Religion, organized or otherwise, at the hands of men has been nothing but a source of mass killings, death, misery, corruption and hypocracy. The most destructive and corrupt religions in the history have been Christianity and Islam.
Christians have done and still do their misdeeds in suits and ties and Muslims do it in Abaa and Ammameh. Over the years though, majority of Christians have come to realize that barbaric rituals and forceful oppression don't have a place in today's society. And this majority to a great extent has accepted and is practicing the "live and let live" motto.
No so for Islam. It is still practiced by force and oppression. I do not know of a single Muslim country I would want to live in or raise a family in; especially if I had daughters. People in MOST Muslim countries always live in fear. Not just the religous minorities, but Muslims too. Examples are people being on the edge for being arrested; unmarried men and women in public, weddings, parties, use of satellites, rock and pop music, selecting names for kids, not wearing hejab and 10,000 other things.
At age 17, I renounced Islam and around age 37 or so, I renounced all religions. I believe an educated individual can be spiritual and can be a decent creature of God without any intermediaries.
Thank God for the country of United States where people of all corners of the world come to, live and prosper and live in relative peace and harmony with others.
Since I denounced Islam and religion, my life has become fuller, more meaningful and life and after life make sense to me. The extent of my help and contribution to organizations such as the Red Cross, American Cancer society, UNICEF and even humanitarian projets in Africa have increase substantially (from basically zero). Not being associated with Islam has brought peace to me and has made me a better human being.
Finally, thank God for a country like the U.S. so us Iranian-Americans have a place like Iranian.com to FREELY exchange ideas and thoughts.
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I threepeat myself Zulfi
by Faramarz_Fateh on Wed Sep 02, 2009 02:47 PM PDTTake the meds buddy.....you REALLY need it.
Oh, one more friendly suggestion; when you write under different names, change your writing style. What you are doing is just way too obvious.
Can I invite you to some Pakistani food for Eftar?
hey buddy- how about you find some new lines
by sophia on Wed Sep 02, 2009 01:54 AM PDT"My intentions are not to "get" anyone. But when response comments that are illogical or don't make sense are posted, I normally respond." by Faramarz Fateh
Given your fascination with medication for psychosis Faramarz, perhaps you are merely projecting your own unrealized need for upon medication upon Zulfiqar, hmmm? Certainly the constant repetition of the 'ole "take your meds" line when you've got nothing better to say suggests to me a touch of the obsessive-compulsive in you. Now, would you like to continue with your pathetic "mental instability" jibes, or would you like me to show you a list of all the times you (and others) have used this tactic verbatim when things get a little hot?
Regardless, Anvar, you really should read more of your own cult's materials.
//www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Susan_Maneck
//bahaistudies.net/susanmaneck/wisdom_and_dis...
This study examines the use of the term hikmat (lit. wisdom) within the Bahá'í community over time especially as it referred to certain survival strategies developed in situations of danger, persecution, or insecurity within a hostile environment. It will discuss the compromises these strategies entailed and the consequences these had for the religion's future development.
Zulfi=Badi=Sophia=God knows what else
by Faramarz_Fateh on Tue Sep 01, 2009 04:16 PM PDTHey Buddy...don't waste your time....instead of surfing the net, use your tenacity for taking your anti schizo drugs....it will be far more useful to you.
Faramarz
by Badi19 on Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:54 PM PDTYou are a proud EX Muslim; & a Thankful Iranian-American, just like Baha'o'lah
Zulfiqar buddy
by Faramarz_Fateh on Mon Aug 31, 2009 09:35 PM PDTMedication not working yet ha?
By the way, has anyone joined your new religion? Your mother, father, brother/sister?
If you are out here in West LA any time soon (before ramezan ends), lunch at the Pakistani buffet is on me. Bring as many as your followers as you like.
I can also introduce you to a lawyer who can help you file law suits against Bahais, Jews, anti Islam Muslims, JJ, Iranian.com, and whoever else you like to include. You can try to file the first law suit against me.
Two or three points…
by Anvar on Mon Aug 31, 2009 01:41 PM PDTAs for “soft-repression” goes; Please do not mistake the Resilience and Perseverance of the minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran with the Softness of Repression of the powers to be. Believe me, they repress as hard as they can.
