Arguably, the issue of religion has been controversial issues for a long time. The 9/11 attack raised a lot of issues on involvement of religion on issues of violence in the world. As a matter of fact, religion is more of a practice justifying the allegation that religion could be the cause of violence. According to Hector Alvalos’s, religion is one of the source of immorality in the world and should be extinguished. Based on this argument religion can be dangerous to society in terms of its influence on violence. The 9/11 attack has led to a new definition of religion, which has further been stimulated by the Atheist movement. In the past, many people viewed religion as a way of obtaining peace, but this notion way extinguished after the 9/11 attack. In general perspective, the issues raised against religion has been developing for centuries.
The correlation between violence and religion exists; German and English thinkers. The religion as caused a lot of destruction, for example, the destruction of the European population in the 17th century. In addition, religion is asserted to be the cause of violence since it damages a human character, based on its superstitious beliefs. Many definitions of religion show that religion could be the cause of violence. The existing fundamentalism issues within Christianity and Islam lead to religious liberals and terrorism.
The inevitability of violence in religion is a contentious issue. Social and symbolic boundaries of religion, mobilizes groups and individual's identity in violence and conflict. In this case, religion is viewed as a source of conflict and tension, which solidifies relationship between those in one group and creating a gap between those who cannot be identified in the group (Wellman 4). Arguments based on functionality perspective elaborate on the various practices of religion. Many religious groups enact socially constructed requirements for various ultimate goals. These activities and practices have been taken to justify conflict, terror and war. Religion could therefore, increase some tension and violence through the rationale to destroy an enemy.
Contemporary thinkers have tried to develop, elaborate and prove the connection between violence and religion. Resources play a crucial role in connection this issue. Lack of resources in society will lead to conflict, especially if every individual wants to maintain and acquire this scarce resource. Perhaps, religion has created a modern trend of scarce resources, which act as a mechanism that perpetrates violence. In reality, when resources are scarce there is a possibility of violence and tension. Avalos claims that religion is the creator of a resource and at the same time causes scarcity. Religion uses a shell game, which makes people with supernatural power will guide on how to live, and fulfill the promises (Wellman 8). In addition, religion is a source of identity, meaning when social and symbolic boundaries exist it develops inclusion and exclusion in resource allocation.
Exclusion and inclusion have different effects on the populace. Those who share identities enjoy solitary and a sense of security. On the other hand, those who are excluded create cultural and social binaries. These binaries cause social conflicts and violence. Jessica asserts that religion stems violence due to its facilitation and support most violent human actions and fantasies. Studies show that more than half militant fanatics who committed suicide in carrying out suicide are religious, and came from middle class families. This is also another indicator that religions are connected to violence (Wellman 20). Certainly, notorious killers are asserted to be Lutherans, meaning there is a connection between violence and religion. There are religious leadership and movements that has the mandate and the power to promote and create violence, as well as forms of fanaticism creates violence. Basically, religious violence should be maintained and sustained. Religion if not taken carefully could very dangerous, which in turn lead to violence. Religion has the powers to probe its fanatic ranks. Despite the fact that religion could cause violence, there are occasions that they are beneficial.
Work cited
Wellman, James. Science and the Worlds Religions. University of Washington Religion and Fanatism.
