Claiming the earth moved while lying in post-coital bliss is probably considered a bad line in formulaic erotica, but according to an Iranian cleric, it may be the root of real earthquakes. Of course making such a bizarre suggestion caught the attention of an American woman with a scientific mind.

Boobquake is one woman's response to one cleric that found it necessary to suggest that the failure of women in his society to meet with his insane expectations is the root of natural disasters. Unfortunately for him, the American woman's science won out on that portion of the debate. Scantily dressed women are not the cause of earthquakes. As for the contention that extra-marital sex is a cause... well, it probably isn't a good idea to encourage testing of that principle. Wouldn't want to be accused of inciting an orgy.

This penchant for blaming the ills of the world on irreligious behavior sadly isn't limited to theocratic societies. It is just at its worst in them. However, while it may be tempting to simply marginalize statements like what the Iranian cleric said, his words should be taken as a cautionary tale. The only thing separating him from some of the people in our own country is the name of the deity he chooses to follow. Desire to control the actions of the masses in the name of religion is extremism, regardless which religion is being followed.