Book Reviews: Religious Violence, War, Intolerance, Terrorism
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet, at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, terrorism, and even genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?
Road to Martyrs' Square: A Journey into the World of the Suicide Bomber
The suicide bomber, someone who will use themselves as a weapon and is willing to die in order to achieve the goal of killing as many people as possible, has become a symbol of Islamic terrorism around the world. Especially in the Middle East, suicide bombers are not just a tactic used by militant groups, but are now seen as representing an unhealthy obsession with death. Yet just how accurate is this perception?
The suicide bomber, someone who will use themselves as a weapon and is willing to die in order to achieve the goal of killing as many people as possible, has become a symbol of Islamic terrorism around the world. Especially in the Middle East, suicide bombers are not just a tactic used by militant groups, but are now seen as representing an unhealthy obsession with death. Yet just how accurate is this perception?
The Just War and Jihad: Violence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Most religions usually preach peace and brotherhood. Most religions have also become deeply involved with war and violence - at times even becoming a motivating ideology behind the violence. Given the violent propensities of human beings this isn't surprising, and neither is fact that religions have tried to come to grips with this by outlining the ways in which warfare can be initiated and waged in as just a manner as possible. How successful have they been, though?
Most religions usually preach peace and brotherhood. Most religions have also become deeply involved with war and violence - at times even becoming a motivating ideology behind the violence. Given the violent propensities of human beings this isn't surprising, and neither is fact that religions have tried to come to grips with this by outlining the ways in which warfare can be initiated and waged in as just a manner as possible. How successful have they been, though?
For God And Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire
Is America's 'war on terrorism' really a war against extremism and on behalf of democracy, or is it instead a war on Islam? Americans insist that their concern is political, not religious, but there are good reasons to believe that even if this is true, the rhetoric and conduct of Americans is turning the war on terrorism into a war on Islam.
Is America's 'war on terrorism' really a war against extremism and on behalf of democracy, or is it instead a war on Islam? Americans insist that their concern is political, not religious, but there are good reasons to believe that even if this is true, the rhetoric and conduct of Americans is turning the war on terrorism into a war on Islam.
The Crusades: A History; Second Edition
The Crusades helped define the Middle Ages: its politics, its external relations, and its religion. A fundamental component of Crusader theology was that violence for the defense or establishment of a Christian state was a moral imperative - something which God desired and which Christians owed God because of their sin.
The Crusades helped define the Middle Ages: its politics, its external relations, and its religion. A fundamental component of Crusader theology was that violence for the defense or establishment of a Christian state was a moral imperative - something which God desired and which Christians owed God because of their sin.
Fighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violence
Most religions depict themselves as forces for peace and harmony; in reality, most religions have been intimately involved in some of the worst violence that humanity has ever experienced. How and why does this contradiction exist? It's true that religions preach peace overtly, but perhaps there is something going on in the background which people don't notice consciously.
Most religions depict themselves as forces for peace and harmony; in reality, most religions have been intimately involved in some of the worst violence that humanity has ever experienced. How and why does this contradiction exist? It's true that religions preach peace overtly, but perhaps there is something going on in the background which people don't notice consciously.
Guantanamo: The War on Human Rights, by David Rose
The detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has become a symbol for America’s war on terrorism. For some, it’s a symbol of what needs to be done and of America’s resolve. For others, it’s a symbol of an American government that has abandoned its principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has become a symbol for America’s war on terrorism. For some, it’s a symbol of what needs to be done and of America’s resolve. For others, it’s a symbol of an American government that has abandoned its principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
Zen at War, by Brian Victoria
When one thinks of 'holy wars' waged with the approval of religion, religions like Christianity and Islam come to mind, not Eastern religions which appear more peaceful. Buddhism is thought of as focused on the personal development of peace and harmony. Most don't realize the extent of Zen Buddhism's complicity with the Japanese war machine and the horrors it unleashed on Southeast Asia.
