Introduction

In my book The Fallacies of Religious Clerics, whose audio and written versions I published in the spring of 2012, I discussed how common ways of teaching religion can trap the active mind of a child or teenager in prejudice and intolerance. I wished we could teach religion to our children in a way that would not make them closed-minded or teach them to see religious ideas as too sacred to question.

Since then, I have felt that I should try to find a way to introduce children and teenagers to religion—a way that does not silence their questions, but instead helps them search for the truth and learn to think freely.

Journey into the Heart of Religions is one possible way of teaching children about religion. It tells the story of a twelve-year-old Iranian boy who travels with his father to different parts of the world. During these journeys, he learns about the world’s major religions other than Islam, and he never stops asking questions.

I have tried to write this book in language simple enough for children and teenagers aged twelve and older to understand. However, I hope readers of all ages will also find interesting ideas and enjoyable things to read in it.

N. Fakhr
Autumn 2014