Introduction
In recent years, terrorism has received much attention and discussion since it is a complicated and diverse problem. Religion is frequently considered a significant element in determining its members’ social and political attitudes, even if many other factors contribute to the formation and continuation of terrorism. Depending on various elements, including religious doctrine, individual identity, and interpersonal dynamics, religious groups may interpret and react to terrorist activities differently. Religious teachings, identity, and group dynamics influence a religion’s followers’ social and political attitudes regarding terrorism, resulting in a complex and multidimensional collection of perspectives and responses. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are the three main religions that have impacted how people feel about terrorism.
The Role of Major Religions in Shaping Attitudes Toward Terrorism
Islam
In today’s reality, the first religion that comes to mind when one says violence or terrorism is Islam. Including more than 1.8 billion adherents worldwide, Islam ranks among the biggest religions (Fairchild, 2021). Islam is divided into three sects: Sunni, Shia, and Salafism.
Sunni and Shia Muslims believe that terrorism is against God’s will and a violation of Islamic teachings. Salafism, an incredibly orthodox branch of Sunni Islam, is the final tendency and has recently been linked to terrorism (Wibisono et al., 2019). Islam is interpreted strictly by Salafis, who frequently use violence to achieve their objectives.
Christianity
Another religion in which terrorism has little influence is Christianity. Across more than 2.3 billion adherents worldwide, Christianity is the most popular religion (Fairchild, 2021). However, considerably less frequently than Islam, Christianity has also been connected to terrorism. Most Christians think that terrorism is morally reprehensible and conflicts with their beliefs.
There are many different sects, such as Catholics, Protestants, and the Christian identity of Christianity. Each has its own unique beliefs about terrorism. For instance, Catholics and Protestants oppose violence and terrorism and think utilizing these tactics to further one’s goals is inconsistent with religion.
At the same time, adherents of Christian identity believe that the white race is God’s true chosen people and that other groups attack them (Wibisono et al., 2019). They often justify acts of terrorism as a defense against perceived threats. The American far-right includes groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, the Order, the Aryan Nations, groups identified with the Christian Identity movement, and neo-Nazis/skinheads (Gentry, 2022, p. 211). The members’ views of these sects were radical towards people who did not look like them.
Judaism
The last popular religion discussed in this paper is Judaism. There are approximately 14 million Jews worldwide, making Judaism one of the oldest religions (Fairchild, 2021). Three sects, the Orthodox, Reform, and Jewish Defense League (JDL), make up the majority of believers. Following their beliefs, both the Orthodox and Reform Jews oppose violence (Wibisono et al., 2019).
Contrarily, the Jewish League encourages violence to defend Jews against fictitious enemies. This is a blatant example of acts of violence by this religious sect. Forty-three terrorist actions between 1977 and 1986 were blamed on JDL supporters and members (Stohl, 2020). This violent conduct by this religious cult is a clear example of that.
Influence of Religious Sects on Members’ Social and Political Attitudes
Islamic Sects
Religion can influence the social and political views of the members of each sect in several ways. In Islam, for example, for Sunni and Shiite Muslims, the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad serve as the primary sources of guidance on social and political issues. Both sects believe that terrorist acts violate the basic principles of Islam, which emphasize compassion, justice, and respect for human life (Intan & Bangun, 2022).
The Salafis, on the other hand, adhere to a strict interpretation of Islamic law and often view violence as a justifiable strategy to achieve their goals. An example of religious terrorism in Islam is the terrorist group ISIS. They have recruited several Indonesian citizens to join their fight in Iraq and Syria, using social media to offer them fabulous rewards in return (Intan & Bangun, 2022). Due to the misinterpretation of Islam, ISIS has reached Indonesia and taken over many territories.
Christian Sects
The Bible is the primary source of teaching on social and political issues for Catholics and many Protestant denominations in Christianity. Both organizations believe terrorism and violent acts are incompatible with Christian teaching, which strongly emphasizes forgiveness, love, and nonviolence. At the same time, members of Christian Identity hold a white supremacy worldview, which contradicts fundamental Christian principles. This group sees violence as a defense against potential threats and a tool to maintain its commitment to white supremacy.
Jewish Sects
For Orthodox and Reform Jews, the Torah and other sacred texts serve as the primary sources of guidance on social and political issues. Both groups believe that terrorism and violence are incompatible with Jewish teachings, emphasizing compassion, justice, and respect for human life (Wibisono et al., 2019). The Jewish Defense League, however, has a far-right ideology that often justifies acts of violence against perceived threats to Jewish identity and interests.
Religion as a Foundation for Social and Political Ideologies on Terrorism
Although religion might affect its adherents’ social and political opinions, it is crucial to remember that each sect frequently has diverse views. Many elements, such as individual experiences, cultural settings, and political environment, might influence the opinions and convictions of particular sect members. Also, it is essential to consider each sect member’s unique typological traits, such as temperament and character.
Religion significantly influences how its adherents view terrorism on a social and political level. Typically, various techniques are employed to indoctrinate sect members with the desired message. Religious teaching, identity, and shifting group dynamics are a few of these.
The fundamental tenets of many religions frequently emphasize virtues like mercy, justice, and respect for human life. As a result, those who follow these religions might consider acts of terrorism to be against these principles and condemn them as immoral or unethical (Intan & Bangun, 2022). On the other hand, some religious doctrines may encourage violence under certain conditions, which could result in a more tolerant attitude toward terrorism.
Religion plays a major role in many people’s identity processes. Religious views and values can influence a person’s perspective and outlook on social and political issues and how they approach potential solutions. Members of a sect, for instance, may use force and violence to address issues. This might result in a harsher or more dogmatic view of issues like terrorism in some circumstances, while it might result in a more nuanced or empathetic attitude in others.
Religion can influence group dynamics and how people interact with one another. The sense of community and purpose that religious communities develop can result in a more unified approach to problems such as terrorism (Intan & Bangun, 2022). Thus, there may be an increase in terrorist and violent acts by sect members. On the other hand, religious differences can increase interpersonal conflict and promote a more divisive or combative approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, religion is a significant factor in influencing societal and political perceptions of terrorism. Religious sects may see and react to acts of terrorism differently depending on religious teachings, identities, and group dynamics. Even though certain religious groups may see terrorism as incompatible with their core principles and values, others may justify or even urge violence under particular conditions. To create effective methods that account for the many religious beliefs, identities, and group dynamics, it is crucial to establish a sophisticated knowledge of the complicated relationship between religion and terrorism.
References
Fairchild, M. (2021). Take a tour of the global religious landscape. Learn Religions. Web.
Gentry, C. E. (2022). Misogynistic terrorism: It has always been here. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 15(1), 209–224. Web.
Intan, B. F., & Bangun, C. (2022). Principled pluralism and the prevention of religious terrorism in Indonesia. Religions, 13(5), 429. Web.
Stohl, M. (2020). The politics of terrorism, third edition, CRC Press.
Wibisono, S., Louis, W. R., & Jetten, J. (2019). A multidimensional analysis of religious extremism. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(2). Web.