Common Sense Atheism

Feb
17
2010

Muslim Child Preacher Encourages Martyrdom

Hat tip to Unreasonable Faith.

Written by lukeprog in: Islam, Video |

9 Comments »

Haukur

Who’s up for another zillion post debate on the morality of religious upbringing? :D Haukur

Comment | February 17, 2010
cl

Hmm… On the one hand, I can see potential value in posting this, as maybe the sad state of this child will enlighten even one person to the dangers of dogmatism. On the other hand, it’s actually quite depressing and I wish I hadn’t seen it at all. FWIW, I’d rather read even more of the real-deal philosophy of religion type-stuff here. There are plenty of other people with less intelligent things to say; leave the religio-political kitsche for them.

I say give the kid some shorts and a skateboard and immerse him in an environment of diversity. We’d all be better off because of it. cl

Comment | February 17, 2010
Graffight

What i find the most interesting is that the boy sounds very similar to christian preachers, with his tone and inflection. Interesting how dynamic speaking trancends culture that way. Graffight

Comment | February 17, 2010
Nonchai

Chilling and galling.

Some more c.p’ sfor your viewing pleasure.. this time pentecostals ( dont ya’ love em ? )
( this one only for residents of uk but excellent documentary )
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/baby-bible-bashers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At9Ujm7RqU8&feature=fvw Nonchai

Comment | February 17, 2010
Nonchai

On reflection – i tend to agree with @cl – Maybe its better to loave this kind of thing to our comrade John at D.C. Your blog has a very non-confrontational feel and i enjoy your explorations into the purely philosophical side of the “debate”.

Even though i just joined in (see above) – this sort of thing is kind of an easy target. Nonchai

Comment | February 17, 2010
Justfinethanks

Nonchai: this sort of thing is kind of an easy target.

I think it’s perfectly relavant to this blog to show some of the consequences of religious thinking. After all, part of what makes philosophy of religion interesting is that it has some very real, pragmatic consequences. (For example, no one has ever encouraged martyrdom in defense and support of an idea in the philosophy of language, like the existence of a universal grammar.) So convincing people of atheism is important is a way that exists beyond dry academic discussion. It can also save lives and end this sort of child abuse.

And before anyone comes accusing that it is somehow dishonest to conflate the behavior in the video and modern Christianity, I would like to make two points.

1) I think every atheist recognizes that fundamentalist Islam is a lot scarier than fundamentalist Christianity.

2) Don’t think Christians killing in the name of the their religion only happened in some sort of bygone era. It’s happening today in Africa:

Nwanaokwo Edet was one of an increasing number of children in Africa accused of witchcraft by pastors and then tortured or killed, often by family members. Pastors were involved in half of 200 cases of “witch children” reviewed by the AP, and 13 churches were named in the case files.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/18/african-children-denounce_n_324943.html Justfinethanks

Comment | February 17, 2010
Rhys Wilkins

Its fucking sad to see this shit going on in the 21st century. It is almost as disgusting as the online video of the 12 year old child beheading a helpless captive and being praised for it.

Has anyone seen Fitna? If so, is it any good? I am thinking of buying a copy of it.

P.P.S. Luke, when is the next installment of your Kalam series coming out? Rhys Wilkins

Comment | February 17, 2010
lukeprog

Fitna is 17 minutes long. You can watch it here. lukeprog

Comment | February 17, 2010
cl

As far as Fitna goes, what’s the net difference between the guy telling his congregation to behead Jews and Stalin campaigning for his Great Purge? I say that both are equally reprehensible and that any idea can be used to justify atrocity.

Justfinethanks,

I think it’s perfectly relavant to this blog to show some of the consequences of religious thinking.

While I appreciate your qualifier “some”, to simply relegate this boy’s problems to “consequence of religious thinking” grossly oversimplifies reality at best. The vast majority of those who “think religiously” do not come to such ends and this sad state of affairs was also influenced by the boy’s culture, parents and the politics thereof. I would grant that religion is likely the glue that binds those things together, so in that sense it’s somewhat accurate to “blame religion” as you appear to be, but the root problems are selfishness and lack of empathy for other human beings, not “religious thinking.” cl

Comment | February 17, 2010