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The Influence of Religious Extremism on Global Violence: A Call for Universal Sanity

Evangelical Christians, who are key supporters of MAGA, adhere to the Abrahamic covenant of Judaism, which links them to the broader geopolitical struggles involving Israel. This religious bond implicates American Christian extremists as proxy warriors in Judaic battles against Israel's enemies

Wisdom

• 12 min read
The Influence of Religious Extremism on Global Violence: A Call for Universal Sanity
Ai assisted image and content depicting religious extremism controlling governments.

Religious extremism is a major driving force behind much of the violence and conflict that plagues our world today. From the Middle East to the United States, and from Europe to Asia, extremist groups rooted in rigid interpretations of religious doctrines manipulate governments, stoke division, and perpetuate violence on a massive scale. This narrative argues that religious extremism—and the influence these groups wield over governments—is responsible for nearly all the violence on earth. Through propaganda, financial manipulation, and lobbying, these groups enforce ancient teachings as the word of God, creating a world where conflicting ideologies clash, leading to widespread suffering. It is time for rational human beings to unite and reject the literal interpretation of these ancient texts, recognizing them as historical documents that should not dictate modern governance.

Religious Extremist Groups and Their Global Impact

  1. Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Evangelical Christianity - United States
    • The MAGA movement, closely associated with Evangelical Christianity, plays a significant role in the polarization of American society. Evangelical Christians, who are key supporters of MAGA, adhere to the Abrahamic covenant of Judaism, which links them to the broader geopolitical struggles involving Israel. This religious bond implicates American Christian extremists as proxy warriors in Judaic battles against Israel's enemies. Evangelical Christians view their unwavering support for Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy, influencing U.S. foreign policy in ways that align with Israel's strategic interests. Through Political Action Committees (PACs), lobbying, and media influence, the MAGA movement and its Evangelical supporters drive the U.S. government to adopt policies that reflect this religious allegiance, leading to involvement in conflicts rooted in ancient religious ideologies.
  2. Nahala - Israel
    • In Israel, the Nahala movement advocates for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, often at the expense of Palestinian rights. This group is driven by the belief that Jews have a divine right to the land of Israel as promised in ancient texts. Nahala exerts considerable influence on the Israeli government, pushing policies that escalate tensions with Palestinians and other regional actors. The financial power and lobbying efforts of groups like Nahala ensure continued governmental support for settlement expansion, leading to ongoing violence and instability in the region.
  3. Russian Orthodox Church - Russia/Ukraine
    • The Russian Orthodox Church, under Patriarch Kirill, has been a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin's government, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. The Church frames the conflict as a holy war to defend traditional Christian values against Western liberalism. This religious endorsement gives the Russian government moral justification for its aggressive actions, fueling the war and justifying atrocities under the guise of a religious crusade. The Church's influence on Russian politics is profound, with religious rhetoric being used to manipulate public opinion and sustain the conflict.
  4. ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) - Middle East
    • ISIS emerged as one of the most brutal religious extremist groups, declaring a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. Their radical interpretation of Islam justifies extreme violence against non-believers and those they consider apostates, leading to widespread terror and conflict. While the group's territorial control has diminished, its ideological influence persists, inspiring attacks and fostering instability across the Middle East and beyond. Governments in the region and the West have been forced to commit significant resources to combat this ideology, often resulting in prolonged military engagements.
  5. Hamas - Palestinian Territories/Israel
    • Hamas, the militant Islamist group governing Gaza, is another example of how religious extremism drives conflict. Their strict adherence to an extreme interpretation of Islam has led to repeated clashes with Israel, resulting in wars and ongoing violence. Hamas's influence on Palestinian governance is undeniable, using religious propaganda to maintain control over Gaza and justify its violent resistance against Israel. This conflict perpetuates regional instability and a cycle of violence that has persisted for decades.
  6. Hezbollah - Lebanon/Israel
    • Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, holds significant influence over Lebanese politics and has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel. The group's religious ideology is central to its identity, justifying its military actions and political power. Hezbollah’s financial and military support from Iran entangles regional governments in a complex web of alliances and conflicts, perpetuating violence in the Middle East.
  7. Al-Qaeda - Global
    • Al-Qaeda's ideology of global jihad has inspired a wave of terrorism that has destabilized regions across the world. Their attacks, most notably the September 11th attacks in the United States, have led to long-term military engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond. Al-Qaeda’s manipulation of religious texts to justify violence has not only influenced individual extremists but also drawn entire governments into costly and protracted conflicts.
  8. Taliban - Afghanistan
    • The Taliban, with its strict interpretation of Sharia law, regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, plunging the country back into a repressive regime. The group’s influence on the Afghan government is absolute, with religious beliefs dictating law and order. The Taliban's rule has led to widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women, and has destabilized the region, affecting neighboring countries and global security.
  9. Boko Haram - Nigeria
    • Boko Haram, based in northeastern Nigeria, seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Their campaign of terror has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. The Nigerian government’s struggle to combat Boko Haram has led to a prolonged conflict that destabilizes the region. Boko Haram’s use of religious ideology to justify its actions exacerbates sectarian violence in Nigeria.
  10. Hindutva Groups (e.g., Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)) - India
    • In India, Hindutva groups like the RSS promote a vision of India as a Hindu nation, often at the expense of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. These groups have significant influence on the Indian government, pushing policies that promote Hindu nationalism and marginalize other religious communities. This has led to increasing religious polarization and violence, threatening India’s secular democratic fabric.
  11. Myanmar’s Buddhist Extremists (e.g., 969 Movement) - Myanmar
    • In Myanmar, extremist Buddhist groups like the 969 Movement have incited violence against the Muslim Rohingya minority, leading to what many have described as a genocide. The influence of these groups on the Myanmar government has been profound, with religious propaganda fueling nationalist sentiments and justifying ethnic cleansing. This has resulted in one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the 21st century.

