For I have long embraced the old and simple truth that progress is never possible without heresy and blasphemy, and that the whole point behind asserting the freedoms of conscience and of expression is to protect the very right to heresy, a notion that, strangely enough, still strikes many people all over the world as being quite incomprehensible, not to mention unacceptable, especially when put to practice. The situation is made worse when the notion itself is abused by those trying to justify practices such as pornography or establishing a new exotic cult. Consequently, heresy becomes, in the view of many people, an instrument of the devil, and is, in turn, used to justify the existing traditional faith-systems. In these circumstances, heresy can never be seen as a necessary instrument of progress, and is instead fought with the all the gusto the faithful can muster within themselves and their communities, using every possible instrument of war, including issuing death sentences and attempting to carrying them out. But, despite of it all, and, perhaps, because of it all, heresies still appear and are ever so vital for the very survival and progress of humanity. The heresies seen in my work, however, are not offered with some kind of a salvific pretension. I am neither a prophet nor a messiah. I am just a simple writer and a poet whose talent is still very much open to debate, and who writes out of his own experiences and, occasionally, of his experiences. As such, the works included in this site should be judged on the basis of their actual literary merits and not the controversies they stir. For while the controversies themselves call out for discussion, unless the works are judged worthy by the reader, the whole discussion, as far as I am concerned, is rendered moot. Except, that is, when the discussion centers on one of the articles or essays included, that is, on the non-fiction works. The site was officially launched in August 2002 in co-operation with a number of friends, and was modified a number of times since, the latest modification taking place in May 2004. As of this date, the site, with its new sections, will be updated more regularly, perhaps even daily, especially with regard to the Heretic's Blog section. The purpose is to create a free dialogue on a number of issues pertaining to religion, tradition, sexuality and politics. The site's name, Amarji, is an ancient Sumerian word meaning, well, what else?, freedom. But, in vernacular Syrian, it also means a habitual gambler. Perhaps this is even more appropriate. And the similarity to my name is also evident, not to mention the Indian meaning which is, of course: Mr. Ammar. Most of the works included in the site are in English, except for some of the reviews and interviews, which are posted in the original language in which they first appeared. In due course of time, the main works will be translated into Arabic, but for now, some of my Arabic poems and articles can be accessed at Maaber, the well-known Syrian webzine. This much said, I hope you will enjoy reading the works included in this site and that you will take the time to share your opinions with me on any of the topics and issues raised.
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lust for salvation, Brother, as though it were a woman, and I - a man.
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