by D. Victor

Created on: September 01, 2008   Last Updated: September 18, 2008

It would be unsophisticated to say that religion causes violence. However, the question at hand is phrased beautifully, since it merely suggests that religion can lead to violence. With what we have seen in radical Islam and the activities of the Christian right in America, it may be true to say that religion can lead to violence. Organised religion may lead to violence by providing certain pre-requisites for violence.

Religion forms a powerful ideological basis for group identity. It is one of the main catalysts for inter-group conflict, next to nationality and ethnicity. The power of religion over other bases of group formation is that it is ideological. It appeals to the core of existence and attempts to give people a reason for being. Some religions implore members to see themselves as missionaries or soldiers who are fighting for a righteous cause.

Once the group identity is intact, religion can encourage intolerance. It even ventures beyond religious intolerance. This is usually done by defining who is worthy enough to be in the group and excluding those who are deemed unfit. An "us and them" world-view can easily be created. Worse yet, some members of religions feel justified in persecuting others on the basis on their religious views. If their interpretation of doctrine excludes certain groups, then those who do not subscribe to the views of the group can easily be viewed as agents of the devil or forces of darkness that can and should be trampled.

Religion encourages the shepherd and flock syndrome. There are usually demagogues within religious organisations who have the authority and power to influence followers. This is particularly dangerous, since the level of influence held by some religious leaders may be cult-like. They have control of many foolish and impressionable minds. Such persons can deliberately or inadvertently incite followers to commit acts of violence in the name of the religious deity.

Critical thinking and rationality are not necessarily encouraged by organised religion. They would encourage emotion, but discourage logic. This makes a religious group even worse than the military, where one cannot question figures in authority. If religion encouraged followers to be more open-minded, they may lose their members. It is very important to keep followers insulated. This would not directly lead to violence, but can facilitate it by ensuring the thinking of members is singular.

Certain religious belief systems encourage the view that those who merely believe are saved or that violent acts done with the right intention are wholesome. Historically, many violent conquests occurred in the name of religion and religious beliefs. There are those who hold the view that once they believe, they can commit violent acts against others and still be forgiven afterwards.

Religious texts usually contain contradictory material that may be used to satisfy sinister motives. It is often claimed that even the devil could use a bible to justify an action. This reality, along with the aforementioned points, provides some insight into why religion can lead to violent action. It does not necessarily mean that religious people are more violent or even that religions directly encourage violence. However, religion is like a gun. As we read in the novel "Shane", it's just a tool as good or bad as the one who uses it.

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