Kamangir (Archer)

Sex, War, and Religion

Kamangir | November 8, 2006 | Category Iran

There are things in the world which only belong to adults, like sex and war. It has not been like this from the beginning of the human race, but recently, many of us have managed to become wise, even amid brutal conflicts. However, we do not seem to have been so generous and open-minded when it comes to tolerating children’s right regarding another adult habit, i.e. religion.

If I was a Muslim, I would believe that the most precious and relevant book in the entire universe is Quran. Then I might have used induction to argue that I had the right, or even the obligation, to “guide” everyone to the “truth”. Whom to begin with? Whom I have more control over; my kid.

When I look at pictures from religious (Islamic) events happening in Iran, I always look for kids. I look to see if they are still there. And they are always there, doing whatever their parents are doing. I find this very similar to child pornography. The resemblance may seem offensive, but I don’t mean to offend anyone.

My understanding of religion is a personal affair, limited by one’s skin. It is like smoking, without any obvious negative or positive consequences to it. I can smoke as much as I want if I do not affect anybody else. So can I be strictly religious and pray ten times a day. If this personal property leaks through my skin and irritates others, I am responsible.

I have been raised in a secular family, but I had to attend schools organized by a religious regime. So, I am completely aware of the “methods” to “encourage” students to say their prayers. I am sure you can easily imagine similar methods to tempt children to do sexual activities or get engaged in war.

This is the obvious question: Do I have the right to bring my kid to a Jewish event, if I don’t bring them to an Islamic one?

See more pictures here (see). This piece is also posted in here.