There is a constant drumbeat in the media about certain members of the ever-growing Axis of Evil (TM Pending) nearing collapse. Not always the mainstream media, either. And we here at TPOL admit that some of this info might be true.
Consider Iran as reported in this story. It seems that conditions in Iran are getting worse, and as a result, more and more of its people are rebelling. But the reasons for this are things we need to look at carefully. We are told this is because of the religious tyranny which governs that ancient country. We have been told that ever since the Shah was overthrown. (A topic for another time.)
We can be clear that the word out from Iran for decades makes it clear that yes, indeed, Iran is under a horrible and often murderous religious tyranny. One with different ideas but much in common with the Islamic tyrannies and various non-religious but still tyrannical governments in Arab and heavily Muslim populated regions and countries. This is to be expected in the Ummah – the Islamic world or part of the world. Which is also called the Dar al-Islam (House of Islam or Submission), and the Dar al-Salam (the House of Peace).
And we know (not just are sold propaganda about that) these names are often ironic – for although submission to Allah and to the clerics and secular or religious rulers of the various nations is taught, it is not practices. As a result, the Ummah is anything but a house of peace. And has not been since not long after the death of their prophet: pushing 1400 years.
The rise of the Islamist factions and philosophy in recent years is seen by most Muslims as the equivalent of the Reformation in Europe and the Americas in the 1500s – although viewed as more successful. Regardless, Islam is not a religion which can be considered peaceful or easy to practice.
Nor is it the “historic” religion of Iran (formerly known as Persia). Prior to the defeat of one of the many Persian empires (their tribes seem to have taken turns establishing an empire over several thousand years), it was Zoroastrianism. The last Persian empire, the Sassanian, was conquered by the Islamic Caliphs in the mid-1600s (AD) and forcibly converted to Islam. But Zoroastrianism, which dates back to around 1000-1500 BC, was the religion of Persia for perhaps 2,000 years. It survived as a persecuted minority religion into the 20th Century – but today is nearly extinct. At least in its homeland. Like Judaism (which it may predate), Christianity, and Islam, it is a monotheistic religion, though not a “religion of the book” and therefore even more to be despised and persecuted by Muslims.
For centuries, a corrupted Christianity was rejected strongly in Iran: in part at least because of the corruption and hypocrisy of those who claimed (falsely, IMHO) to follow Christ Jesus. Brits, Russians, French, and then Americans.
But that may be changing: the message of hope, peace, salvation, and compassion in the Bible (both Old but especially New Testament) is being spread and people of this great nation are being converted. And as a result, less willing to be subject to an Islamic (or any other) tyranny.
More later, but consider this current version of a 2,000 year-old conflict of faith.
About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.
The Price of Liberty 
Iran nearing the breaking point?
There is a constant drumbeat in the media about certain members of the ever-growing Axis of Evil (TM Pending) nearing collapse. Not always the mainstream media, either. And we here at TPOL admit that some of this info might be true.
Consider Iran as reported in this story. It seems that conditions in Iran are getting worse, and as a result, more and more of its people are rebelling. But the reasons for this are things we need to look at carefully. We are told this is because of the religious tyranny which governs that ancient country. We have been told that ever since the Shah was overthrown. (A topic for another time.)
We can be clear that the word out from Iran for decades makes it clear that yes, indeed, Iran is under a horrible and often murderous religious tyranny. One with different ideas but much in common with the Islamic tyrannies and various non-religious but still tyrannical governments in Arab and heavily Muslim populated regions and countries. This is to be expected in the Ummah – the Islamic world or part of the world. Which is also called the Dar al-Islam (House of Islam or Submission), and the Dar al-Salam (the House of Peace).
And we know (not just are sold propaganda about that) these names are often ironic – for although submission to Allah and to the clerics and secular or religious rulers of the various nations is taught, it is not practices. As a result, the Ummah is anything but a house of peace. And has not been since not long after the death of their prophet: pushing 1400 years.
The rise of the Islamist factions and philosophy in recent years is seen by most Muslims as the equivalent of the Reformation in Europe and the Americas in the 1500s – although viewed as more successful. Regardless, Islam is not a religion which can be considered peaceful or easy to practice.
Nor is it the “historic” religion of Iran (formerly known as Persia). Prior to the defeat of one of the many Persian empires (their tribes seem to have taken turns establishing an empire over several thousand years), it was Zoroastrianism. The last Persian empire, the Sassanian, was conquered by the Islamic Caliphs in the mid-1600s (AD) and forcibly converted to Islam. But Zoroastrianism, which dates back to around 1000-1500 BC, was the religion of Persia for perhaps 2,000 years. It survived as a persecuted minority religion into the 20th Century – but today is nearly extinct. At least in its homeland. Like Judaism (which it may predate), Christianity, and Islam, it is a monotheistic religion, though not a “religion of the book” and therefore even more to be despised and persecuted by Muslims.
For centuries, a corrupted Christianity was rejected strongly in Iran: in part at least because of the corruption and hypocrisy of those who claimed (falsely, IMHO) to follow Christ Jesus. Brits, Russians, French, and then Americans.
But that may be changing: the message of hope, peace, salvation, and compassion in the Bible (both Old but especially New Testament) is being spread and people of this great nation are being converted. And as a result, less willing to be subject to an Islamic (or any other) tyranny.
More later, but consider this current version of a 2,000 year-old conflict of faith.
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About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.