Ch. 6—religion

1. Ch. 6—religion KI 4: why do territorial conflicts arise among religious groups?

2. Religion versus social change • Taliban versus western values • Taliban means ‘religious students’—gained power in Afghanistan in 1996 • Had run religious schools, mosques, and social services in region since 7th century, shortly after arrival of Islam to the region • Once gained control of government, imposed very strict laws inspired by Islamic values as interpreted by Taliban • Believed they had been called by God to purge Afghanistan of ‘sin and violence’ and make it a pure Islam state—most Muslims believe Taliban have incorrectly interpreted Quran • Read Article on women in Afghanistan

3. http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-25/world/42374760_1_afghan-activist-in-laws-sheltershttp://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-25/world/42374760_1_afghan-activist-in-laws-shelters

4. Religion vs. Communism • Organized religion (Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Buddhism) was challenged by communism in the 20th century • Peter the Great has made Orthodox church part of Russian Gov’t (1721) • Following Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, communist gov’t pursued anti-religious programs • all church buildings were nationalized in 1918 and could only be used for official gov’t business • Religion interfered with Marxism and was viewed as a potential threat to the success of the revolution, so they tried to eliminate from part of daily life • Proletariat vs. Bourgeoisie (religion could ruin it)

5. Religion vs. religion • Resurgence of religious fundamentalism—strict adherence to basic principles—led to more intense conflicts • Ireland: 87% Irish Catholic, Northern Ireland: 46% Protestant to 40% Catholic • Entire island made part of UK in 1801—after fighting, famine, mass emigration, Ireland became own nation under British Empire in 1921, completely independent in 1937, and created a republic in 1949 • When Ireland became independent, a majority in 6 northern counties voted to remain part of UK—mostly protestant counties

6. Irish Conflict • Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland have been discriminated against (exclusion from jobs, schools, etc.) • More than 3,000 people have been killed since 1968 in violent conflicts from both sides • IRA—militant group trying to achieve Irish unity by any means necessary • Flag Controversy of last year

7. Read “Jerusalem: Contested Geography” on page 198

8. Jews vs. Muslims in Palestine • Ottoman Empire (Muslim) controlled Palestine from 1516 to 1917 until its defeat in WWI—then controlled by Great Britain • British originally allowed Jews to return to region until 1930s when pressure from Arabs in region forced more restrictions • After WWII British announced they were leaving after violent attacks from both sides • In 1947, United Nations voted to partition Palestine into two separate states, one Jewish and one Muslim • Jerusalem would be international city, open to all religions and run by UN • In 1948 Brits left and Jews declared Israel an independent state within the boundaries set by the UN • Next day, Arab Muslim States declared war

9. 6 days war 1967—Israel gained control of West Bank and entire city of Jerusalem • Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979, but many territories controlled by Israel are still not settled