Religion and Terrorism

Religion and Terrorism

Introduction

As defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, “terrorism is an illegitimate usage or vulnerable usage of violence or force by an individual or a prearranged group against people or property with the intent of daunting or compelling governments or societies, most frequently for political or ideological reasons.” Terrorism is a lethal act that is perpetrated by highly motivated and trained people who simply don't have any humanity in them neither do they have any worth for human life. With this definition, can terrorism belong to any religion? The answer is a big NO. There have been and still are belongings of terrorism to almost all the religions worldwide, however to relate a terrorism with a specific religion is unfair and unjustified. The terrorist groups are not just common civilians or some injudicious youth, rather the paramilitary appendage of militant extremism and who believe in the customs of violence and hostility and whose aim is to destruct the prevalent social structure and system; the entire lifestyle of free societies. The purpose of this study is to establish that terrorism is not allied with any religion and to reflect the teachings of some prominent religions that clarify the condemnation of terrorism in those religions.

Religion and Terrorism

Terrorism is not considered as an agreeable venture; neither to the person executing it nor to the targeted ones. Terrorism by design is an impulsive usage of violence in opposition to a person, a group of people, a society or a country so as to achieve the objective of the executors. The key objective of terrorism may take in destabilizing, replacing or even overthrowing the prevalent institutions and systems or striking back for the harm and hurt committed. Political, moral, social, religious, personal and ideological motivations may contribute to such activities. Throughout the history of the world, terrorism has been employed by individuals, groups, organizations or even states. Latest advancements in technology as well as communication facilities have imparted a raised mobility and lethality to the terrorists. Religious communities have not introverted away from terrorist activities, they quite frequently use insubstantial sponsorship for their particular customs. However the question that is to be tactfully answered is about the core teachings of these religions; if they support or condone the acts of terrorism in any condition.

Although the acts of terrorism and human conflicts may be elucidates in social and political terms, implicitly or explicitly religious mechanism form and stimulate them on the basis of the individuals leading them. There aren't any simple answers to the various ethical and religious questions which are raised after the increasing number of terrorist activities throughout the 20th century. Great deal of manifestation is required to contemplate a plentiful response. For the reason that the religious communities are formed by the combination of environments and circumstances wherein they are positioned; better understanding and close cooperation amongst the religions is the only means to accomplish this objective. The fact is that religion does not give any teachings to pursue terrorism or ...