Does Religion cause violence?

Violence and Religion

 

Looking at history, I believe that Religion can and did cause violence. There was massive destruction and violence in order to have a large number of converts into a religion. Also, there seemed to have been a large number of people who had been forced to convert.

 

 

However, I don't believe that because there is relgion that there has to be violence. It kind of reminds me of the discussion of the British Philosopher, McGinn, that we talked about in a previous class. As long as those of a religious faith was able to criticize another religion but were not allowed to persecute others for their beliefs.

 

 

 

There are certain things that lead to violence that should be avoided such as:

 

Uncritical Obedience: Important factor that leads towards violence.

Dualistic Thinking: Thinking that there is "us" and then there is "them"

                                    Us=saved; They=not  saved.

Focus on the next world: Focus is not on reality or the present

Celebration of Martydaum: Giving one's own life in order to defend a religion

Zealous Puritanism: Purify a religion from "fake" believers

 

 

 

If there were certain religions who were to rid themselves of some of the beliefs from above, I believe the world would be a lot less violent due to Religion.