“What is the most common argument that we hear raised against religion? In my experience, it is not an argument about faith or about the existence of God. It is a simple and rather devastating accusation: Religions cause wars, don’t they? Well – no, they don’t. But, only too often, they are used as an excuse to make aggression seem respectable. Christianity has a doctrine of original sin; Islam teaches that no one is free from evil impulses; everyone has his or her personal “devil”. The whole point of the greater jihad, the inward battle, is to subdue those impulses and conquer that devil. Most of us, however, are subject to social constraints that prevent us from acting as badly as we might otherwise do. We want to be liked. We seek the approval of our fellows and their respect. But that devil within is always on the look out to take command without losing the respect of his social milieu. Religion and politics are at hand to be used as an excuse, and they are used. Murder becomes justified. The murderer is a hero. So what happens when some Muslim ruler, devoid of true faith, wishes to give full rein to his impulses of aggression, ambition and hatred? He must pretend that he is waging jihad and persuade his people that his cause is just. We have to remember that Christian rulers, both in England and Germany during the First World War, announced publicly that God was on their side. It is a trick as old as human history; and religion gets the blame.” (Gai Eaton – REFLECTIONS)
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:33:16 +0000
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