The Mechanisms of Influence: Propaganda, PACs, and Lobbying

Religious extremist groups exert influence over governments through propaganda, financial manipulation, and lobbying.

  • Propaganda: These groups use propaganda to shape public opinion and justify their actions. By framing conflicts as divinely ordained or necessary to defend religious beliefs, they garner widespread support and legitimize violence. Propaganda taps into deep-seated fears and prejudices, manipulating populations to support extremist agendas.
  • Political Action Committees (PACs) and Lobbying: In democratic systems, PACs and lobbying are powerful tools for influencing legislation and government policies. In the United States, for example, Christian nationalist groups use PACs to support candidates aligned with their beliefs, ensuring their agenda is represented in government. Similarly, in Israel, lobbying by groups like Nahala ensures continued support for settlement expansion, exacerbating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Financial Manipulation: Religious extremist groups often have significant financial resources, which they use to influence governments and fund their activities. This financial power allows them to support political campaigns, fund propaganda efforts, and sustain militant activities.

The Global Consequences of Religious Extremism

The influence of religious extremism on governments has devastating consequences for global peace and stability. As these groups push their agendas through propaganda, financial manipulation, and lobbying, they drive governments to adopt policies that perpetuate conflict, violate human rights, and destabilize entire regions. The result is a world plagued by violence, division, and suffering, driven by the outdated and conflicting ideologies of ancient religious texts.

A Call to Action: Outlawing Extremist Interpretations of Ancient Texts

It is time for the world to recognize that the teachings and interpretations of ancient religious texts, when taken as the literal word of God, are causing more harm than good. These texts, written thousands of years ago in vastly different cultural and historical contexts, were never meant to be used as blueprints for modern governance or justifications for violence. Yet, religious extremist groups continue to wield these texts as weapons, forcing their followers—and by extension, entire governments—to comply with their rigid interpretations.

To create a more peaceful and just world, rational human beings must unite to outlaw the use of ancient religious texts as justifications for violence and oppression. This does not mean outlawing religion itself but rather curbing the extremist interpretations that lead to violence. Governments must enact laws that protect freedom of belief while also preventing the misuse of religious teachings to incite hatred and conflict.

The Role of Secularism and Rational Thought in Combatting Extremism

To effectively combat the influence of religious extremism on global violence, it is essential to promote secularism and rational thought. Secularism, which advocates for the separation of religion from government, ensures that religious beliefs do not dictate public policy. This separation is crucial in preventing religious extremists from using governmental power to enforce their views on the broader population.

Rational thought, grounded in evidence and reason rather than dogma, provides a foundation for making decisions that prioritize the well-being of all people, regardless of their religious beliefs. By fostering a culture that values critical thinking and empirical evidence, societies can resist the manipulative tactics of extremist groups and reduce the likelihood of religiously motivated violence. Here’s how we can move forward:

