RELIGIOUS Debate on Terroristm-who, why, etc.

[Rían]

Originally Posted by brownjenkins

here's a thought to ponder on religion and terrorism... whether it's in palestine or northern ireland, muslim or catholic, terrorist leaders tend to use religion and "the afterlife" as a motivation for people to sacrifice their own lives in a way that will bring them glory when the die (supposedly)

I must say that I think this motivation, tho it does exist, is said to be around more than it really is. I've found people claiming this before in specific circumstances and then they can't back it up. Just MHO, from personal experience.

And here's a related question - if the motivation is towards an action that you think is right, would you object to the use of this motivator? For example - a school shooting scenario (unfortunately not hypothetical anymore ) - if there is a guy with a gun, picking off kids, I know that because of my belief in the afterlife, I would be more motivated to try to stop him (thus saving others) at the cost of my own life than I'm guessing I would be if I didn't believe there was an afterlife. If I didn't believe there was an afterlife, I'm guessing that saving my own skin would be a higher priority. Thoughts?

agnostics, like myself, don't believe there is an afterlife (this is the only one we've got)... so, for me, sacrificing this life simply isn't an option, no matter what the cause... might this "belief system" be a better one to encourage?

See above.

And frankly, to me the important thing is NOT if belief systems stimulate behavior that's useful to society or not. To me, the most important thing about a belief is: do I think it's true or not. I find it odd to look at beliefs any other way. I find it manipulative to try to encourage a belief that is useful, if one thinks it's not true, and I don't think it's right to manipulate anyone.

Just some thoughts early in the morning... probably not too clear...