When one thinks of 'holy wars' waged with the approval of religion, religions like Christianity and Islam come to mind, not Eastern religions which appear more peaceful. Buddhism is thought of as focused on the personal development of peace and harmony. Most don't realize the extent of Zen Buddhism's complicity with the Japanese war machine and the horrors it unleashed on Southeast Asia.
The First Crusade: A New History
For years, scholars and historians focused on material or economic factors behind the Crusades. People argued that the Crusades were caused by nobles seeking land, wealth, and conquest. Today this has shifted and historians are focusing more on ideological causes: the Crusades were launched because people sincerely believed in the cause.
For years, scholars and historians focused on material or economic factors behind the Crusades. People argued that the Crusades were caused by nobles seeking land, wealth, and conquest. Today this has shifted and historians are focusing more on ideological causes: the Crusades were launched because people sincerely believed in the cause.
The Philosophical Challenge of September 11
The importance of September 11 and the ensuing responses is undeniable. What they ultimately mean, however, is another matter entirely. One might imagine that the meaning of all these events would be obvious, but that isn’t the case - opinions diverge greatly about how to even approach the issues, much less about what conclusions to reach.
The importance of September 11 and the ensuing responses is undeniable. What they ultimately mean, however, is another matter entirely. One might imagine that the meaning of all these events would be obvious, but that isn’t the case - opinions diverge greatly about how to even approach the issues, much less about what conclusions to reach.
Soldiers of God: Primal Emotions and Religious Terrorists
The human species has obviously evolved from earlier primates, which means that we owe not just our biology but also significant aspects of our behavior to our evolutionary past. How much of our religious behavior, though, can be attributed to past evolution and primitive needs? Might traditional religion simply be an expression of other primitive drives?
The human species has obviously evolved from earlier primates, which means that we owe not just our biology but also significant aspects of our behavior to our evolutionary past. How much of our religious behavior, though, can be attributed to past evolution and primitive needs? Might traditional religion simply be an expression of other primitive drives?
Good Muslim, Bad Muslim America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror
The American government says that we are engaged in a war against terrorism, not a war against Islam. Of course, all of he terrorists being targeted happen to be Muslim, leading to the attempted distinction between 'good Muslims' and 'bad Muslims.' Upon what is this distinction based, and is it a valid way of viewing the Middle East?
The American government says that we are engaged in a war against terrorism, not a war against Islam. Of course, all of he terrorists being targeted happen to be Muslim, leading to the attempted distinction between 'good Muslims' and 'bad Muslims.' Upon what is this distinction based, and is it a valid way of viewing the Middle East?
Islam Under Siege: Living Dangerously in a Post-Honour World
Muslims are under pressure from two fronts: on the one hand are Islamic radicals who want to remake Islam in their own image; on the other are Western secularists who would like to see Islam remade in their own image. In the middle are the vast majority of Muslims, neither radical and violent nor secular and liberal. How should they deal with these demands being made on their religion?
Muslims are under pressure from two fronts: on the one hand are Islamic radicals who want to remake Islam in their own image; on the other are Western secularists who would like to see Islam remade in their own image. In the middle are the vast majority of Muslims, neither radical and violent nor secular and liberal. How should they deal with these demands being made on their religion?
Terror and Liberalism
Defenses of the war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq has typically come from conservatives in America while the criticisms have generally come from liberals, but this doesn’t mean that there is no liberal case for combatting Islamic extremism - on the contrary, it is arguable that a more powerful liberal case can be made in defense of basic liberal freedoms...
Defenses of the war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq has typically come from conservatives in America while the criticisms have generally come from liberals, but this doesn’t mean that there is no liberal case for combatting Islamic extremism - on the contrary, it is arguable that a more powerful liberal case can be made in defense of basic liberal freedoms...
America Right Or Wrong: An Anatomy Of American Nationalism
America is arguably both the most modern and the most traditionalist society in the world today. This contradiction lies at the heart of the various problems America has had with its foreign policy. Every nation has some form of nationalism, but American nationalism consists of both strongly forward-looking and strongly backwards-looking elements.
