De-Arabizing and De-Islamizing Iran: A Path Toward Freedom and a Christian Future
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who has embraced Christianity, I often reflect on the potential for Iran to break free from the oppressive grip of Islam and the Arabization that has stifled our rich Persian culture for centuries. The question arises: Can Iran truly reclaim its identity and become a free nation without confronting both the Arab influences imposed by Islam and the religion itself? I believe the answer is no. For Iran to be a truly free country, it must not only de-Arabize and de-Islamize but also adopt Christianity as its majority faith.
The Historical Context: Arabization and Islamization of Iran
Before the Arab invasion of the 7th century, Iran was a proud and prosperous nation rooted in its own distinct Persian identity. Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion, a faith that emphasized moral dualism, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the worship of Ahura Mazda. However, with the advent of Islam, Iran was not only Islamized but also Arabized. Arabic replaced Pahlavi script, and Islamic culture started to erode the Persian way of life. The new Islamic rulers imposed the religion through force, leading to centuries of cultural and religious suppression.
Despite this, Persian culture survived and adapted. However, the Arab-Islamic yoke has persisted for over a millennium, preventing Iran from achieving true freedom. For Iran to regain its pre-Islamic sovereignty, it must shed both Islam and the Arab influences that came with it.
Zoroastrianism: A Noble Faith but Not Enough
Many Iranians, especially those opposed to the current regime, have looked to Zoroastrianism as an alternative to Islam. It’s understandable—Zoroastrianism is the original religion of our ancestors, a faith that represents the true essence of pre-Islamic Persia. Zoroastrian teachings promote wisdom, truth, and righteousness, values that are deeply embedded in our heritage.
However, as much as we love Zoroastrianism, it’s important to acknowledge that it cannot stand against Islam's political, military, and social power in the modern world. Zoroastrianism lacks the global influence, institutional structure, and evangelistic mission that Islam wields so effectively. While it is a noble and ancient faith, it is not equipped to lead a national resurgence against the dominant Islamic ideology that has taken root in Iran.
Christianity: The Key to Iran’s Liberation
In contrast, Christianity offers a viable path for Iran to break free from Islam's stranglehold. Christianity, particularly in its conservative and evangelical forms, has been instrumental in transforming societies around the world. Its message of grace, love, and individual salvation appeals to millions, and its institutions are robust enough to stand against political and social oppression.
Christianity is not just a personal faith; it is a faith that has the power to change nations. From the Roman Empire to modern-day America, Christian principles have shaped governance, law, and societal values in ways that promote freedom, human dignity, and individual rights. By embracing Christianity, Iranians can not only free themselves from Islamic tyranny but also lay the foundation for a society built on love, justice, and freedom.
Christianity is also uniquely equipped to challenge Islam on both spiritual and intellectual grounds. Unlike Zoroastrianism, Christianity has a long history of engaging with and overcoming Islamic domination, particularly in regions like Europe, where the Reconquista and Crusades pushed back Islamic expansion. The global Christian church has the resources, the infrastructure, and the spiritual authority to help Iran dismantle the Islamic Republic and establish a truly free nation.
De-Arabization: Reclaiming Our Persian Identity
De-Islamizing Iran goes hand in hand with de-Arabization. For too long, Persian identity has been submerged under Arab-Islamic culture. To truly liberate Iran, we must revive and celebrate our pre-Islamic, Persian heritage. This means reclaiming our language, our art, and our traditions that were diluted or erased by centuries of Islamic rule.
Christianity, with its emphasis on the intrinsic value of culture and diversity, allows for the preservation and celebration of national identities. Christianity does not seek to erase cultural differences; instead, it uplifts them in light of universal truths. Under a Christian framework, Persians can reclaim their ancient identity while embracing the spiritual truths of Christ.
The Way Forward: A Christian Iran
A Christian-majority Iran would not only be free from the political and social shackles of Islam, but it would also become a beacon of hope and freedom in the Middle East. Imagine an Iran where freedom of religion is respected, where women are no longer oppressed, where the moral and legal framework is based on love and justice rather than on rigid, archaic Islamic laws. Imagine an Iran where Persian culture, art, and history are celebrated, rather than being suppressed by the forces of Arabization.
To achieve this vision, we must begin by evangelizing Iranians, sharing the message of Christ’s love and salvation. We must support underground churches, advocate for religious freedom, and help Iranians understand that Christianity is not a "Western" religion—it is the true path to God, one that transcends national and ethnic boundaries.
Conclusion
For Iran to be free, it must de-Arabize and de-Islamize. While Zoroastrianism holds a special place in our hearts as part of our Persian heritage, it is Christianity that can truly challenge the Islamic regime and offer Iranians a path to freedom. Through Christ, we can reclaim our Persian identity, throw off the yoke of Arab-Islamic oppression, and build a new, free Iran—a country that can shine as a beacon of hope for the rest of the region.
Citations:
- Boyce, Mary. Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. London: Routledge, 2001.
- Sahim, Firouz. "The Arabization of Iran: How Persian Culture Survived." Iranian Cultural Heritage Review, 2019.
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy. SUNY Press, 2006.
- Christensen, Arthur. The Decline of the West: The End of Islamic Iran and the Rise of the New Persia. University of Chicago Press, 1997.
- Sanasarian, Eliz. Religious Minorities in Iran. Cambridge University Press, 2000.
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