The Path Forward: Global Cooperation and Education

  1. Strengthening Secular Governance:
    • Reaffirming Secularism: Governments worldwide must reaffirm their commitment to secular governance, ensuring that religious beliefs do not influence public policy. Laws should be based on universal human rights, not religious doctrines, to prevent the imposition of religious extremism on the broader population.
  2. Promoting Education and Critical Thinking:
    • Education Reform: Educational curricula should emphasize critical thinking, the scientific method, and the study of world religions from a historical and cultural perspective. This will help future generations understand the origins of religious texts and resist extremist interpretations.
    • Counter-Extremism Programs: Specialized programs should educate young people about the dangers of religious extremism, equipping them with the tools to recognize and resist extremist propaganda.
  3. Fostering Interfaith Dialogue and Tolerance:
    • Interfaith Initiatives: Support initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding between different religious communities. These efforts can help break down the barriers of mistrust and hatred, fostering a sense of shared humanity across diverse groups.
    • Community Engagement: Encourage local communities to engage in conversations about religious tolerance and coexistence. Empowering community leaders, including those who advocate for peace, can create a grassroots movement against extremism.
  4. Utilizing Technology and Media Responsibly:
    • Combating Online Extremism: Governments, tech companies, and civil society must work together to develop strategies for identifying and removing extremist content online while promoting counter-narratives that encourage peace and understanding.
    • Media Literacy: Public education campaigns should focus on media literacy, helping individuals critically assess the information they encounter online and avoid falling prey to extremist propaganda.
  5. Supporting Victims and Communities Affected by Extremism:
    • Rehabilitation Programs: Develop programs to rehabilitate individuals who have been radicalized by extremist ideologies, focusing on psychological counseling, education, and reintegration into society.
    • Humanitarian Aid: Provide support for victims of religious violence, including refugees and those affected by persecution, through humanitarian aid, legal assistance, and psychological support.
  6. Global Collaboration and Legal Frameworks:
  • International Cooperation: Nations must collaborate to share intelligence, coordinate counter-extremism efforts , and hold those responsible for inciting religious violence accountable. Global cooperation is essential to effectively combat the spread of religious extremism and prevent conflicts fueled by extremist ideologies.
  • Developing International Legal Norms: The international community should work together to create and enforce legal frameworks that make it easier to prosecute individuals and organizations responsible for promoting and inciting religious violence. Strengthening international laws against hate speech, incitement to violence, and terrorism is crucial for maintaining global peace.

Encouraging Progressive Religious Thought

  1. Supporting Progressive Religious Leaders: Encourage and support religious scholars and leaders who advocate for more progressive, compassionate interpretations of religious texts. These leaders can play a vital role in countering extremist narratives and promoting peace and tolerance within their communities.
  2. Modernizing Religious Institutions: Religious institutions themselves must evolve to remain relevant in the modern world. This involves re-examining doctrines that are incompatible with contemporary human rights standards and promoting teachings that encourage tolerance and coexistence.

Conclusion: Building a Future Free from Religious Extremism

Religious extremism has been a powerful force behind much of the violence and conflict that the world has experienced throughout history. The influence of religious extremist groups on governments continues to perpetuate cycles of violence, division, and suffering. However, by promoting secular governance, rational thought, and global cooperation, humanity can begin to dismantle the structures that allow religious extremism to thrive.

Outlawing the use of extremist interpretations of ancient religious texts as justifications for violence is a critical step toward achieving global peace. By recognizing these texts as historical documents rather than mandates for modern governance, we can reduce the conflicts that arise from conflicting religious ideologies.

The path forward will require the collective effort of governments, civil society, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens. Together, we can create a world where diverse beliefs coexist peacefully, and where reason, empathy, and mutual respect guide our actions. The world we build can be one where religious teachings inspire personal reflection and spiritual growth rather than division and violence.

This is the challenge of our time—a challenge that, if met with courage and conviction, will lead to a brighter, more harmonious future for all. By rejecting the destructive power of religious extremism and embracing a future guided by reason and compassion, we can ensure that the horrors of the past are not repeated and that future generations inherit a world of peace and understanding.

