How do you reconcile death from terrorism -- terrorism in the name of
religion -- with religion? That is, how can we believe in a religion,
when so many have died in the name of it?
Religion celebrates life. It does not destroy it. Religion fills
the emptiness in life as the soul looks for companionship with
something higher than itself. To believe that religion advocates the
destruction of life contradicts the very definition of religion and
ultimately humanity.
Yes, even the myths that make up so much of religious folklore,
need to be placed in context of their times and circumstances. To
believe that a god will destroy the crowning point of his creation is
archaic. These stories give rise to justifications for hatred,
judgment, rape, slaughter and murder.
Our world has never had the means and the technology available, as
it does today, to resolve every issue in a peaceful manner. It is the
spirit of pride and hatred that moves people to eschew peaceful means
and opt for violence.
Love has to be, and can only be, the guiding force behind all
religion.
Where there is love, there cannot be violence. Violence can never
be called in the name of religion.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
Youth Ministries
Religion by definition comes from the Greek, religio: to unite.
The Baha'i faith says that if religion be the cause of disunity,
it is better that there be no religion.
For thousands of years, people have been killing in the name of
God and no one was quite sure as to why.
Terrorism has been used by religious and political fanatics all
through history.
God does not say anywhere in any of the Holy Books that terrorism
is allowed.
Belief in God and the particular religion that has come as a
result of a Moses, Jesus or Muhammad is not a license for killing or
for maiming those whom do not share their convictions.
In the Baha'i Faith, we have a Book of Laws, written by our
founder Baha'u'llah in the late 19th century, in which he calls for
capital punishment of bombers and murderers.
If one believes in God, then they would know God does not condone
murder.
BARBARA CRAMER
Secretary
Baha'i Faith, Glendale
Terrorism, regardless of motive, is always evil. There is
absolutely no cause that can justify the slaughter of innocent
people.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where terrorism has become a
common occurrence. It has struck across the globe from the streets of
New York City and Washington, D.C., to Jerusalem, Bali and now in
London.
