been well-educated and wealthy, and I think that Saudi Arabia's domestic and worldwide funding of extremist madrassehs constitutes a serious threat to the human rights and national security. Saudi wahabbist religious thought and its cousins (the exact name evades me) export their religions to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Families who can't afford secular and moderate schools send their children to these madrassehs as their last resort.<BR/><BR/>We can agree that Sharia law is morally repugnant. Socioeconomic indicators are helpful in seeing some of Islamic extremism's roots. It is by no means a silver bullet. At the same time, I think an expanded middle class are vital for a liberal, secular country. The wealthiest country can still be the most oppressive when economic power lies in the hands of a few.<BR/><BR/>The point in my first post, which seemed ignored, was the multiple dimensions of Islam and political thought--even within places such as Iran. Even when the Guardian Council vets the candidates for all elected positions in government, the branch most representative of the entire population voted against barbarity.<BR/><BR/>To sum up this rambling, I think we'll agree that Islam alone is not the problem, nor is poverty. We just need to broaden the lens. Again, thanks.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-84761124196143202582007-07-30T21:30:00.000+01:002007-07-30T21:30:00.000+01:00Hi Stephen, I was a Philosophy major in college, s...Hi Stephen, <BR/>I was a Philosophy major in college, so I have read Marx, and I did not read him as a person who hated his ideas. Instead, I read him in the context in which most young college students read him, which he was part of the continuum of Western thought, each system of which is to be appreciated on its own merits. <BR/><BR/>To this day, I can see good and bad in Marx's ideology.<BR/><BR/>However, that being said, I can also look at the effects of his system and recognize that it has been a net bad for the world.<BR/><BR/>Likewise with Islam.<BR/><BR/>You correctly point out that there are Christians who have trouble understanding the Bible within the context within which the words were originally spoken. Additionally, many Christians do not understand many of the foundational ideas of their own scriptures, and instead, focus like the Pharisees Christ criticized upon almost arbitrary rules as if they were the way to know God.<BR/><BR/>However, let us be honest here. There is not a nation on Earth where the ruling class is a group of Christians who have such a disgusting idea of how to live as exists in Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, or Nigeria. Sharia law is a curse upon the Earth. And it is the law in the aforementioned nations. Additionally, it is grabbing more and more power in Egypt, Indonesia, and Malaysia.<BR/><BR/>Sharia law, of course, calls for gay people to be killed because they are gay. It also calls for people to be killed for exercising freedom of conscience.<BR/><BR/>I would hardly think you could have a problem with anything I said in this response to your comment.<BR/><BR/>I hope you come back and read it. People like you and I ought to be able to stand together against these kinds of human rights abuses. I don't know why you bother fighting with us. If you want me to say, Marx had some good ideas, fine. He did. If you want me to say that socio-economic factors play a part in the behavior of a culture. Sure.<BR/><BR/>I would expect that you could also admit that ideology and values effect the way a culture of people behave.<BR/><BR/>Ideas and values are not bought with money. Sure, some ideas and values are hard to uphold when money is lacking. In a sense virtue is a luxury. Yes, but not totally.<BR/><BR/>And, I'm sure you would agree that the Saudi ruling class is incredibly oppressive and decadent, and yet they have access to the entire world because of their money.<BR/><BR/>And, as I'm sure you know, the Jihadis who have attacked us have been primarily well-educated, and upper Middle Class.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-58082998154701341272007-07-30T20:03:00.000+01:002007-07-30T20:03:00.000+01:00I should also add that despite the minimum age of ...I should also add that despite the minimum age of marriage stipulated in Iran's constitution, the average age of marriage in Iran is 21. Furthermore, marriage age in Iran is more directly related to socioeconomic status than it is to religious views--although that also has something to do with it. Poorer, rural areas tend to have lower ages of marriage in Iran. I'm sure you're not huge fans of Marx, but there seems to be a bit of truth in the proposition that the economic base informs the rest of that particular society.<BR/><BR/><BR/>References available upon request.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-54068131051950352902007-07-30T19:53:00.000+01:002007-07-30T19:53:00.000+01:00Sorry, they passed it in winter of 2000. The firs...Sorry, they passed it in winter of 2000. The first article I read didn't cover it until Jan. 2001.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-55393198916102449652007-07-30T19:44:00.000+01:002007-07-30T19:44:00.000+01:00I'm coming in a little late on this conversation, ...I'm coming in a little late on this conversation, but I'd like to add something.<BR/><BR/>In 2001, the Majlis--composed almost entirely of Muslims vetted by the Guardian Council(save 5 seats)--passed a bill raising the minimum age of marriage from 9 to 15. They seem to understand the psychological and physical pain that these girls endure, and wish to put an end to it. However, the Guardian Council--appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei vetoed the bill.<BR/><BR/>Moderate clerics joined with Parliament in supporting this bill.<BR/><BR/>I am not going to be an apologist for Khomeini's sexual appetites, or the theological conclusions of Khamenei and his disciples. I think their inability to isolate the Quran's words within its context is just as ridiculous as Christians unable to do the same with the Bible.<BR/><BR/>However, I think you all are wrong to believe in a monolithic version of Islam, or even a monolithic Shiite Islam. The fact is that there are deep schisms within it, forming a continuum between liberal (gasp) reformist clerics an the extremist, entrenched establishment. It's SO post-modern. Dig it! <BR/><BR/>A religion will only be as peaceful and tolerant as those who interpret it.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15463059103758508474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-29870577214920644022007-06-12T00:32:00.000+01:002007-06-12T00:32:00.000+01:00My fiance is a bit 'blase' about [thighing]? What ...<I>My fiance is a bit 'blase' about [thighing]? What should I do????</I><BR/><BR/>Either marry him, submit to him, wear the hijab, and allow him to have sex with your 11 year old daughter. Or, find a different man.<BR/><BR/>Those are your choices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-43448673848809395032007-05-27T06:17:00.000+01:002007-05-27T06:17:00.000+01:00You are kidding, aren't you?You are kidding, aren't you?Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.com