Terrorism. Fear. Religion.

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- JustGotSmashed
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Terrorism. Fear. Religion.
OP - January 15, 2013, 09:02 PM

I didn't know where else to post this but since this is closely related to Philosophy I decided this forum would be the best place to voice my opinion.

What is the definition of Terrorism? It is generally defined as the a systematic use of fear through terrorist activities as a means of coercion for a political goal.

Use of fear? This rings a really big bell in my head. Doesn't religion use this same excuse in order to keep it's followers on track? Doesn't it explicitly state that those who are led astray will be punished and burned in hell for their mislead beliefs?

I mean I know, I realize this could be applied to parenting as well. I mean how many parents use the story of the "Big-Monster-Coming-To-Eat-You-If-You-Don't-Eat-Your-Vegetables" on toddlers to make them eat their vegetables. But you need to understand there is quite a big difference between this and terrorism. One is for the achievement of political goals and the other is simply to bring up a little human in the most right way possible.

The way religion has been involved in politics since it's inception pretty much proves my point that the use of fear in religion is similar to terrorism. Religion keeps people close-minded. It prevents people from asking questions and going out of their comfort zones. It prevents people from thinking outside of the box and exercising their freedom. How? Out of fear of hell fire. Out of fear of god's wrath. Out of fear of being punished by religious political laws of conduct, i.e. Sharia.

I realize this is extremely controversial and borderline psychopathic of me to come out and claim that religion is terrorism especially since many apologetics all around the world are claiming that terrorists are not really religious. If someone powerful realized what I said I could be jailed for life, possibly even killed.

But fuck it. It needed to be said.
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Terrorism. Fear. Religion.
Reply #1 - February 11, 2013, 11:15 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IRbwpc2XV4

I would say the definition applies to a lot of ideas that wonder our mind

Tell people that there's an invisible man in the sky who created the universe, and the vast majority will believe you.

Tell them the paint is wet, and they have to touch it to be sure.
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Terrorism. Fear. Religion.
Reply #2 - February 11, 2013, 04:27 PM

This is a video that was made on the 10th anniversary about 9 11 and it's effects. The guy speaking is a relative of mine that works on peace process works in the world through plays and poetry, he has worked in N Ireland on the peace process there too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axtf48u93NI
- Lilyesque
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Terrorism. Fear. Religion.
Reply #3 - February 11, 2013, 04:31 PM

Quote from: JustGotSmashed on January 15, 2013, 09:02 PM
I didn't know where else to post this but since this is closely related to Philosophy I decided this forum would be the best place to voice my opinion.

What is the definition of Terrorism? It is generally defined as the a systematic use of fear through terrorist activities as a means of coercion for a political goal.

Use of fear? This rings a really big bell in my head. Doesn't religion use this same excuse in order to keep it's followers on track? Doesn't it explicitly state that those who are led astray will be punished and burned in hell for their mislead beliefs?

I mean I know, I realize this could be applied to parenting as well. I mean how many parents use the story of the "Big-Monster-Coming-To-Eat-You-If-You-Don't-Eat-Your-Vegetables" on toddlers to make them eat their vegetables. But you need to understand there is quite a big difference between this and terrorism. One is for the achievement of political goals and the other is simply to bring up a little human in the most right way possible.

The way religion has been involved in politics since it's inception pretty much proves my point that the use of fear in religion is similar to terrorism. Religion keeps people close-minded. It prevents people from asking questions and going out of their comfort zones. It prevents people from thinking outside of the box and exercising their freedom. How? Out of fear of hell fire. Out of fear of god's wrath. Out of fear of being punished by religious political laws of conduct, i.e. Sharia.

I realize this is extremely controversial and borderline psychopathic of me to come out and claim that religion is terrorism especially since many apologetics all around the world are claiming that terrorists are not really religious. If someone powerful realized what I said I could be jailed for life, possibly even killed.

But fuck it. It needed to be said.

It's terrorism of the mind effectively yes, mental abuse of sorts.
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