11.5.6 Religion as a Cause of War & Violence

Historical and Contemporary Examples

• The Troubles in Northern Ireland (1968-1998):
  • Conflict: The Troubles were a period of intense conflict in Northern Ireland between Catholics (who were generally nationalists seeking union with Ireland) and Protestants (who were generally unionists wanting to remain part of the UK).
  • Violence: The conflict resulted in widespread violence, including bombings, shootings, and riots, with religion being one of the dividing factors, though political and national identity also played significant roles.
• Terrorist Groups (al-Qaeda and ISIS):
  • Misuse of Islam: Groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS use the concept of a holy war (Jihad) to justify acts of terrorism and civil war. They claim to act in the name of Islam, but their actions are widely condemned by Muslims and are seen as a distortion of Islamic teachings.
  • Global Impact: These groups have carried out attacks around the world, aiming to spread fear and achieve political and ideological goals through violence.

Religious Responses to Violence

• Christian Beliefs:
  • "Eye for an Eye": This phrase is sometimes used to justify retaliation, but its original intention was to limit the extent of revenge and ensure that any retaliation was proportional and directed at the individual responsible, not entire groups or nations.
  • Teachings of Jesus: Most Christians follow Jesus' teachings that emphasize non-violence and even warn against anger, which can lead to violence. Jesus' statement, "Those who live by the sword die by the sword," reflects his rejection of violence as a means to resolve conflicts.
• Muslim Beliefs:
  • Criteria for Holy War: In Islam, a holy war (Jihad) must adhere to strict criteria. It can only be declared by a proper religious leader and must not be used to force people to convert to Islam. It must be fought for God and not for personal or political gain.
  • Rejection of Terrorism: Most Muslims reject the actions of terrorist organizations, emphasizing that true Jihad is a struggle for justice and righteousness, not a justification for violence against innocents.

Key Points