* Zulfiqar110* - Wrote: “You are a Baha'i doing taqiyya lying through your teeth and as ex-Muslim as that other Baha'i pretending to be an ex-Muslim, Ali Sina.”
I’m making a couple of points, based on that statement, for the benefit of others.
1 - The following is from a recent interview with Ali Sina from this site:
//thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness.wordpress.com/...
Gary Dale Cearley: Could you let us know a little about yourself and your background?
Ali Sina: I was born in a Muslim family. Today no one in my immediate family is a Muslim and I know that many of my extended family that is still living in Iran, like most Iranians, have either left Islam or are in the process of doing so. Many Iranians have just ceased to believe in Islam. - … I became vegan because…
2 – The concept of Taqiyya (Dissimulation – concealing one’s faith by lying) is forbidden in the Baha’i faith. If they could practice Taqiyya, wouldn’t they falsely and temporarily deny their faith to free themselves from prisons or to gain admittance to universities? Think!
Anvar
Zereshk
by Zulfiqar110 on Mon Aug 31, 2009 01:32 AM PDTYou are a Baha'i doing taqiyya lying through your teeth and as ex-Muslim as that other Baha'i pretending to be an ex-Muslim, Ali Sina.
From Mission Problems in New Persia, 1926, p. 83, 87 & 89 quoted by
William McElwee Miller in The Baha'i Faith: It's History and
Teachings, 1973, p. 289.
Quote
"...There is no conscience with them [ i.e. the Baha'is], they keep to no principle, they tell you what is untrue, ignoring or denying
undoubted historical facts, and this is the character of both the leader and the led...As to morality and honesty, the whole system has
proved disappointing...I have been in contact with many Baha'is, and have had dealings with many and have tested many, and unfortunately I
have met not a single one who could be called honest or faithful in the full sense of these words..."
Dr Sa'eed Khan [was] a highly-respected physician...who had as a doctor treated the second widow of the Bab, and had for a lifetime
known intimately both Babis [i.e. Bayanis] and Baha'is in Tehran and
Hamadan.
Islam is not for me either
by joojooyi on Sun Aug 30, 2009 01:38 PM PDT//www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5H3HDBGICk&feature...
all you need to know.
Benross
by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:51 AM PDTThanks for the explanation.
Of course, belief systems etc are a matter of choice as opposed to 'accidents of/at birth', eg location, phenotypes etc..because belief systems can be changed.
From a "deterministic" perspective however, ultimately, any choice that is made is the only choice that could have been made and in this respect is an illusion.
Oh I forgot.....Soft repression!!!
by Faramarz_Fateh on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:42 AM PDTGive me a break Ostaad jan. Do you see how IRI supporters known as Capt_Ayhab, Q, Anonymous8 etc are crying foul because Westerners lable them as teroorists just because they are Muslim?
Do you also call this soft-repression? To call whats been happening to Jews and Bahais in Iran soft oppression is not only unfair, its unhuman.
How about rights of women in Iran? Is that also "soft-repression"?
Mr. Ostaad
by Faramarz_Fateh on Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:37 AM PDTA nation is defined by its laws first, how the laws are carried out as well as the way its masses act and react in their society.
Non of Iran's current laws safeguard the rights of Bahais. That is fact. As for Jews, although laws provide some protection for them, a very very small % of Iranian Muslims befriend, socialize, conduct business with or defend Jews when people insult and belittle them or when they are discriminated against in society.
I agree whole heartedly that there are Muslims who do all of the things with and for Jews I have mentioned above. But, this is a small % of population. I have verified this with Muslim and Jewish friends who travel to Iran frequently and stay and live there 3 or 6 months at a time. A amall minority does not define a nation.
Iran's problem is MUCH deeper than oppression of Jews and Bahais. 50% of Iran's population has been oppressed for the past 30 years. These are brave women of Iran. Political activists, writers, musicians all have been oppressed too.
Why? Because the laws of Iran, based on laws of Islam, carried out by high ranking members of Islamic leadership allow for the oppression.
Faramarz, your post is proof positive that...
by Ostaad on Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:08 AM PDTyou realize how bias, discrimination and bigotry practiced by the unwashed masses violate the human/civil rights of the oppressed, and damage the quality of human life and social well being of the whole society. Therefore, you are quite right to criticize the "soft-repression" of the Jews in Iran by citing examples.
