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Christianity Today, July, 2009 |

Voiceless Women

The Stoning Of Soraya M. exposes a dark side of Islam.

Camerin Courtney | posted 7/01/2009 09:20AM

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In recent years, Christians have grown more aware of social injustice around the world—poverty, AIDS, human trafficking, and so on. One issue that hasn't received as much attention is the oppression of women in Islamic countries. While Islamic attitudes toward women vary widely around the world, in some regions Muslim women are routinely treated cruelly, even by Islamic standards. The Stoning of Soraya M. (rated R, opening June 26) offers a clear picture of what that looks like.

Based on true events that inspired the 1990 bestseller by the same name, the film follows journalist Freidoune Sahebjam (The Passion of the Christ's James Caviezel) into a remote Iranian village, where he is approached by Zahra (The Nativity Story's Shohreh Aghdashloo, a native Iranian), a local woman who tells him the story of her niece, Soraya. "Voices of women do not matter here. I want you to take my voice with you," Zahra urges.

She tells Sahebjam how Soraya's abusive husband, Ali, wanted out of their 20-year marriage so that he could wed a 14-year-old girl. Not wanting to pay support to his wife and two daughters after a divorce (he planned to take their two sons with him), Ali falsely accuses Soraya of having an affair with a local widower. Ali uses blackmail, Islamic law, and the fact that "men have all the rights" to turn the small town—even Soraya's own sons—against her.

In a case tried behind closed doors, with only the town's men in attendance, Soraya is found guilty of adultery, punishable by stoning—which is shown in graphic detail. The scene is difficult but important to watch, because our discomfort is intermingled with the film's only redemption: knowing.

The film's title gives away its ending, but the journey is the real point—especially as it illustrates the oppressive realities women face under more extreme forms of Islamic law, which dictate that they must not only prove men's guilt but also their own innocence, and which say they have no voice in the justice system and are subject to inhumane punishment.

Christian viewers' knowledge is only powerful when we do something with it. The film's website, TheStoning.com, offers suggestions. And Proverbs 31:8—"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute"—offers the motivation.

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today Movies also reviewed the movie and interviewed actor James Caviezel and producer Steve McEveety. The Movies and Her.meneutics blogs also posted recent news.

Christianity Today has special sections on Iran and Islam on our site, including:

It's Primetime in Iran | Satellites allow Iranian Christians to come alongside believers back home. (September 24, 2008)

Talk to Iran | The Christian message is reaching where diplomacy can't. A Christianity Today editorial (June 27, 2008)

Foreign Correspondence | Muslim and Christian leaders seek common ground in conciliatory letters. (February 11, 2008)

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July 2009, Vol. 53, No. 7, Page 60

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Tom Zart

Posted: July 12, 2009 10:33 PM

PREACHERS, TEACHERS AND POLITICIANS Preachers, teachers and politicians Too many times turn out the same. Forecasting predictions of what lay ahead Confused by self-love, ego and shame. Forewarning of judgment and our own unawareness Blaming others for corruption and the mayhem of war They seek our endowment of revenue and support As volunteers e-mail or beat on our door. Thank God for each and every individual That prays for wisdom, repentance and grace. Not perfect though remorseful, repentant when wrong As their devotion radiates from their face. Listen and watch carefully the shepherds of man Judging them by what they practice not preach. Do they make you wonder about their purpose? As they communicate, inspire and teach. By Tom Zart Most Published Poet On The Web

Tom Zart

Posted: July 06, 2009 11:42 PM

UNYIELDING HONOR WORLD WAR III Weakness invites moral plight, war and aggression Encouraged by mistrust, misjudgment and delay. All we love can be destroyed and transformed By the powers of darkness maneuvering our way. When something wicked stares us in the face To corrupt our morals, faith and resolve. God gives us courage to defend what’s right No matter the sacrifice or danger involved. Evil seeks to destroy the good in man And silence the memory of God’s law. It’s up to the faithful to stay unyielding Defending the liberty and justice of all. Our men and woman who serve in harm’s way Are the armor of what the free world depends on. Without their sacrifice of body and soul All that we stand for is gone.

Tom Zart

Posted: July 04, 2009 12:31 AM

THE MAD DOGS OF MAN Wherever dwell the mad dogs of man There is corruption, plunder and hate. In every city, town, or village Those who promote distrust deserve their fate. All are born as an innocent child Till mislead by others along the way. God has always loved his children Though it breaks His heart when they stray. The mad dogs of man never repent For they have no sense of shame or sorrow. Worshiping dominance and the dark side of life Abusing victims as if there were no tomorrow. God gives the will to sin no more And to overcome evil unwilling to cease. The mad dogs of man must be stopped Who murder, rape and destroy world peace. Samson, Solomon, and David Were chosen by God to stand tall. They faced great odds and the fear of death Refusing to ignore their call. The time has come for the good men of earth To band together to restrain the horde. Standing firm against tyranny where it exists Putting the mad dogs of

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