Religious violence

SiegeofAntioch

La masacre de San Bartolomé, por François Dubois

Error creating thumbnail:

IBelieveintheSwordandAlmightyGod

Josef Mathauser - Bitva u Domažlic

Error creating thumbnail:

ForwardwithGod

Error creating thumbnail:

HamidianSassounmassacres

Religious violence refers to acts of violence that are motivated by or in reaction to religious precepts, texts, or doctrines. This includes violence against individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs and violence that is carried out in order to achieve a religious goal. Religious violence can take many forms, including terrorism, war, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and hate crimes. It has been a feature of virtually every major religion throughout history, from Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism to Buddhism, Judaism, and beyond.

Causes and Motivations

The causes of religious violence are varied and complex. Often, they are not purely religious but are also influenced by political, economic, and social factors. However, certain aspects of religion such as sacred texts, doctrinal differences, and apocalyptic beliefs can contribute to or exacerbate violence. Additionally, identity politics and the need for community or belonging can lead individuals or groups to commit acts of violence in the name of religion.

Historical Examples

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of religious violence. The Crusades (1096-1291), a series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period, aimed at recovering the Holy Land from Islamic rule, is one of the most well-known examples. The European wars of religion in the 16th and 17th centuries, including the Thirty Years' War, were partly motivated by conflicts between Protestant and Catholic states in Europe. In more recent times, the Partition of India in 1947 led to widespread religious violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. The Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, which began in 2016, is a contemporary example of religious violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority by the Buddhist majority and the state's security forces.

Contemporary Issues

In the contemporary world, religious violence continues to be a significant issue. The rise of Islamic terrorism, exemplified by groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, has led to global concerns about religious extremism. Religious violence is not limited to any one religion or region, however, and can be found in various forms around the world. Efforts to combat religious violence include interfaith dialogue, education, and policies aimed at promoting religious tolerance and freedom of religion.

Criticism and Controversy

The concept of religious violence is subject to criticism and controversy. Some argue that focusing on religious violence can reinforce stereotypes about certain religions being inherently violent. Others contend that it overlooks the non-religious causes and motivations behind violence, such as political or economic grievances. Additionally, the term can be used to justify anti-religious policies or discrimination against religious minorities.

See Also

• Crusades
• European wars of religion
• Islamic terrorism
• Religious tolerance
• Freedom of religion