This blog is in some ways about human folly and absurdity... and God only knows there is enough of that going around!
When you combine religious convictions with personal and/or tribal regulations and customs things can get really wonky in no time at all kids!
Here in Canada we had a case a few years back where a Muslim father was protecting his family honour by drowning his 3 daughters in the Trent Canal. (I guess there was some perceived or real insult to both his religion and family reputation!)
Now this week we have an Iranian man who has been sentenced to nine years in jail for beheading his teenage daughter in her sleep. (Needless to say the mother wants him executed!)
The so-called "honour" killing of 14-year-old Romina Ashrafi on May 21 sparked widespread outrage, with media condemning "institutionalised violence" in the Islamic republic.
Media said Romina was decapitated at the family home in the village of Talesh in the northern province of Gilan.
While this crime is indeed horrific and many more have been perpetrated in the name of religion, it is always done through a fear and mistrust of what we don't know folks.
We have examples of extreme behaviour by all groups but there are also examples of unwarranted oppression just for the sake of someone being different!
For example:
The average German during the 1930's didn't have a beef with the Jews. It was only through State sponsored persecution that they were vilified and eventually killed for their beliefs and customs!
The Jews, meanwhile, hadn't really done anything wrong.
They just followed their age old custom of keeping to themselves and resisting integration into mainstream society. (They were different!)
This, as it did down through the centuries, put them at odds with the establishment!
It also gave rise to that timeless Jewish lament: "If we are God's chosen people... then maybe God should pick someone else for a while!"
The way I see it anyway!