America is arguably both the most modern and the most traditionalist society in the world today. This contradiction lies at the heart of the various problems America has had with its foreign policy. Every nation has some form of nationalism, but American nationalism consists of both strongly forward-looking and strongly backwards-looking elements.
The Palestine-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide
Few people are unaware of the violence which is currently plaguing the Middle East today, especially the violence which keeps occurring between Israelis and Palestinians. At times, it threatens to engulf not only the surrounding nations, but the rest of the world as well. Yet why is this happening - what are the causes, and are there any solutions?
Few people are unaware of the violence which is currently plaguing the Middle East today, especially the violence which keeps occurring between Israelis and Palestinians. At times, it threatens to engulf not only the surrounding nations, but the rest of the world as well. Yet why is this happening - what are the causes, and are there any solutions?
Anti-American Terrorism and the Middle East: A Documentary Reader
It has often been said that when you want the straight truth about something, it is generally better to try to go to the original sources rather than allowing the authors of secondary literature to tell you what those sources say. Naturally many in the West are intensely interested in learning the truth about what radical Islamists think and why - but where can they find the original sources?
It has often been said that when you want the straight truth about something, it is generally better to try to go to the original sources rather than allowing the authors of secondary literature to tell you what those sources say. Naturally many in the West are intensely interested in learning the truth about what radical Islamists think and why - but where can they find the original sources?
Sword of Islam: Muslim Extremism from Arab Conquests on
Islamic extremism has grown into a serious danger around the world - wherever Islam and other religions meet, Muslims extremists are likely there, causing trouble. They are even a danger to other Muslims who are treated as insufficiently orthodox. What many do not realize, however, is that such extremism is not a recent development - in fact, it has existed almost since the beginning of Islam.
Islamic extremism has grown into a serious danger around the world - wherever Islam and other religions meet, Muslims extremists are likely there, causing trouble. They are even a danger to other Muslims who are treated as insufficiently orthodox. What many do not realize, however, is that such extremism is not a recent development - in fact, it has existed almost since the beginning of Islam.
The Holy War Idea in Western and Islamic Traditions
Holy wars are a source of both terror and fascination for many people in the West. At one time an important aspect of Christian doctrine, the concept has been relegated to the sphere of fanaticism and primitive barbarism - but not everyone shares this dismissive attitude. In Islam, holy wars remain a key ingredient of both doctrine and practice. Why does this difference exist?
Holy wars are a source of both terror and fascination for many people in the West. At one time an important aspect of Christian doctrine, the concept has been relegated to the sphere of fanaticism and primitive barbarism - but not everyone shares this dismissive attitude. In Islam, holy wars remain a key ingredient of both doctrine and practice. Why does this difference exist?
Religion and Violence: Philosophical Perspectives
Although it is clear that religion can play an important role in the cause or at least the intensification of violence, could religion and religious language serve a useful purpose in understanding violence and the violent tendencies in both individuals humans and human social groups?
Although it is clear that religion can play an important role in the cause or at least the intensification of violence, could religion and religious language serve a useful purpose in understanding violence and the violent tendencies in both individuals humans and human social groups?
Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam
Why is it that Islam seems to be the only world religion which consistently produces large-scale terrorism and suicide bombers who kill and die explicitly in the name of their faith? Who are the people who commit such terrorism in the name of Islam? What do they want to achieve through their violent actions, and why?
Why is it that Islam seems to be the only world religion which consistently produces large-scale terrorism and suicide bombers who kill and die explicitly in the name of their faith? Who are the people who commit such terrorism in the name of Islam? What do they want to achieve through their violent actions, and why?
Why the Nations Rage: Killing in the Name of God
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet, at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, and even genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet, at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, and even genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?
Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence
Religious terrorism is a dark spectre which has been haunting the world with increased bloodshed over the past three decades. At the same time, numerous religious leaders have tried to reassure people that their religions (and religion in general) are forces for peace, love and social harmony. If these leaders are correct, then why does the violence not only continue, but continue to worsen?
