The Connection of Religion and Terrorism - Research Paper Example

UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION: RELIGION AND TERRORISM Religion is an important aspect of a person’s life. It is what directs a human being to the right path, a faith that completes one’s character, and a belief which shows a track that is moral and upright. A person’s faith---to a great extent---can deeply affect his reasoning. Moreover, such principles influence one’s decisions, whether in simple cases as choosing the ideal companions, or on more gaping circumstances. Faith is a theological concept, delineated as confidence on something or someone. It can be depicted as a reality without confirmation, to some, religion is something that they hold on to in trying times it is what keeps them going, in the course of difficult odds and ordeals. In contrast, some believe that faith merely exists to give comfort to those who need it. Such context is the reason why for Atheists, religion is being utilized by those who are weak, helping them in drawing some strength for the world’s ambiguities. Mainly, one’s belief is greatly influenced by his culture. Diversity in ways of life often heads to mixtures of principles. Problem arises not because of these differences. Clash is frequently brought about when people decline to accept those contradictions. What truly gives rise to terrorism? It is not a deed that one would immediately commit when angered. Violence occurs when there is overwhelming feeling of hatred. Before someone commits a tragic act, it begins with something that is intense. Terrorism is not a simple act of rebellion, it embarks on issues which are more profound, struggles which may had been expressed---but were unheard. Yaran, Cafer S. has written, “The human spirit is capable of both good and evil inspirations… It is our duty to distinguish between that which is celestial and worthy of following, and that which is diabolic and fit to be shunned (49).” Everyone is given the opportunity to make his or her own choices, a free will is given to all to make his own decision. The freedom to decide on issues includes the choice of religion. Thus, respect, as well as responsibility for whatever religion a person chooses, must also go along with that freedom. Religion, based on various teachings, is an incredible idea that instructs its believers to do good. It points the people to figure out what is noble and to rebuff what is sinful. Given such idea of devotion, it is indeed perplexing how certain religions had been associated with terrorism. Unjust, as it may seem, the religion of Islam has been linked up for various terrorisms for several years now. Since the September 11 attack in 2001, things were never the same again between Christians and Muslims. The tension between the two religions never came to subside, instead, it continues to intensify, as the Christians incessantly hold the Muslims responsible for bombings, kidnappings, and other acts of terrorism. Haddad, Yvonne, Y. mentioned, “The AL-Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are repeatedly depicted as having “changed America forever (1).” The combat between Muslims and Christians is more than just cultural differences. Such hostilities were brought about and heightened by such belief that terror campaigns are carried out by the advocates of Islam. Haar, Gerrie et al. stated, “In most cases, people have been concentrating on religious fundamentalism and, after the events of “9/11”, on religious terrorism: terror carried out in the name of God. The transnational character of these phenomena, typical of the present era, affects all parts of the globe, in the Western and non Western world alike (3).” Countless media coverage has deepened the conflict, although it was revealed that issues are somehow being overstated. Cnn.com has published, “The terrorist threat posed by radicalized Muslim- Americans has been exaggerated, according to a study released Wednesday by researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.” The dispute between Muslim and Christianity is not the only one that demonstrates the battle of diverse belief. In Northern Island, “A Centuries Old Conflict” remains unresolved not only for political reasons. The argument between the Christians and the Protestants began as early as the 17th century. Even though it can be safely said that the collision between the two groups has subsequently died down, the wrangle over the religious oppositions continues. In Africa, in year 2000, Christians also revolted against the plan of introducing Islam in the country. Mason, Barry et. al wrote, “Violent religious clashes broke out in the city of Kaduna in northern Nigeria on February 21 and have continued throughout the week. Kaduna is the second largest city in the north. The clashes followed a march by tens of thousands of Christians to protest the proposal to introduce Muslim sharia law as the criminal code throughout Kaduna state.” Immediate actions were taken by the Christians to prevent the introduction of the religion of Muslims in Africa. It may be unreasonable to generally pronounce conclusion and to take a much broader view than what it actually is. Indeed, Islam is not a religion of heartlessness. No creed would lead its people to malevolence. Then again, each yearns to protect what he believes, which primarily churns out defense and instant refusal of listening or at least giving respect to others. Christians hankered after what they deem as right---even if it meant aggression and hostility. Muslims, especially those who live in foreign countries go through discriminations and harshness. Ruthven, Malise, cited, “Few things are more indicative of the cultural differences between Europe and the Arab world than the sounds which emerge from the radio (80).” According to Islam-Guide.com, “In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims.  Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam. “ Such statement clearly demonstrates that Muslims do not accept any act of violence, and they, too, believe that a terrorism deed is be considered as a violation to their religion. However, in the face of immeasurable explications by the believers of Allah, Christians refuse to accept and believe that claims of innocence. While the conflict between Christians and Muslims increase, the two religions concentrate on their differences, arguments and the battle perseveres. Allin, Bill wrote, “Today, we see fear on the parts of the world’s largest religions, Islam and Christianity. Few who write about these two religions stress the similarities of their common histories and belief set, preferring instead to focus on their differences. This results in war or what we now call terrorism.” Terror campaigns continue. Bombings are rampant. A world which is supposed to be protected by religion, sadly, is being wounded by people’s faith. Hazzan, Rias wrote, “Suicide bombing attacks have become a weapon of choice among terrorist groups because of their lethality and ability to cause mayhem and fear. Though they are depressing, the almost-daily news reports of deaths caused by suicide attacks rarely explain what motivates the attackers. Between 1981 and 2006, 1,200 suicide attacks made up 4 percent of all terrorist attacks in the world.” Indeed, it is a saddening fact that killings are done with intentions that remain unclear. Unimaginable bombings and terrible hostilities take place but the motives continues to be unthinkable. The conflict in religion is wide-reaching. It is like a communicable disease that contaminates various areas. In Europe, where the major religion is Christianity, squabbles among Orthodox, Protestants and Muslims are indeed notable. Consequently, disparities in dedication result to brutalities, although it is also unmistakable that the believer’s rebuff on opening his mind towards others steers to a more astounding arguments. Ahmed, Akbar S. emphasized, “Colonial rule for Muslims was an unmitigated disaster. No arguments about Europe providing railways and the telegraph, or maintaining law and order, can conceal or assuage this fact. Colonization affected the Islamic ideal by contorting and smothering it.” The religion of Islam is apparently the most contentious among the religious hullabaloos. It somewhat overshadows other religious quandaries and generally dominates in different reports. Conversely, the issues of other religious contentions also gave rise to further worldwide crisis. In a world where everybody ruminates he knows best---there will never be a place for peace. Whether or not there is a connection between religion and terrorism, it is uncertain. What is clear amidst the chaos among Christians, Protestants, Atheists, Muslims, Orthodox, and other religious groups---is that as long as there is no willingness to accept the differences, and while everyone is being self righteous---harmony will remain to be a mere vision. As one is nurtured from childhood, along with his culture, faith is also inculcated by parents or guardians. Unquestionably, one’s ethos intensely influences his behavior. Atheists, which remains to be open and unguarded, is believed to be significantly swayed by the ethnicity. Atheists induces controversy. Not having anything to believe in, no hell to be afraid of, without heaven to instigate one to do goodness---nonbelievers are plainly mind-boggling to others. Atheist cannot even be defined as religion. Yet, these groups are just as passionate as the believers about what they deem and accept as true. Higher power is non-existent to Atheists. This issue had been weighed up and had been discussed in various debates as well. Christians have repeatedly and openly disapproved of these agnostics. Each condemns the other. The groups wrestle about the issues of life after death, and other spiritual concerns. Subsequently, religious conviction is nowhere. Empathy is lacking. Love is almost nonexistent. Anger prevail, fury subsists in the hearts of many. Hatred and revulsion reign. Generally, while humanity is meant to be united by faith, where love is anticipated when there is conviction, people are manifestly divided by the same reason which is assumed to join them. What is rather amusing is how each religion affirms that theirs is the truth or the way to a life that is forever and eternal. Faith, as often classified as truth without proof, is frequently tested. Uncertainties on the existence of God, questions about substantiation on Allah’s existence, incessantly comes with unconstructive consequences. Belief and religion implies love and worship. Faith teaches balance and acceptance. It is in fact distressing, that as one watches over his faith and conviction, ferocity towers over what they are fighting for. Religion---whether real or imaginary---is aimed to bring on a world which is undisturbed, a tranquility that is not made up or pretentious. Works Cited Akbar, Ahmed S.,Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society, p.117, 2002, London. Allin, Bill, Turning It Around: Causes and Cures for Today’s Epidemic Social Problems, . CNN.com. January 2, 2010, Study: Threat of Muslim-American Terrorism in US Exaggerated < http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/01/06/muslim.radicalization.study/index.html>. Haar, Gerrie et al., Religion, Violence and Visions for Peace, p. 3,2005, Boston. Haddad, Yvonne, Y., The Shaping of Arab and Muslim Identity in the United States, p.1, 2004, Baylor University Press, Waco, Texas. Hazzan, Rias, Religion is not the Primary Motivation of Suicide Bombers, 11 September, 2009, The Daily Star, . Islam-Guide.com, What Does Islam Say About Terrorism?, < http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm>. Mason, Barry, et. al, Religious Conflicts in Nigeria, 28 February 2000, . Ruthven, Malise, Islam in the World, p.80, 2000, Oxford. Yaran, Cafer S., Understanding Islam, p. 49, 2007, Edinburgh. Read More