The rapid appearance of books by atheists in the United States is a predictable result of the rise of intolerant religion.  Nothing turns people off to religion faster than self-righteous fanatics and power junkies intent on telling you how to live, and claiming to do it in God’s name.   

If Andrew Sullivan is right, it now appears that the same thing is happening in Iran.

Years ago I predicted that Iran might become the first stable democracy in the Arab/Persian part of the Islamic world, because they were getting a taste of democratic politics and a toxic dose of what happens when religion and politics mix too intimately.  I based my prediction on the rise of the Enlightenment in the West after decades of bloody religious war and state churches.

My prediction has not come true yet, but it’s looking better.