RELIGION AND VIOLENCE: APPRECIATING TRADITIONAL ETHICAL REASONING IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

This article explores the complex and often-misunderstood relationship between religion and violence, arguing for an appreciation of the traditional ethical reasoning that exists within all major faiths. It critiques the simplistic view that religion is a primary cause of violence, positing instead that religious texts and traditions are complex resources that can be mobilized to justify both violence and peace. The study examines how political actors can selectively interpret religious doctrines to legitimize conflict. The research then focuses on the often-overlooked traditions of peace, tolerance, and non-violence that are also central to the ethical teachings of the world's religions. The paper argues that a deeper appreciation of this traditional ethical reasoning is essential for inter-faith dialogue and for countering the narratives of religious extremists. The analysis concludes that religion is not the problem, but a contested terrain, and that the resources for peace within religious traditions must be actively promoted to overcome the forces of violence.

In a world increasingly troubled by religiously-motivated violence, it is crucial to move beyond simplistic explanations. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of the relationship between religion and violence, with a special focus on the importance of appreciating the depth of traditional ethical reasoning. The analysis begins by challenging the secularist assumption that religion is inherently irrational and prone to violence. The core of the article is an argument for a more sophisticated understanding of religious traditions as vast and complex repositories of meaning, which contain within them a wide range of ethical possibilities. The paper examines how extremist groups are able to "hijack" religion by selectively quoting sacred texts and de-contextualizing historical events to construct a narrative that justifies hatred and violence. The second part of the study provides a powerful counter-narrative. It delves into the rich traditions of peace, compassion, and justice that are also at the heart of the world's major faiths. It provides examples of the ethical reasoning within traditions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism that have been used to promote non-violence, social justice, and reconciliation. The findings lead to a clear conclusion: to effectively combat religious extremism, it is not enough to condemn it from a secular standpoint. It is essential to engage in an internal, theological, and ethical debate within the religious traditions themselves, and to actively support and amplify the voices of peace and tolerance that draw on the deepest ethical resources of their faith.