Khalid and Kalil 4. Short Stories

Thanks AC, I really enjoyed reading this!

On 11/11/2016 11:36 PM, jt15136 said:

Thanks AC, I really enjoyed reading this!

Thanks, jt! You might enjoy some of my other pieces as well; check out "A Better Place"

I have no problem with people having faith, no matter their religion, as long as they don't shove it in my face or give it higher value than common decency or human rights. I do have a problem with religion influencing politics and education, because I have yet to see an example of this being a good idea in modern times.
To me religion = organized faith, and I have problems pointing to a single religion which has any relevance in a civilized world, including my own. In fact, one study showed that kids brought up in homes where their parents said they were not religious, were actually kinder and more tolerant than kids from the two main religions studied (Christianity and Islam). And there ae plenty of stories here on GA to show you the devastaing consequences of religion for LGBT kids.
Your story is an extreme example of the evil done in the name of religion, and it's not so important which one. Right now suicide bombs is the favorite of one particular group, but you could have found equally despicable pratices from the history of other religions. The main message of the story to me is how each individual must make a decision on how to act in the face of evil., how to keep faith with what is good and right and human.

On 11/12/2016 11:30 PM, Timothy M. said:

I have no problem with people having faith, no matter their religion, as long as they don't shove it in my face or give it higher value than common decency or human rights. I do have a problem with religion influencing politics and education, because I have yet to see an example of this being a good idea in modern times.

To me religion = organized faith, and I have problems pointing to a single religion which has any relevance in a civilized world, including my own. In fact, one study showed that kids brought up in homes where their parents said they were not religious, were actually kinder and more tolerant than kids from the two main religions studied (Christianity and Islam). And there ae plenty of stories here on GA to show you the devastaing consequences of religion for LGBT kids.

Your story is an extreme example of the evil done in the name of religion, and it's not so important which one. Right now suicide bombs is the favorite of one particular group, but you could have found equally despicable pratices from the history of other religions. The main message of the story to me is how each individual must make a decision on how to act in the face of evil., how to keep faith with what is good and right and human.

Thank you, Tim. Your opening comments remind me of quote from Melville.

“I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does not kill or insult any other person, because that other person won't believe it also. But when a man's religion becomes really frantic; when it is a positive torment to him; and, in fine, makes this earth of ours an uncomfortable inn to lodge, then I think it high time to take that individual aside and argue the point with him.”

That's certainly the point of view of a Gay man on religion, and I couldn't agree more. We are individuals, living with moral compass amongst one another, or we are not. Going around thinking we are more blessed spiritually than our neighbor is a sin in my book. I hope moral evolution continues to advance and prove the point.

Thanks for your review, and all the support you have given me through the years, buddy.

What a tragic end.

AC, I absolutely loved how you showed the cyclical nature of terrorism. All it takes is one man to become a terrorist. He'll raise his sons to be terrorists, and in turn those sons will raise their sons to be the same.

And like any other cycle, it can be broken. But it is heartbreaking to see how it had to be broken.

Thank you AC for a terrific story!

On 11/13/2016 02:48 PM, Drew Espinosa said:

What a tragic end.

 

AC, I absolutely loved how you showed the cyclical nature of terrorism. All it takes is one man to become a terrorist. He'll raise his sons to be terrorists, and in turn those sons will raise their sons to be the same.

 

And like any other cycle, it can be broken. But it is heartbreaking to see how it had to be broken.

 

Thank you AC for a terrific story!

Thank you, Drew. I love your comments about how the cycle is established, and that is can be broken. It's a great review, and I'm pleased you read this rather dark tale of mine.

Cheers.

On 11/14/2016 02:36 AM, Valkyrie said:

You certainly wrote a very thought-provoking story. Like Defiance, I was also reminded of "Bound and Bound". It's a tragic tale, but one that hopefully prevented further tragedy.

Thank you, Valkyrie. Your input was good during the anthology editing process, and I appreciate it. I also appreciate your thoughts here.

Thanks once again.

This story felt very real considering recent event. I love the way you showed us a perspective from inside the cult. Also your use of language is amazing. You make evey work count. Great job!

On 11/27/2016 09:19 AM, jfalkon said:

This story felt very real considering recent event. I love the way you showed us a perspective from inside the cult. Also your use of language is amazing. You make evey work count. Great job!

Thank you, jfalkon. Everything you say is wonderful to hear, especially concerning the nature of my prose.

I thank you, I thank you, I thank you!