Violence In Christianity And Islam - Thesis Example

Violence In Christianity And Islam Introduction If one takes a look at the human civilization, one cannot help noticing that religion has played a significant role in it. Indeed, the primary forms of it can be traced back almost up to the very dawn of emergence of the social environment. It must be noticed that at first this institute served a rather simple function: it explained the natural phenomena to the people in a way that they would find rational and acceptable. Nevertheless, as the humanity evolved, religion started dealing with more sophisticated notions such as morality. Speaking of the latter, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest the mankind was never able to fully comprehend its complex nature which included the desire to coexist peacefully and the innate aggression as well as inclination to violence. To a certain extent, one might point out that the religions which emerged on the latter stages of history often provided people with the tools to manage their aggression and refrain from violence. That is why one might suggest that the two notions, namely religion and violence, are closely connected. Furthermore, the way they interact with each other is able to shed light on the peculiarities of the human nature. That is why it may be particularly significant to carefully examine and compared how two different religions deal with violence in people. This paper will show that Christianity and Islam condemn violence, but have several provisions which are condition by history that justify it under specific and very concrete circumstances. Violence in Christianity Christ and His message While considering the moral framework of Christianity, one might think that there is no room for violence in it. Nevertheless, there are certain elements in this teaching which can prove quite the opposite. One of the most notable passages is taken from the Gospel of Matthew: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). As one can clearly see, these words clearly indicate that there is a part of teaching of Christ that is not peaceful. However, just like many parts of this book, the passage should be interpreted properly. Of course, it does not mean that a good Christian should follow the example of Christ and live with a sword in hand. The latter is a metaphor which urges people to direct their violence at their sins and fight them without fear (Sullender 16). The concept of Just war However, there are some parts of the Christian doctrine that deal with real, not figurative violence. One of the first theologicians who examined the issue in question was Saint Augustine of Hippo (Mattox 176). Being a pious monk, he condemned violence in any of its forms, but as a philosopher he understood that sometimes there is a necessity for it. According to him there are situations when a Christian is able to become an actual warrior and still not break the principles of one's faith. This can happen only in case of just war though. The latter concept was later developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas and prepared the moral framework for justification of the Crusades. Christ as a non violent leader If one takes a look at the Biblical event, one will notice that Christ often put emphasis on the necessity to avoid violence. His most famous expression that is relevant to this topic is the following: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39). This means that Jesus provided his followers with a completely new paradigm that encourages them to avoid violence and break the vicious circle of it (Dear 187). There is no doubt that such approach toward interpersonal relationships was as revolutionary as the traditional norms rarely placed limits on violence among people. Moreover, revenge was considered to be a sacred duty. However, it was Christianity that should the people of the Middle East that violence is something that should be eliminated from their social life. Violence always brings negative results If one compared the Old and the New Testament, one will be able to see that there is dramatic difference between the two in one peculiar aspects: the former often tells about the glory of the Jewish heroes that participated in different battles. That is why to a certain extent violence is perceived as something heroic. On the other hand, in the New Testament there are several episodes of violence, but they all are described in a negative manner. In other words, this part of the Bible shows that in the new age that is coming after the resurrection of Christ violence should be perceived as a destructive phenomenon. Violence in Islam Sword verses in the Quran Considering the issue of violence and the way it is perceived in Islam, some people might be willing to quote the so called Sword verses. The latter is the name for a part of the ninth sura. The words that are often cited are the following: “fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them” (Quran 9:5). Unfortunately, this phrase is often cited without any context and is considered to be justification for Islamic extremism, contributing to the negative image of this religion (Canter 49). However, if one gains a better understanding of the sura as well as the historical background of it, one will be able to see that “the Pagans” that are referred to in the verse are the party in Mecca that opposed Medina, the town where the Prophet moved to. Therefore, from the point of view of his time, the former were pagan as they worshiped many God and when they launched an attack on Medina, God inspired the people through the Prophet with the above mentioned words. Nevertheless, if one read the sura up to the end, one will be able to see that there are certain reservations made: “but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 9:5). Therefore, the justification of violence with the help of the sword verses is no valid. Military career of the Prophet Another point that should be mentioned with the history of spread of Islam is inseparably connected with armed conflicts. Thus, the last ten years of live of the Prophet are referred to as gazawat: the period when He was waging wars in order to expand the influence of Islam (Kennedy 173). It is quite understandable that some might consider this to be a period of colonization of the nearby tribes. Nevertheless, one should also note that this process was a reaction to the attacks which were performed by the opposing political center and, therefore, is quite understandable from a broader perspective. Therefore, it would not be absolutely correct to argue that Islam was spread in a violent way. Lesser jihad versus greater jihad It is quite understandable that the term which come to mind easily when the problem of violence in Islam is being discussed is jihad. This very word is often translated as struggle. Unfortunately, Islamic terrorists call their action jihad as well, so the public thinks that this term is focused on killing those who belong to a different faith. However, if one analyzes it properly, one will be able to see that there are several aspects which should be taken into account which change the understanding of this concept completely. First of all, jihad also means resistance. The difference between resistance and struggle lies in the defensive and offensive manner of them. Secondly, there is a clear gap between lesser and greater jihad (Cook 56). While the former puts more emphasis on resisting obstacle the hinder the promotion of faith, including resisting those of different religion; the latter urges a person to fight one’s own sins and become a real Muslim. That is why the perception of jihad as an activity which is aimed at hurting others is absolutely not correct. Conclusion Having examined all the evidence, one is able to come to the following conclusion: both Christianity and Islam addressed the issue of violence and both have been engaged in justification of armed conflicts in the past. However, one must understand that all this was conditioned by the relevant historical events. In other words, the existence of the Crusades as well as struggle between Mecca and Medina should not be seen as an irreplaceable element of each faith, but rather a background on which the religious systems developed. All this leads to the understanding that Christianity and Islam are peaceful religions as they condemn violence and urge their followers to fight their sins rather than other people. The former religious system refers to the example which was set by Christ, suggesting that a person should be able to break the vicious circle of violence by not participating in it. On the other hand, in Islam it is pointed out that jihad – something that every Muslim should be engaged in – can be manifested in lesser and greater form while the greater form deals with abstract notions and moral concepts that inspire a person to become a better human being. Thus, I agree with the both views as they encourage us to be better. Works Cited Canter, David V. The Faces of Terrorism Multidisciplinary Perspectives. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. Print. Cook, David. Understanding Jihad. Berkeley, CA: U of California, 2005. Print. Dear, John. Seeds of Nonviolence. Baltimore, MD: Fortkamp Pub., 1992. Print. Kennedy, Hugh. The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates: The Islamic Near East from the Sixth to the Eleventh Century. 2nd ed. London: Longman, 2004. Print. Mattox, John Mark. Saint Augustine and the Theory of Just War. London: Continuum, 2006. Print. Sullender, R. Scott. Ancient Sins . . . Modern Addictions: A Fresh Look at the Seven Deadly Sins. Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2013. Print. Read More