Religious terrorism is a dark spectre which has been haunting the world with increased bloodshed over the past three decades. At the same time, numerous religious leaders have tried to reassure people that their religions (and religion in general) are forces for peace, love and social harmony. If these leaders are correct, then why does the violence not only continue, but continue to worsen?
Religion and Violence: Philosophical Perspectives
Although it is clear that religion can play an important role in the cause or at least the intensification of violence, could religion and religious language serve a useful purpose in understanding violence and the violent tendencies in both individuals humans and human social groups?
Although it is clear that religion can play an important role in the cause or at least the intensification of violence, could religion and religious language serve a useful purpose in understanding violence and the violent tendencies in both individuals humans and human social groups?
Culture Wars and the Global Village
People often claim that they are interested in living in peace, but why then do we continue to have so much conflict in areas like the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and other areas? Is there something about human nature which makes conflict inevitable and peace impossible? According to Carl Coon, the answers lie not so much in human biology, but in the development of human culture.
People often claim that they are interested in living in peace, but why then do we continue to have so much conflict in areas like the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and other areas? Is there something about human nature which makes conflict inevitable and peace impossible? According to Carl Coon, the answers lie not so much in human biology, but in the development of human culture.
New Terror, New Wars
The nature of warfare and violent international conflict appears to have changed dramatically over the past couple of decades, and without anyone quite noticing until after it had occurred. At one time, war was something waged between states and where individuals find themselves as enemies through accidents of birth and nationality.
The nature of warfare and violent international conflict appears to have changed dramatically over the past couple of decades, and without anyone quite noticing until after it had occurred. At one time, war was something waged between states and where individuals find themselves as enemies through accidents of birth and nationality.
September 11: Religious Perspectives on the Causes
September 11: Terrorism today is rarely just about politics - often, it is at least as much about religion. Because such terrible acts of violence stem in so many ways from religious roots, they also raise uniquely religious questions about things like the nature of faith and the role of religion in society.
September 11: Terrorism today is rarely just about politics - often, it is at least as much about religion. Because such terrible acts of violence stem in so many ways from religious roots, they also raise uniquely religious questions about things like the nature of faith and the role of religion in society.
Wrath of Angels: The American Abortion War
Anti-abortion activism is the largest social protest movement since the 1960s anti-war demonstrations. Despite its size and power, however, it has failed to achieve its primary goal of making abortion once again illegal. They have certainly intimidated some abortion providers out of the profession, but otherwise the movement has become more symbolic rather than effective.
Anti-abortion activism is the largest social protest movement since the 1960s anti-war demonstrations. Despite its size and power, however, it has failed to achieve its primary goal of making abortion once again illegal. They have certainly intimidated some abortion providers out of the profession, but otherwise the movement has become more symbolic rather than effective.
Targets of Hatred: Anti-Abortion Terrorism
There are any number of divisive issues which cause problems in American politics, but the worst may be that of abortion. Although there has long existed the specter of violence in association with other debates, including the one on homosexuality, it has been a while since any has been afflicted with quite the level and organization of widespread violence around the entire country.
There are any number of divisive issues which cause problems in American politics, but the worst may be that of abortion. Although there has long existed the specter of violence in association with other debates, including the one on homosexuality, it has been a while since any has been afflicted with quite the level and organization of widespread violence around the entire country.
American Massacre: The Tragedy at Mountain Meadows
Emigrating from Arkansas to California in 1857, a train of wagons had the misfortune to pass through the Utah Territory during a time of violence and heightened tension between the Territorial government and the United States government. The result was the massacre of around 140 men, women, and children
Emigrating from Arkansas to California in 1857, a train of wagons had the misfortune to pass through the Utah Territory during a time of violence and heightened tension between the Territorial government and the United States government. The result was the massacre of around 140 men, women, and children
Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre
Although an engaging and readable history, Bagley is not offering an impersonal discussion of historical events. Instead, he is searching to answer to vital questions: "What did Brigham Young know, and when did he know it?"
Although an engaging and readable history, Bagley is not offering an impersonal discussion of historical events. Instead, he is searching to answer to vital questions: "What did Brigham Young know, and when did he know it?"