330 likes | 401 Views
Explore the intricate dynamics of religious conflicts, from Shia-Sunni disputes to historical clashes like the Crusades, while uncovering the common ground between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Delve into the role of religion in warfare and the impact of fundamental beliefs on global conflicts. The text navigates the complexities of loyalty to one's tradition and respect for diverse faiths, reflecting on how religion can either fuel violence or foster social aspirations. Witness the historical intersections of faiths, such as the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan and the ongoing struggles in Palestine.
E N D
Religious Conflicts • Religion can be a powerful force in warfare by reinforcing ethnicity in making a conflict more intractable and cruel • Not usually the only reason for conflict, but frequently plays a pivotal role (i.e., Shia-Sunni conflict) • Share fundamental beliefs/practices • Difference originally political, involving who should lead after Muhammad’s death
Religious Conflicts • Despite religious conflicts, many similarities exist between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam… • Are monotheistic (believe in one god) • Descendents of Abraham • Accept concept of sin, the value of prayer, and necessity of repentance • Find meaning in life through deep, personal relationship with God “The problem to be faced is how to combine loyalty to one’s own tradition with reverence for different traditions.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
Religious Conflicts • How has religion become the crucible for violence? • Belief of belonging to a chosen people • Belief in aggressive missionarism • Religion as symbolic structure of conflict • Religion can become the invoked ideology or “social cleavage along which other struggles become mapped” • Example: Sunni-Shia conflict in Iraq—Political struggle or spiritual?? Religion may be the vehicle for the expression of deeply and widely held social aspirations.
Religion and war • 1745 wars have taken place in human history (The Encyclopedia of Wars) • Over 420 - religious in nature • Christianity and Islam have been involved in over 85% of the religious wars.
Year 312 CE: Roman Emperor Constantine converts to Christianity
Year 988: Russia is converted to Christianity: destruction of pagan gods
1572: On St. Bartholomew’s Day, French Protestants kill Catholics
Taliban Versus West • Taliban in Afghanistan-1996- welcomed by citizens and Western MDCs. • Religious fundamentalists • Shave beard?- beating • Adultery?- Stoning • Homosexual?-buried alive • Prostitute?- public lynching • Thief- Hands cut off • Painted nails? Fingers cut off
Taliban… • No music playing, kites, TV, Internet-soccer stadiums became public torture arenas • Blew up Buddha statues dated 2nd century A.D. • Supported by CIA right up to 9/11 • Female suicides up under Taliban regime
Wall • US consulting Israel about barrier to be used along US-Mexican border