Religion-Related Violence: Cause and Cure
One of most urgent needs facing Christians today involves effectively dealing with unprecedented confrontational encounters between diverse faith groups and their devotees.
By Tony Richie
Religion-related violence is destructive for everyone. American pastor, theologian, ethicist, and political commentator, Reinhold Niebuhr, observed that “religious diversity remains potentially the most basic source of conflict”. The September 11, 2001 attack by Islamist terrorists on the United States supports Niebuhr’s comment. Scholars from diverse denominations and disciplines agree. Lutheran Martin Marty, specialist in religion in the public square, suggests interreligious rivalry threatens the security and stability, even the very survival, of contemporary society. Catholic theologian and ecumenist Hans Küng insists that ongoing interreligious violence is a chief obstacle to peace among the nations. Arguably, violence among the religions is among the most pressing problems facing us today.
According to sociologist Mark Juergensmeyer, religion-related violence is particularly disturbing and prevalent in contemporary society. Historically, faith has been used by extremists and radicals to provide moral justification for violence in all major religions—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist. Yet religion-related violence is rising dramatically, probably in resistance to challenges of modern globalization. Those who resort to religious violence (aka religious terrorists) attempt to defend or promote a narrow worldview perceived to be under threat in today’s world. Therefore, religious contributions to contemporary global violence, and their underlying interreligious nature, must be addressed. Perhaps surprisingly, Juergensmeyer argues that the deepest and best resources of religion itself are the greatest instruments for overcoming interfaith conflict. In short, religion can be either “a cause” or “a cure” for violent conflict.
Accordingly, Christians have a moral and spiritual obligation to help resolve current religion-related conflicts. A key biblical text for Pentecostals, probably due to deep roots in the Holiness Movement, has been Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (NKJV). Church of God Bible scholar and theologian Donald Bowdle explains this as a general charge to peace, in a context of religious persecution, without compromise of Christian holiness. He connects Hebrews 12:14 to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:8 on “blessed are the peacemakers”. The biblical text utilizes “all” (πάντων/panton), which denotes “each, every, any, all, whole, every kind”. The pursuit of holy peace literally means with everyone. It includes Christians pursuing peace among the religions.
Of course, there are biblical, practical, and reasonable considerations and limitations (see Matthew 7:6). Not everyone is responsive to peaceful overtures. For example, violent terrorists who have been radicalized do not typically embrace others. Our national security, family safety, and self-preservation require wisdom. Yet authentic partners for peace should be sought out and brought together wherever available and whenever feasible. Here an inherent Pentecostal value, pursuing peace as part of holy living, provides a solid basis for responding to the current crisis of interfaith conflict in a positive and proactive manner. Sociologically speaking, religion can be either cause or cure for religion-related violence. Biblically speaking, faith in God’s redemption in Christ and the Holy Spirit’s power enables one to confront and overcome all sin—including the sin of killing in God’s name.
(For more in depth treatment of this topic, see Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Religions: Encountering Cornelius Today, by Tony Richie, published by CPT Press).
