Better these guys than the Sunnis. At least they are less likely to consider themselves the natural Aristocracy and master race of the world, speaking the master language.
The picture reminds me of Catholics crucifying themselves (sans scourging) to show their devotion.
Not sure I agree. I certainly don’t know which of the two sects is nuttier. The truth is 90% of both don’t cause trouble, and the extremists of both are both very dangerous. I’ve never thought it worthwhile to judge religions by their peculiar and fantastical specifically religious and supernatural beliefs, dietary rules, or ascetic practices. I do think it’s an interesting refutation of the McWorld view that high tech will bring us all together. Even extremist religious folks like a Slivr phone.
1 Feb 2007 at 6:06 pm
Better these guys than the Sunnis. At least they are less likely to consider themselves the natural Aristocracy and master race of the world, speaking the master language.
The picture reminds me of Catholics crucifying themselves (sans scourging) to show their devotion.
2 Feb 2007 at 9:11 am
Not sure I agree. I certainly don’t know which of the two sects is nuttier. The truth is 90% of both don’t cause trouble, and the extremists of both are both very dangerous. I’ve never thought it worthwhile to judge religions by their peculiar and fantastical specifically religious and supernatural beliefs, dietary rules, or ascetic practices. I do think it’s an interesting refutation of the McWorld view that high tech will bring us all together. Even extremist religious folks like a Slivr phone.