In the Name of Religion

The issue of war itself has been debated, published and broadcast on prime time news, but the current national crisis' are multifaceted and have many dimensions that are neither explored at length

, nor adequately ananlyzed by the vast majority of those who support the political arena that wage them.

Are the actions of our government ethically justifiable? Can it be said that we as a nation, have engaged in a "just war". The war in Iraq as well as The War on Terrorism, have undeniable religious undertones and subsequent implications. If we are to fight this war with any true intent of winning it, these issues can simply not be overlooked. We owe it to ourselves, as well as each other, to understand what it is that we fight for and against, and to be clear in those convictions.

The concept of violence in the name of religion, seems to be a difficult pill for most to swallow. Without a doubt, war in the name of God, is an incomprehensible contradiction of terms. Yet, this is exactly the motive backing those who oppose us today.

The horrific attacks on the World Trade towers and on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, leave little room for argument

regarding the jusfiable reason for action on the part of US military forces.

Of course the concept of war is not a new one, nor are the ethical dilemias that it brings. Our current situation is unique though, in the sense that it has raised some new concerns. Deep to the issues of political agenda and the facades that they create, are the ethical issues at the heart of religious philosphy, which may have provoked the attacks in the first place.There have been on rare occassions, excluding the christian crusades of course, in which religion has played such a centralized role in the conficts of nations. It may not be transparent upon first exam, but deeply embedded in the core of the beliefs held by those who oppose us, is an extemist's veiw of religion.

Religious ideology is typically not the salesman for violent behavior. Historically speaking , it has been abundantly clear that man is quite capable of inventing various ideologies to justify their injustices aganst mankind, without finding the need to do so in the name of God. However, when religion is an underlying factor, the conflict takes on a particularly violent tone. Religion virtually demands that there be tremendously faithful and disciplined followers. This level of devotion to the cause, can give rise to a passionate and almost unstoppable warrior. The enemy is sought out and destroyed with intense fervor, for they are seen as a direct insult to God. The perceived

threat to their faith, their society, becomes the sole basis for their conquest to eliminate it. Their unwavering devotion enables them to endure retaliation. In some cases this only serves to soilidify their claims andsparks further grounds for hatered, creating an unbreakable cycle.

Arguably, these issues apply directly to current matters of war. The unspeakable actions of those individuals that attackd us on 9/11/2001, were indeed horrific and inexcusable. It seems to me that we have a moral obligation to search for more than simpl retribution.We should be actively searching to find the answers as to what may have lead us down this path.

I am inclined to question instead, the theological basis of religion, and morality that is preached within scriptures. If God is a good God, and God is mercifull, compassionate and forgiving, then how can such a God also teach of and practically premote, religious intollerance andhate? Understanding this basic ethical conflict is crucial since it is an exteme faith that has caused this nation great peril.

The religios community as a whole , are all nauseated by the actions of the few who have hidden behind the name of God to veil their evil. Yet, it has been difficult for these same communities to separate themseves, their religion from the total condemnation of a Holy War. Scriptures do teach of such concepts, they are ingrained in the ideology itself and are difficult to abandon for those who follow the faiths. Hebrew scriptures are considered to be sacred by Muslims, Christians and Jewa alike, but it is within these scriptures that I find basis for moral arguments.

The first , and probably most compelling commandment "Thou shalt not kill" apperars to have set a precedence. The value of the life of man in unequaled, it is priceless. Mankind was created in the image of God, therefore, it would seem safe to say, that to kill another