But what you are doing again and again, is using a wide brush to paint an entire nation. You may not be aware of it, but that IS the halmark of bigotry.
I hope one day you'll look at the mirror and see that you ARE indeed one of those bigots. The good news is there's a cure for bigotry, and it's called enlightenment.
I do agree with you last statement.
Abarmard my friend.
by Faramarz_Fateh on Sun Aug 30, 2009 08:15 AM PDTMy intentions are not to "get" anyone. But when response comments that are illogical or don't make sense are posted, I normally respond.
Ali P has nicely responded to your comments on socialism. I could not have said it better myself.
Secondly, lets examine one of the early paragraphs in your post: "In any country, there are accepted or unaccepted areas of debates. In Iran, if kept to individual, people are free to practice what they like. However, not all religions fall in that argument, like Bahais."
What does this mean my friend? Have you gone back and reviewed this?! What is an unaccepted area of debate? IRI thugs make that determination? Then you say people are free to practice what they want but then you say "Bahais don't fall within that concept"? How is that? Why? So its OK to oppress these poeple, prevent them from work, education and most other human rights just because they claim Islam is not the last religion of God?
My original post did not have anything to do with Bahais. But your comments about how faily people of different views are treated in Iran compelled me to open the discussion so your point in refuted.
How about Jews? Its OK for the Muslim majority to have branded them as cowards and cheap skates for the past 100 years or so? You are telling me you have never heard the expression "cheghad johoodi? yekami sare kisa ro shol kon pool kharj kon"?
Your tactics for using techniques to divert attention from the main point of blogs not favorable to IRI or Islam are well known on Iranian.com Unfortunately for you, these tactics don't work anymore.
Finally, it IS a right and wrong issue. Oppression of people for their religous beliefs is WRONG. Nothing to do with perspective. Unless you live in an imaginary world.
No I didn't miss it. Again
by benross on Sun Aug 30, 2009 08:06 AM PDTNo I didn't miss it. Again the multiple strand of identities are a subject of choice. We inherit so many different things from our environment but when exposed to modernity they no longer inhabit us 'naturally'. They are subject to 'choice'. Our identity crises is a modern era phenomenon and due to lack of choice.
On the subject of "choice". I believe this to be part of the market democracy con. Choice is dictated by availability, and is very much an illusion.
No it's not an illusion when you see it inside you trapped and can't get outside. Don't look at 'choice' as a political option in social structure. That is fairly limited. Look at it at how individual defines him/herself. Bear in mind that the 'choice' is not a divine value. It's the creation of modernity or more accurately free thinking. But when you are exposed to it, then it is the point of no return. You have to go forward. At least this is what I think, and this is what I see the lack of which is reflected in the reality.
About being 'responsible' for the action of your parents or not, I don't see your concern. I don't see the issue clearly. If a Hindu Sikh get shot in the aftermath of 9/11 in a gas station, for being taken for a Muslim, for being taken for a terrorist, it doesn't leave much room for him to take responsibility for anything.
Benross
by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on Sun Aug 30, 2009 07:11 AM PDTThank you for your reply and for taking the time to watch the lecture.
(I don't tend to get easily offended...)
As far as I have understood your point about the lecture, I think you've missed the main point and that is the SINGLE strand identities and the advocation of multiple identities.
It's bad enough when other people put one into one-dimensional pigeonholes, but to do it oneself as well?
This is exactly how eg Mr Simon Cohen, is then turned into Jew no 7780, track 5 to Auschwitz
Personally, I can't take credit for other people's accomplishments eg an entire civilization. It's a two-edged sword. If you decide to take credit, you take the blame too.
Funny though what you said about ... "despite Islam". I agree.
I'm not responsible for the actions of my parents, unless I played a hand in them, let alone millions of ancestors.
On the subject of "choice". I believe this to be part of the market democracy con. Choice is dictated by availability, and is very much an illusion.
Abarmard
by Ali P. on Sun Aug 30, 2009 05:47 AM PDT"Living in a capitalistic society, where socialism is considered a crime, you will not go too far."
I don't understand this statement.
I have never seen anyone, going to jail, or be punished for his 'socialism'. Did you mean it literally, or metaphorically, or am I "twisting" it?
