Six young Iranians produced a video clip of them dancing to Pharrell William's hit " Happy " and showed it on YouTube - where it was viewed by a wide and appreciative audience. The Iranian " Fun Police " took a dim view of this incident and the full force of the security apparatus swung into action, methodically tracking them down - and subjecting them to an arrest. They were paraded before the television cameras and forced to make a humiliating apology - for what the chief of police termed " a vulgar clip that hurt public chastity " !
In many parts of the world those who claim to represent the many forms of religion that are practised on this planet enforce a code of conduct that equates happiness - to " sin ". When the Taliban had control of Afghanistan all forms of television and radio were banned, and music was considered an affront to their religious views. Even the popular sport of kite flying was banned - with offenders subjected to extreme punishment.
It seems that the attitudes that prevailed in the " Dark Ages " still hold sway in the minds of some religious leaders. They see religion as something that must be forced on their people and obedience to the strict way of life that they insist applies will be ruthlessly enforced - in many cases with death as the ultimate punishment for those who refuse. In most cases, these extremities are the product of their obsession with control and have little to do with how that same religion applies in other countries.
Few of the world's religions are without schism. As it is with politics, at some stage divergent views emerge and some followers take a different path. Sadly, this is usually tinged with anger and bitterness, and both sides engage in hostilities to try and force their point of view on others. Many of the wars that have ravaged the world have been battles between religions.
It seems that the tribes of planet Earth are entering a new age of religious hostility. Many of the great religions have sparked armed militias who are not inclined to live in harmony with those of different religious views. They insist on having their religion prevail - if necessary at the point of a sword and no act of barbarity is precluded by an appeal to humanity.
We are seeing the wholesale slaughter of innocent people simply because militant groups wish to impose the terms of their particular religion on others. Millions have been forced to leave their homes and seek exile in other countries, homes have been destroyed and unspeakable acts of barbarity carried out in the name of " religious cleansing ".
Unfortunately, this lack of tolerance is spreading to the parts of the world that have achieved a secular view towards religion. Militancy is appearing in small groups who wish to impose their will on the vast majority - and this has led to the rise of new term that spreads fear - and that word is " terrorism ".
Sadly, the way of life that most people find pleasant - and which brings with it happiness - is entirely repugnant to the religious fanatic. It seems that what was supposed to be a force for good is capable of turning religion to a new " curse on humankind " !
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