Dr. Bock:

You wrote:
"I have been struck by the courage of those who have been marching in Iran (as well as the size of the turnout to vote- a number our elections never touch). Maybe when one has freedom, the risk is to take it for granted."

If you have a good memory, you will remember my position on Islam.

I would offer another suggestion as to why Iranians are so convicted about voting, as well as other "political" issues. When you grow up your whole life under the angst of Islam (idea taken from Dr. Caner), never knowing if you will enter heaven, your whole life is about earning heaven, you will do whatever it takes to gain heaven. Nothing else matters...nothing! Muslims are not just expressing their political rights; this falls within the angst of Islam.

Also, Iranians are not looking for a political solution to the circumstances; they don't compartmentalize like America does. The USA has moved religion out of the voting process; in Iran, that's the most prominent issue. All want Islamic law, some want a more liberal form of it, but Islamic nevertheless.

These are not millions and millions of Muslims being fanatical about voting; it's about Islamic religion and law and their proper expressions.

But as Dr. Caner observes, you can not rid yourself of the "angst of Islam" no matter how hard you try. Fanaticism is entirely to be expected. I think this partly explains why untold numbers turn to Christ during the Tribulation. From where do they come? From Buddhists? From Hindus? From Muslims? Yes, from the 1.6 billion and growing Muslims. This is why I recognize many Muslims as being redeemed. They are not part of the Church, but they are redeemed (as in the OT sense where there were many redeemed groups of God fearers).

Brett