I don't remember if you lived in the US. Do you?
US universities are full of professors, who are considered socialist. We have a full blown Marxist-Leninist Iranian political science professor, here in the DC area, who teaches his subject in a very reputable univertisty; and no, he is not a closet Marxist-Leninist (Yousof Parsa Banab).
Anyway. Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. But socialism is no crime in the US. Like Islam, or atheism, it may not be popular, but it is no crime to hold such belief!
Oh, and "this is not a right or wrong issue". I beg to differ!
In a democratic country, the state steps in and protects your right to hold an unpopular belief, against the mob, and in Iran the state promotes and organizes the mob, lynching you for that belief!
Marjan
by benross on Sat Aug 29, 2009 09:45 PM PDTSorry If I offended you. cheap shot deserves cheap shot but that was not my intention. It came out that way.
My interest was in your interest on the reflection of Mr. Sen on the subject and I merely stated a fact. And also I did mean it 'nice try'.
But now that you forced me to listen to the whole speech, here is few ideas on the subject. Nothing argumentative, just few reflection.
Some parts of the speech of Mr. Sen is very much U.S. audience oriented and I skip those parts about how national or religious identity is perceived and how policy making is based on that perception.
When Huntington's book 'the clash of civilizations' came out, I read it and so many others and as I understand it was also translated in Iran. It was very influential in the discussions about international affairs and particularly for the likes of me, in relation to Islamic revolution and Islamic regime in Iran. It did become a sort of 'justification', not only for policy making of U.S, but also and particularly for Islamic regime to show the world, and particularly Muslim world, that 'see how the Western world is out there to get us'. This, for someone like me, who never thought of Iran as an 'Islamic entity', was of-course very disturbing.
The point I was taking from Huntington argument then, and the point that Amartya Sen fails to clarify in his critical view, is essentially what he is suggesting as an alternative to pre-defined identity: the choice
My take on Huntington argument was not so much about Western 'civilization', for which I fully agree with Mr. Sen, but modern thinking which happened to be developed in Western societies in which, the 'choice' has a prominent place.
We may not want to categorize a 'Muslim civilization' identity, but we can not deny that the notion of 'choice' is completely absent in that culture and civilization. I do believe of Islamic civilization history that we should all be proud of. But I also believe its grandeur is not because of Islam, but despite of it. But that's another story.
So how do you redefine your identity, by choice, by dialogue, by mix and match, when you have no right to choose? This is a dilemma that forces us to define an 'identity', not to defend it, but to defy it.
I agree with FF comments 100 percent
by iroooni on Sat Aug 29, 2009 08:50 PM PDTSo, there a few people that give a flying F***.
benross
by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on Sat Aug 29, 2009 06:58 PM PDTNice try in pedestrian psychology.
Having been subjected to specific types of environmental influence and consequent adherences, does not constitute an all usurping worshipping "single-strand "national/locational identity.
Evidently you have reacted to my post, without understanding my point and stance. I'd be happy to debate the point that I actually had made.
Please take the time to listen to the lecture posted
Faramarz_Fateh
by Abarmard on Sat Aug 29, 2009 06:10 PM PDTI am not sure if you are using techniques to "get someone" or you want to have a real and truthful discussion. You seem to either misunderstand my points or twist them when you see fit. That's not the route that I debate issues. Keep that in mind.
In any country, there are accepted or unaccepted areas of debates. In Iran, if kept to individual, people are free to practice what they like. However, not all religions fall in that argument, like Bahais. You were speaking about not being a Muslim; I assumed that you are thinking of atheist or agnostic. I have many friends and families in Iran that agree with your thinking.
Putting things in perspective:
Suppose that you live in the US and want to get your PhD in politics. Your thesis is based on socialism, or more specifically on anti capitalism. If you do achieve getting your degree, rarely accepted, how do you think it will look in your resume? Living in a capitalistic society, where socialism is considered a crime, you will not go too far. In any areas of government, you will get rejected, be it intelligence offices, or what not. Put things in perspective and compare apples with apples. You speak of freedom and democracy, yet fail to see the picture where the shortness is evident.