Citations

  1. MAGA and Evangelical Christianity's Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy:
  2. Nahala and Israeli Settlements:
  3. Russian Orthodox Church's Role in the Ukraine Conflict:
  4. ISIS and Global Terrorism:
    • Stern, Jessica, and J.M. Berger. ISIS: The State of Terror. HarperCollins, 2015.
    • Gerges, Fawaz A. ISIS: A History. Princeton University Press, 2016.
  5. Hamas and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
    • Milton-Edwards, Beverley, and Stephen Farrell. Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement. Polity, 2010.
    • Roy, Sara. Hamas and Civil Society in Gaza: Engaging the Islamist Social Sector. Princeton University Press, 2011.
  6. Hezbollah's Influence in Lebanon:
    • Norton, Augustus Richard. Hezbollah: A Short History. Princeton University Press, 2018.
    • Levitt, Matthew. Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. Georgetown University Press, 2013.
  7. Al-Qaeda and Global Jihad:
    • Wright, Lawrence. The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. Vintage Books, 2007.
    • Riedel, Bruce. The Search for Al Qaeda: Its Leadership, Ideology, and Future. Brookings Institution Press, 2008.
  8. Taliban's Rule in Afghanistan:
    • Rashid, Ahmed. Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia. Yale University Press, 2010.
    • Gopal, Anand. No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War Through Afghan Eyes. Metropolitan Books, 2014.
  9. Boko Haram's Campaign of Terror in Nigeria:
    • Thurston, Alexander. Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement. Princeton University Press, 2017.
    • Zenn, Jacob. "Boko Haram's Conquest for the Caliphate: How Al Qaeda Helped Islamic State Acquire Territory." Terrorism and Political Violence, vol. 29, no. 5, 2017, pp. 830-857.
  10. Hindutva and Religious Nationalism in India:
    • Jaffrelot, Christophe. The Hindu Nationalist Movement and Indian Politics. Penguin Books, 1999.
    • Andersen, Walter K., and Shridhar D. Damle. Messengers of Hindu Nationalism: How the RSS Reshaped India. Hurst & Co., 2018.
  11. Buddhist Extremism in Myanmar:
    • Walton, Matthew J., and Susan Hayward. "Contesting Buddhist Narratives: Democratization, Nationalism, and Communal Violence in Myanmar." The Review of Faith & International Affairs, vol. 12, no. 4, 2014, pp. 12-23.
    • Skidmore, Monique, and Trevor Wilson, eds. Myanmar: The State, Community and the Environment. ANU E Press, 2007.

References

  • Hummel, Daniel G. Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israeli Relations. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2019.
  • Stack, Liam. "Why Evangelical Christians Love Israel." The New York Times, 14 March 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/us/evangelicals-israel.html.
  • Gorenberg, Gershom. The Unmaking of Israel. Harper Perennial, 2012.
  • Benn, Aluf. "Netanyahu's Government Paves the Way for West Bank Annexation." Haaretz, 12 June 2020, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-netanyahu-s-government-paves-the-way-for-west-bank-annexation-1.8924890.
  • Sherr, James. "The Role of the Orthodox Church in Russia's War on Ukraine." Chatham House, 9 May 2022, https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/05/role-orthodox-church-russias-war-ukraine.
  • Snegovaya, Maria. "The Church Militant: The Russian Orthodox Church and Its Role in Putin's War in Ukraine." Center for Strategic and International Studies, 15 April 2022, https://www.csis.org/analysis/church-militant-russian-orthodox-church-and-its-role-putins-war-ukraine.
  • Stern, Jessica, and J.M. Berger. ISIS: The State of Terror. HarperCollins, 2015.
  • Gerges, Fawaz A. ISIS: A History. Princeton University Press, 2016.
  • Milton-Edwards, Beverley, and Stephen Farrell. Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement. Polity, 2010.
  • Roy, Sara. Hamas and Civil Society in Gaza: Engaging the Islamist Social Sector. Princeton University Press, 2011.
  • Norton, Augustus Richard. Hezbollah: A Short History. Princeton University Press, 2018.
  • Levitt, Matthew. Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. Georgetown University Press, 2013.
  • Wright, Lawrence. The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. Vintage Books, 2007.
  • Riedel, Bruce. The Search for Al Qaeda: Its Leadership, Ideology, and Future. Brookings Institution Press, 2008.
  • Rashid, Ahmed. Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia. Yale University Press, 2010.
  • Gopal, Anand. No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War Through Afghan Eyes. Metropolitan Books, 2014.
  • Thurston, Alexander. Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement. Princeton University Press, 2017.
  • Zenn, Jacob. "Boko Haram's Conquest for the Caliphate: How Al Qaeda Helped Islamic State Acquire Territory." Terrorism and Political Violence, vol. 29, no. 5, 2017, pp. 830-857.
  • Jaffrelot, Christophe. The Hindu Nationalist Movement and Indian Politics. Penguin Books, 1999.
  • Andersen, Walter K., and Shridhar D. Damle. Messengers of Hindu Nationalism: How the RSS Reshaped India. Hurst & Co., 2018.
  • Walton, Matthew J., and Susan Hayward. "Contesting Buddhist Narratives: Democratization, Nationalism, and Communal Violence in Myanmar." The Review of Faith & International Affairs, vol. 12, no. 4, 2014, pp. 12-23.
  • Skidmore, Monique, and Trevor Wilson, eds. Myanmar: The State, Community and the Environment. ANU E Press,

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