Religious beliefs and practices
Religion has been an integral part of human society. People try to explain the mysteries of the universe by looking at a higher power. Interestingly, religious extremists are responsible for numerous wars and terrorist activities globally throughout history. From the crusades in the medieval era to terrorist attacks such as 9/11, religion has been unable to dissociate itself from violence and intolerance. Even though most religions espouse positive attributes such as peace, harmony, and love, the perversion of religious teachings encourages hatred and violence in society.
The pervasion of religious teachings causes violence and disharmony in society. Even though humans have diverse religious beliefs and practices, the universal teaching of religions is love and respect for humanity. In this context, violence, hatred, and division contradict the very sense of religious practice. However, since religion is a sensitive and emotional aspect, the message is easy to manipulate to suit different political ideologies and agendas. Extremists groups like ISIS perverse the Koran’s teachings on the Jihad to inspire division, hatred, and violence in society. This situation is not unique to Islam as the perversion of teachings from other religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism has been the cause of war and upheaval across the globe. The reason that makes religion to encourage division and harm is that it stirs human emotion and passions. As a result, adherents believe that they are fighting for a higher cause or purpose. Therefore, religious leaders and followers should be careful in the interpretation of religious teachings since it causes division and violence.
The link between religion and violence has existed throughout history. Numerous atrocities and violent acts are a result of the misinterpretation or perversion of religious teachings. Although religions espouse positive attributes such as peace and harmony, its ability to stir emotions, causing division and hatred. Therefore, society should focus on using religion to spread peace and coexistence rather than war and destruction.