Public reading of Voltaire's 'Fanaticism' angers Muslims

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ^ | 03/09/2006 | Andrew Higgins

[RS]

The play, “Fanaticism, or Mahomet the Prophet,” uses the founder of Islam to lampoon all forms of religious frenzy and intolerance.

~snip~

When Voltaire wrote the play in 1741, Roman Catholic clergymen denounced it as a thinly veiled anti-Christian tract. Their protests forced the cancellation of a staging in Paris after three performances and hardened Voltaire's distaste for religion.

~snip~

Goldzink said Voltaire mocked all religions but had some sympathy for Islam, which Voltaire described as “less impure and more reasonable” than Christianity and Judaism.

~snip~

He later campaigned in vain to reverse a blasphemy conviction against a French noble, who was tortured, beheaded and then incinerated – along with a copy of Voltaire's “Philosophical Dictionary.”

[RS]

Interesting - the play seems to have been originally written against Christians who tortured, beheaded and incinerated people.

[L98Fiero]

OK, what doens't anger Muslims? Anyone? Bueller?

[Red Badger]

Is there ANYTHING that DOESN't anger Muslims?............

[wizardoz]

Sooner or later our Liberals are going to have to choose between Voltaire and multicultural bromides. It'll be interesting watching them struggle between their secular religion and their francophilia. Sort of like the eternal struggle between love and lust. I feel just like the Comte de Valmont, watching Madame de Tourvel tear herself apart in Dangerous Liaisons.

[RS]

"OK, what doens't anger Muslims?"

The fanatical Imams WANT everything to anger Muslims - that's why they keep stirring things up.

We can't let them get hidden in the crowd of disposible minions they rouse up to give themselves cover.

[The_Reader_David]

Goldzink said Voltaire mocked all religions but had some sympathy for Islam, which Voltaire described as “less impure and more reasonable” than Christianity and Judaism.

Interesting: so the left's sympathy for Islam goes all the way back to the Continental 'Englightenment'.

[Shaun_MD]

Wake me up when the muslims AREN'T pissed off about something. Whiny little bitches.

[billorites]

I may disagree with what the Mohametans have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, their right to say it.

[Shaun_MD]

Your's or theirs?

[forsnax5]

I have only made but one prayer in my life: "O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And God granted it.

-- Voltaire

[RS]

"Interesting: so the left's sympathy for Islam goes all the way back to the Continental 'Englightenment'."

Didn't read the part where Voltaire was upset because the enlightened Christians beheaded someone for blasphamy ?

[R.W.Ratikal]

Muslims would be better off if they were more concerned about the lack of central sewer systems in their cities that affront's to their shamen.

[sheik yerbouty]

Murder, mayhem, goats..