Letter: Faith and violence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: It might be helpful if we stopped viewing religion as a purely abstract phenomenon ("Religion in the Middle East: the fundamental problem", 3 December). Religious traditions involve the subjective responses of their adherents; in times of violent conflict texts are read in the light of the fears, anxieties and aggressions of the faithful.
This can lead to highly selective and biased interpretations which are indeed very dangerous. Instead of examining the tradition as a whole there is a tendency to focus on material which appears to justify violence. Such material is usually balanced by the ultimately humane visions of the faith communities, but in times of conflict these ideals can be drastically corroded.
It is vital for religious communities to take responsibility for the violence done in their name and challenge their extremist off-shoots, but this can demand great courage and self-sacrifice.
JONATHAN GORSKY
Education Officer
The Council of Christians and Jews
London WC1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments