Thanks for visiting my blog, Serving Bread. Here you'll read stories, insights, reflections and ramblings from a campus minister, father, husband and Jesus-follower. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to the RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
A new book from InterVarsity Press asks the question, “Does Religion Cause War?” It seems that the popular answer to that questions is an emphatic “Yes!” I just read in the ‘Letters’ section of Time Magazine a reader respond negatively to Time’s portrayal of Pastor Rick Warren because she claims that it is a well known fact that religions cause war.
In the 20th century there are many things that have caused wars, and some of the more flagrant wars were not caused by religion but rather by irreligious societies. The Soviet Union and China purged millions of their own, and these societies slammed the idea of God. Hitler’s Germany caused much chaos, violence, and war and the underlying philosophy was far from religion.
Both George Bush’s led our country to war for economic and resource issues–not religion (I recognize that the jury is still out on why we are at war in Iraq, but I think we can agree that religion was not the cause of either wars). Of course religion can cause war. I grew up in a country marred by a bloody civil war in the name of “religion.”
So I appreciate Meic Pearse’s exploration of that question in his book The Gods of War. What do you think is the underlying motive for war? (Meic explores that question in chapter 7) Do you think that the motive for why nations go to war has changed over the centuries? Does the motive for war change based on a nation’s government or economic system? In other words, would a Communist China have different motives for war than a Theocracy like Iran and a Democracy/Capitalistic system like the United States?
I will mail out this book (includes free shipping) to the person who best articulates (I’m the judge) the cause for war. You can do something on your own blog or respond to this post regarding this question. (Make sure you link back to this post to notify me of your answer)
-----
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to grab the RSS feed. Also, please take a moment to submit this post through "Share This" above.
-----
|
Related Posts: |
Great idea!
I wonder if I should also participate in this… hmmm…
I think the underlying cause of war is that humanity is evil by nature. I think that when people embrace the evilness instead of embracing a loving, caring, compassionate, and forgiving God that they end up turning to evil ways. Everyone makes mistakes, everone fights, but there’s a thin line between casual conflict of the flesh and a downright evil nature.
I do believe that often times when countries respond to war (like the US has done) that this in an attempt to defend and protect. No war is good, but the final outcomes can be if turned around.
@Raffi: Definitely join the conversation!
@Rebekah: I agree that our sinful nature would lead us and our governments to resolve conflict via violence. But you know, most of those who are engaging in war would disagree. In other words, who would admit that they are intentionally embracing evil rather than love, care and compassion?
The answer of ‘evil’ might provide some sort of theological reason for why war exists, but it seems to me that it doesn’t lay down many roads to frame a discussion that would allow conflicting nations to check their motivation and put words to them when they are considering war as a solution to their disagreements. Thoughts?
This time around, Rebekah gets the book!
Congrats. Rebekah!
Hard luck for me
Have a look at my post
Guess it depends on your definition of religion.
If you define religion as a system of beliefs ultimately beyond reason, then I think religion tends to be the justifying force for almost all wars, even if the real underlying reasons are actually mostly about money and power.
I think all organized religions–including the Christian faith–fit that description. I’m not sure that the Soviet Union or Communist China or the Third Reich differ from more recognized religions in that respect. All are based–ultimately–on appeals to power and authority beyond reason, which I think is the essence of all religious forms, officially secular or not.
If history teaches anything, it’s that religious communities and systems regularly justify and pave the way for violence and war. I think we Christians need to acknowledge and recognize that fact, even if we’re confident that the fundamental reasons for war can be found elsewhere.
Seems to me the more interesting question is to figure out how to block the power of religious communities to so easily incite and justify war. Lots to work with along those lines in the Christian tradition.