Would you publish a work similar in scope to Salman Rushdie's "Satanic Verses?"
If your vocation was a writer/novelist and you believed there was a need to expose the tyranny that is the religion of Islam, would you consider the potential threat to your well being worth the risk of publication? Rushdie and Ayaan Hirsi (Infidel) both took considerable risk of life by going forward with their books. Granted other authors such as Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens have attacked Islam in a similar manner but their's are limited to specific chapters of a book that attacks religion in general.
Is the cause so compelling that one is willing to risk life and limb? Or should we retreat from the barbarism of Islamic extremists who feel compelled to carry out the fatwa that the Ayatollah Khomeini ordered against Rushdie? The very quality of religious violence that pervades Islamic culture also seems to be a hangman's noose around the neck of those bold enough to call it into question. As an atheist I refuse to accept the preposterous notions of all religions but I view Islam as an especially dangerous variety to the peace and security of our planet. Should we not step up the rhetoric against Islam and expose this religion for what it is? Or remain subdued in our criticism in fear of reprisal? For certain your life is forever changed should you decide to go forward with publication.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by M.M. on -
It seems that it takes extreme examples to move things forward.
If it meant the death of hundreds to save millions
would it not be worth it?
If it meant a better future (no religion) for our children or their children,
how could we not act even if it meant our deaths?
We all die anyway, why not accomplish something while we live?
If someone read my book and felt the way I do when I read Bertrand Russell,
I would take that death.
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Permalink Reply by Ed on -
Being willing to die for one's convictions is noble indeed; not for me but for the greater good of all.
I have not read Bertrand Russell but you have made me feel a compulsion to do so.
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Permalink Reply by M.M. on
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Why I am Not A Christian by Bertrand Russell
is a fantastic experience!
Cant recommend this book enough!
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Permalink Reply by Peta M on -
Yes and the wellbeing of the vulnerable like children.
Yes.
No.
Not sure ,because I'm not sure exposing it for what it is, is why I'd do it though, I would need to clarify what you mean by what it is...
To the final question no I'm probably fairly safe from reprisal where I live if done tactfully, however I don't think everyone is the criticism fear and reprisal factor probably changes geographically for the writer.
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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on -
"All that is required for evil to flourish, is for good men to do nothing."
-- Edmund Burke --
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