Why do people kill in the name of Religion?

Question

I don't understand why people kill in the name of religion surely their god would not appreciate them killing one of his children regardless of what they believe?? If he wanted to end their life surely he would!!

Answer 1

pure lunacy

Answer 2

The person above who actually believes the fantasy about Armageddon and reviles abortion should read the Old Testament more carefully. In Numbers, Deuteronomy, and First Samuel. The Lord commands Moses and later Saul to slay all men, women, and children. The Midianites, Og of Bashan, Jebusites and other Caananite tribes are to be totally slaughtered. Seems that the same God who you say hates abortion is more than happy to kill living breathing infants already born. This is sanctity of life? Anyone who believes this ancient sadistic fantasy from superstitious times is unable to think for themselves, just brainwashed into accepting ridiculous stories, and have sadistic elitist tendencies. Armageddon is very similar to Nazi philosophy. Only the pure will have it good, everyone else burns and is tortured for all eternity. And billions believe this cruelest of all delusions. We're pure, you are not, so we'll kill you. God says to do it, so we're holy killers. Pathetic human beings with no compassion with supermen complexes.

Answer 3

I think you're right that God wouldn't want people to kill people in the name of religion. I don't think it's too hard to see why people do this anyway though. Religion is something that people often feel very strongly about, and people are capable of doing horrible things, so it follows that if they're led to think that killing people was the right thing to do for their religion it's the sort of situation where they might take that step. That doesn't mean it's right to kill for their religion, or that's what the religion actually requires, of course!

Answer 4

"Religion has caused more wars than anything else in history." It is true that man has used religion for political gain. Nazi Germany had "God with us" engraved in German on the belts of Nazi soldiers. America said, "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." The law may even allow you to start the Christian Nazi Party, if you so desire. You can become a "reverend" for a few dollars through the tabloid classifieds and then further your political agenda with the world’s blessing, no matter how much it smears the name of Christ. Jesus tells us in John 16:2,3 that there will be some who, in their error, commit atrocities and murder in the name of God: "The time is coming that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service." However, He informs us that these are not true believers: "And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." (See also 1 John 3:15.) Jesus told His followers to love their enemies. So if a man puts a knife into someone’s back in the name of Christianity, something obviously isn’t right. If we human beings can detect it, how much more will God? He will deal with it on Judgment Day. "I know that the Lord is always on the side of right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I—and this nation—should be on the Lord’s side." -Abraham Lincoln

Answer 5

The truth, people do not kill in the name of religion but people kill in the shadow of religion.

Certain religious leaders exploit humanity and cause harm to the innocent for personal gain and the best way to cover it up is by giving it the Reglion tag. We have seen this happen from the days of the Holy Christian Wars to the Muslim Jehads to the Hindu atrocities, at the end of it all gain does not lie with the people who actually fight, they loose, life, limb, family, etc. Who gains is the leader, who get more powerful and not to mention richer than he was before the war.

So please do not be under the misconception that people kill for religion....and if you want to stop this, kill the leader, its the logic of "To kill a snake, u must cut the head off"

Answer 6

You have to make a distinction between the original ideas of a religion and the subsequent interpretations. The Bible wasn't made available to the general population until the 16th Century, because it was only available in the Latin translation. The priests could tell the general public all sorts of fairy tales. The Koran is considered to be a 'Holy script'. Children learn to recite it, but they are dependant on their teachers to explain it and interpret it.

Answer 7

well the truth is God has sent his Children into Battle many times with orders to kill every idol worshiper and destroy the idols as well. he did it that way because if they conquered a land and idolaters were allowed to live they could corrupt his people. you guys complain about the over population of earth and then murder unborn children, but you complain about war where people get to fight for what they believe in. and yes sadly enough people die in these wars, but it helps the over population you guys are so worried about with out the murder of unborn babies. i know a holy war would mean the deaths of countless unbelievers but it would be the death of believers to. a big one is coming up it is called Armageddon. then this age old problem will be resolved. why don't we just try to get along until then.



OH and for those that said we break one of the 10 commandments when we are killing in war. the Bible also says there is a time to kill. saying that if you kill someone while at war you are not sinning, unless killing gives you pleasure you are safe.

Answer 8

Evil people want to do things in disguise, and the religious mantles are considered as most suitable. That is why there is the fable of the wolf bearing the sheep's skin.
You are right. God forbids all forms of killing, even killing oneself.

Answer 9

(1) Someone who feels strongly about something will sometimes justify their actions in the name of their respected authority figure.
("In the name of King George, I smite you!")

(2) Supposedly God-fearing countries who practice the death penalty are the result of holding back more morally adjusted ways of life, for the sake of the few power hungry/insecure/malicious authorities in whatever point in history. They who ignore one of the original 10 commandments for their own convenience: "Thou shalt not kill". Or they can manipulate laws and scripture to their ends. That kind of person is not a man God, and unfortunately that kind of person can easily defame his religion, twisting it to something totally wrong.

(3) Whether there is any kind of difference, there is fuel for a fire. People kill for many reasons. Money (e.g. to claim hubby's life insurance), power, envy, malice, resources, ideology, xenophobia, etc. It's part of the dark side of human nature.

Answer 10

Because whatever religion starts out as - truth or myth - it ends up being used by those who want to manipulate the behaviour of others, and rule over them.

Sometimes they do it responsibly - preaching in favour of things that are good for society, like tolerance, understanding and peace. Sometimes they don't, and they call instead for war and oppression.

Answer 11

If you have a better reason for killing people, I'd like to hear it. So far, "God told me to do it" is the only thing that will stand up in court.