Idle scribblings regarding countries to the east
Ayatollah-shy Magical Realist Salman Rushdie reckons that Islam needs a reformation, such as Christianity went through. As far as I can recall the Christian reformation involved a return to literal interpretations of sacred texts, a rejection of temporal authority, a cult of martyrdom, apocalyptic rhetoric, factional warfare, theocratic governments and the destruction of sacred images.
On a related topic: I think I was more upset about the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyam than any of the human rights abuses of the Taliban. Not something which I am particularly proud of.
2 comments:
Solid man! Martyrdom, theocracy, destruction...this all sounds marvellous. Definitely want a piece of this - well done for getting in on the ground floor.
Luther- Good man, Strong name.
A reformation is rarely recommended for Islam. What is often proffered, however, is an enlightenment for the Arabs. This might involve an increase in indivdualism and religious tolerance, a move from scripturalist interpretation and towards scientific principles and hopefully some peace and quiet for the rest of the world.
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