Historian Diana Muir considers the question of crushing a populat religious movement, and concludes that it can be done, if one is willing to be brutal. From the History News Network: ...popular, religious movements have been crushed by military force many times, and in all parts of the world. The Zanj movement formed in 868 CE in the vast delta where the Tigris meets the Euphrates. [Iraq! — ed.]  Zanj autonomy flourished for 15 years under Ali bin Muhammad, who claimed descent from Imam Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son—in—law. He further claimed to be the mahdi (messiah) and to have directly 'received surahs of the Quran.' Tens of thousands followed him under a green and red banner that read, 'God has purchased the souls of the believers and their property, for they have attained to Paradise fighting in the way of God.' The revolt was crushed in a series of battles and massacres where the dead are said to have numbered in the tens of thousands. She offers...(Read Full Post)