One thing all Islamophobes agree upon is that Islam is more violent than any other religion. They bolster this claim by pointing out various passages in the quran that uphold violence. Now I’m not saying that these passages don’t exist. Nor am I saying that those passages are good. But how come we end up ignoring all the violent passages in other religions?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t support any kind of violence – whether it’s preached in the quran or the bible. But I like to level my criticisms consistently. Though I’m an atheist, I was born a christian. So I have a pretty good understanding of what’s written in the bible and I can tell you, it ain’t pretty.
The bible is easily one of the most violent religious books in existence. Blow for blow it outshines even Islam in sheer brutality and in the advocation of race based mass genocide.
Now many will say that the bible also contains the teachings of Jesus which are peaceful. Many christians will say that the peaceful teachings of the bible overwrite the violent ones. This is blatantly false as Jesus himself clearly says that the Old Testament (where all the violence is) is still valid and everything in it must be followed. To quote:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest part or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” (Matthew 5:17)
Of course, we can’t look for consistency in religious books. There are enough conflicting passages in all religious texts to provide fodder that can fuel any ideology. You want to prove that the bible is violent? No problem! After all, few can dispute that the god of the bible is a psycopath who delights in murdering and torturing people en masse. You want to prove that Islam is peaceful? Hey, that’s true too! Just handpick your relevant sections and you can provide any front to those who don’t know better.
Given all this, it’s hypocritical to say that Islam is the most violent religion. The problem is not Islam per se since Islam relies solely on the quran which is as good/bad as the bible. So we must then also call christianity the most violent religion!
It’s high time people realized that the reason for violence is the people who choose to become violent. You can’t absolve them of responsibility saying that they were driven to violence because of an ideology. Cause there are enough peaceful passages even in the quran for them to pick up on if they want. Just like there’s no shortage of violence in the bible. Ultimately, one who wants to find an excuse to fight and is receptive to being brainwashed can find ample justification to do so no matter what their religion is.
So stop treating Islam as a pariah. I’m not fond of Islam myself since I’m not fond of any religion. But I get nauseous when I see the “holier than thou” attitude from people who say that their religion is all so pure and virtuous and that their religion doesn’t endorse violence of any kind – all the while turning a blind eye to passages in their holy books that approve of wholesale slaughter.
I will say this. Perhaps Non Muslim countries killed more than Muslim countries. But here is the kick – Muslims never had the chance to couse major world havoc (due to lack of technological and cultural advancements). AND if the the Christians, whose God commands love and compassion towards the fellow man, have done all bad things you mention then what is left to the Muslim whose God commands hatred and violence against all who disagree with Islam?! I will tell you what – give the Christians some nukes and you have Hiroshima! Give the Muslims some nukes and they will blow the world!
Islam is a twisted religion based on the mad man mohamed. It originated in the parts of the world that are today considered 3rd world countries – how many muslim countries are prosperous (the few arab states awash with petrodollars dont count). It will contue to grow becouse dispair brings hatred and hatred is soon followed by Islam. Not that Jesus was not a mad man but at least he advocated love and compassion.
This article is Garbage.. The bible promotes violence?? OK please Quote or state facts indicating the bible promoting straight violence to the Jewish People.?? Ok now you cannot fully do that, “Look at me” I was born Christian I have a clear understanding of the Bible. Or you retarded? Rhetorical Question you are, The bible is a story, a Long story depicting what started in Africa, and what ended in the Native America’s . Most of the violence in this story was violence against the Jewish people, Slavery, Taken to other lands “where no man has Dwelt” Killed, and enslaved by Egyptians. Yes the only violence I can conclude in the bible is Slavery “which the bible Promotes it” which explains the Aztec’s Indication or passage of right to enslave each other, Who on the other hand the Northern Israelites where The explanation of the Bible itself s. Bible promotes violence, You and everyone who just read this and posted have now come to there own conclusion which is stupidity, and ignorance, from a writer with stupidity and Ignorance. thanks for dumbing everyone down more. And Yes Islam is a violent religion along with Christianity, Islam is worse. Thanks for making everyone that much Pathetic and Narrow minded
So this has nothing to do with what book, preached what its the people, and Historically the Aggressors where of Islamic and Christian Back round. They both of Histories of 1000’s of years of Death, and Self Righteousness, and Divine justification behind every move, While the Jewish people where being, Enslaved, Killed, And have all there history buried, raped, and Misrepresented. Bible is Violent. PLease provide prove, you cant, Does the Quran Promote violence please provide prove. From Historical stand points Islam and Christianity have been a violent based hate felt religions. Israelites have been murdered and replaced. you figure it out
I do not have a huge knowledge of religious books or texts and of course everything is open for interpretation. So, I will park what religious books talk about aside.
Let us fast forward to current century.
Freedom of humanity is the biggest yardstick I would apply wo what constitutes violence. And more importamt, response of a community or religion to the violent acts committed on fellow humans in name of religion or traditions. Do I get to follow my faith, am i respected irrespective of my religion and more importantly, if I am persecuted because of what I chose to believe, what is my neighbour’s or friends’s response?
In this view, I think in modern society, there is no room for intolerance. To give an example: If someone kills in name of Islam, by and large the community maintains a stoic silence, whether out of fear or being ourcast. But the truth is, no one comes in streets across world and condemn the killing of children, women and others.
By my definition, even the khaps are terrorists and kill poor lovers in name of some crap inference. However, what is the response of that religion? Outrage and courts are now talking about laws to stop this non sense.
My point is, we need to apply our minds and chose to become evil or good. If in today’s world, a religion is not willing to undergo transformation, tries to apply strict laws from dark worlds, justifies killings in name of those laws and followers of that religion do not bat an eyelid and see it all unfolding, we have a problem!
In reply to Nitin
Good points Nitin. We indeed have to forget religion and only look at humanity. We need to learn the art of ignoring what offends us or protesting in a peaceful manner.
Oh, and I must add this. Evil people are in every religion and should be condemned. My point is, what is the response of the upholders of a community or relifion or country against the evil, is what makes the difference. I have not taken the name of political class here, because they, I believe, are the biggest war mongers and can justify anything even to aliens!