True, in the US it is easier to say: I love capitalism, I hate Islam (or religion) but try to pick where the issues in societies exists. In here there are no issues as long as you obay the norm. In there, also similar. However, think if you grab a speaker and go to the center of your town and preach against the US foreign policies, war or anything not mentioned in popular medias...what is going to be the reaction? How are you going to be treated with your friends and co worker?
You have to look at any societies based on the challenges that it faces rather than what the challenges of "other" societies face. In here, you will not find a job as a "Criminal" socialist in any government or administrative offices, unless you keep it to yourself. Similarly in Iran with religion.
this is not a right or wrong issue, but the concept of perspective.
Does this make sense?
Marjan
by benross on Sat Aug 29, 2009 06:05 PM PDTbut I can't for the life of me understand why anybody can be proud of having been born in a particular place on the planet
You don't understand that, try to understand your urge to write this in IRANIAN.com
nice try though!
Badi19 as oppose to Khoobi
by Waters on Sat Aug 29, 2009 04:58 PM PDTeverytime you open your pie hole, I am reminded that talk is not cheap unless you are boasting.
You cost the good moslem and Islam alot.
abarmard.....u serious?
by Faramarz_Fateh on Sat Aug 29, 2009 04:54 PM PDT"You would rarely be disrespected in Iran for your beliefs"?
Have you talked to Bahais or Jews that left Iran? You know how many Bahai cemeteries have been attacked how many times in the past 30 years?
Jews are symbols of many repulsive attributes like cowardess and being cheap......you call these respect?!!!!!!
My friend, please bring your head out of the sand. Face and acknowledge reality for once.
I am also an Ex Muslim
by ramintork on Sat Aug 29, 2009 03:15 PM PDTProud too? Yes I suppose I consider reaching a point where I researched, practiced and saw the truth for myself and the path that made me an atheist does make me proud.
It also made me think of the world with a bigger sense of responsibility as I do not wait for a higher power to save us which means that we are the true gurdians of this planet and better do something about it.
Somehow mixed
by Marjan Zahed Kindersley on Sat Aug 29, 2009 03:15 PM PDTReligion etc is a matter of choice - admirable and chapeau for the realization -, but I can't for the life of me understand why anybody can be proud of having been born in a particular place on the planet.
It's just too weird.I, certainly can't recall screaming from the womb.
And If again, I might have to remind people, how dangerous these silly-sausage strands of identities actually are. With the advent of the most successfull immigration wave to the US as not economic but ideological immigrants to the US and EU, this is important to keep in mind and" we "could really be the new global cosmopolitans munching on pistachios and devouring sushi, Haiku, sauerkraut and all sorts. An individual , if such a concept actually does exist is not inherently one or two dimensional. False categorisation, is and can be very dangerous. It demands specifically dictated reaction, which in the end don't have anything to do with the concept of the individua. Moral relativism is also quite pathetic (whixch incloses "cultural" blah). It's not all equal. Good judgments can be made and questioned. If somehow doesn't want to be tortured and is, it's wrong. full stop. :
Professor Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate.
Identity and Violence: The Violence of IllusionGreat to hear
by Abarmard on Sat Aug 29, 2009 01:05 PM PDTI have my personal opinion about organized religion but mostly keep quiet. I personally agree that no religion is needed for those who feel confident, logical and fulfilled based on their own social-economic background.
You would rarely be disrespected in any society, including Iran for your beliefs (leaving politics out of it). However as the other post for the proud Muslim goes, the story is political and based on demonization of one faith alone. As long as that is understood, there are no issues with anyone choosing any direction that they feel fitting for their life style.
Happy Saturday.
Ali jan
by Sohraby on Sat Aug 29, 2009 12:51 PM PDTYou made a good point, I never thought about it, Hummm, what should I do now? Should I go back to Islam(hands up and pants down like a surrender to Islam) or face Ali, Hussein and Ommar in Ghyammat? No, i already made my decision, I'd rather see ugly monsters like Ali and Hussein than going back to Islam. I just make sure to wear my brown pants becasue they have a very frightening appearance!!.
No worries Ali P
by Faramarz_Fateh on Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:28 AM PDTbe gheyr az khoda, hamashoono harifam
"wired For God"...
by Ostaad on Sat Aug 29, 2009 11:23 AM PDTand I thought we're approaching the "wireless" era!
of some interest
by benross on Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:34 AM PDT//www.newsweek.com/id/211746