[patriciaruth]

I'm so sick of Ph.D.'s and their psycho-babble

T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) discussed this also in his book "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom." So, it has some basis in historical fact as well, not just PhD pschyobabble. There is reference in the Qu'ran to not just the virgins in paradise, but also to beautiful young boys if you prefer or want both.

Interestingly when I was practicing medicine I ran across this same mindset in the newly immigrant Hispanic community, that the male who penetrated was not homosexual, just the recipient. This is another macho culture, where many women were untouchable, guarded by duenas, and others would keep their virginity by allowing anal intercourse but not vaginal.

The world is weird.

[niteowl77]

When I read "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom," I was mildly repulsed by some of Lawrence's observations (when he contrasts the "raddled meat" of the Arabic prostitutes with the young men on the campaigns, he reveals just a bit too much), but it did make me realize that Yasser Arafat was just carrying on the old family tradition.

Contrasted whith Paul's high regard for the Priscillas of the early Church, Islam has not offered their women much, apart from the opportunity to sacrifice their sons to violent causes and/or ululate over the misfortunes of others.

Ed

[Kermit]

Interestingly when I was practicing medicine I ran across this same mindset in the newly immigrant Hispanic community, that the male who penetrated was not homosexual, just the recipient.

This is just like Bill Clinton's thinking. Monica was having sex, but he wasn't. Her lips touched his penis, but he didn't touch her.

[a history buff]

TE Lawrence hardly mentioned all his sexual experiences at the hands of his tTurkish captors in the 7 pillars.

[white rose]

T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) discussed this also in his book "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom." So, it has some basis in historical fact as well, not just PhD pschyobabble. There is reference in the Qu'ran to not just the virgins in paradise, but also to beautiful young boys if you prefer or want both.

Have any idea how they reconcile these customs with their intense hatred of homosexuals?

The world is very weird, indeed.