I was reading about the hijack of a Mexican airline in the Today newspaper this morning and realise that what can seem a just cause for some can mean a criminal act to others. The hijacker in this case was a 44-year-old preacher who had a bomb and threatened to blow up the plane. He claimed that God spoke to him to warn people of an upcoming earthquake. Many terrorist groups share similar logic of divine missions to carry out their terrorist attacks, be it the September 11 attacks, or the Bali bombings.
We view such actions as criminal, intolerable and highly threatening due to the massive lost of lives and destruction to the economy and cities, our world in general. When captured, these terrorist are deemed guilty and either executed or jailed quickly to prevent them from carrying out their next terrorist attacks. But leaders of terrorist groups view such acts as heroic in the name of religion. The mastermind of the September 11 attack said he hope to be executed to allow him, in his belief, to become a martyr. Wanted terrorist Osama bin laden said in May 1998 before the twin towers in New York that "Our primary mission is nothing but the furthering of this religion".
The actions of men can often have two different perspectives that is extremely different. Both see the importance of their own mission and judge the other as wrong. This is a key reason why clashes occur and the rise in extreme religious beliefs in our world today is threatening to cause an outbreak of war and disputes.
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these people with messiah complex are just crazy.
ReplyDeleteis it so difficult to accept the fact that we can to the earth as human beings, and we will die as one?
as much as i feel that having a religion is a bliss, being too involved in it can be extremely harmful not just to one, but to the global society.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Religion plays a major role in differing perceptions among people. And the extremists cause differences among people of the same religion as well.
The 9/11 attacks show clashes between the muslims of one country and christians of another.
There is also the clashes between Sunnis and Shi'ites in muslim countries. They show just how very small differences in perceptions can cause huge catastrophes(:
The problem is not so much about Islam as to the different interpretations many groups in different Muslim countries have to say what their holy book, the Koran, say. There is no central authority to interpret the writings in it and this leads to widespread abuse. What one group may say that Islam teaches tolerance and is about peace, another group will disagree and insist Muslims have a duty to convert the entire world into Islam even through the use of force.
ReplyDeleteThis problem is especially acute in a few countries in the Middle East where dishonest leaders who want to hold on to political power hold themselves up as the champions of Islam and paint non-Muslim countries, especially those in the west like the United States and United Kingdom as the enemies of Islam.
terrorism is a major issue now. the dangers it brings to the innocent civilians brings about the most heart ranching stories.
ReplyDeleteFrom the terrorists' point of view, they will obviously feel heroic when their names and faces appear on the news because they feel that they have uphold and showcased loyalty to their "religion" as they have put it.
Hi Marilyn! Even though conflicts may arise from the differences in perceptions due to different upbringings, variety is born. Take Singapore for example. Put together a variety of people of different races, together with good governance, and we produce racial harmony. Singapore is one of the few, or dare I say the only, country with such display of cuisines and racial celebration. Our hawker centers have Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisines selling their food alongside each other. We have different perceptions on how food should be cooked, which makes Singapore a food hub. Well, food is only one thing. There is fashion, traditions and cultures which also makes differences in perception really a beautiful thing! So let us embrace the advantages of differences in perceptions!(:
ReplyDeleteNo matter how we put it, the taking of lives for whatever reasons is wrong. Nothing justifies murder, not even in the name of any religion. People who use terror to try and promote their own agendas start from an evil premise and they use religion because it is the easiest way to get people worked up emotionally.
ReplyDeleteWhen millions of people around the world are convinced their religion is under attack, the way terrorist are telling millions of Muslims around the world, there are bound to be fanatics among them who will react violently. Until the world can tell them this is not the case, religious terrorism that we are witnessing now is going to be a constant danger in our lives.
People who partake in terrorism due to their blind faith in religion is actually insulting their human intelligence. To believe blindly everything their religious leaders say and not make the right decision themselves demean their reasoning skills.
ReplyDeleteReligion started as a set of beliefs to guide the masses in doing the right thing and making the right choices in life. If their faith in religion has been reduced to the level where they no longer question, then i say this religion has failed. for it no longer brings out the person's reasoning skills nor ability to rationalise as a human being. All that has been gathered can be compared to zombies who follow their master's instructions blindly with no objections, be it right or wrong.
The opposite extreme of religious fanaticism is those who do not belief in God and have no regard for life. And I think a lot of the people who control the terrorists do not believe in the existence of God or else they would not set out to kill people at random. Real belief in God treasures and protect life, not kill it.
ReplyDeleteDifferences in perception can definately lead to diasaterous consequences and it can be seen occuring in our world today. The idea that one is taking away the lives of others in the name of religion is definately not an excuse. Saving lives and taking risks are acts of heroism but taking them away is basically considered murder. The idea of misperception shows how communication is crucial in todays world as people may misinterprete issues and ideas, causing chaos to our planet earth.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with many countries today in facing to the terrorist threat is that many have become paralyse from taking tough action against the criminals for fear of giving the impression they are against Islam. The problem is that they have played into the hands of the terrorists who are misusing the religion to mislead its true followers. It is a problem of communication and I think they should do more to convince Muslims who are against the terrorist making improper use of their religion to come out strongly to help them end this terrible scourge of the world.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, its a matter of perception. In other for these terrorists to give up their lives and bring innocent passers-by in the process have to have a strong believe that they are doing it for the "greater good". It is quite scary to see the lengths they are willing to go to. It is probably impossible however, to completely rid the world of these people who are "brainwashed" into thinking that.
ReplyDeleteIn our society today, indeed people of different cultures may have different believes. However, taking away lives is a sensitive issue. A life is priceless in most societies, every if I may. Despite the difference in perception I would feel that many would disagree in the case you have mentioned.
ReplyDeleteWhatever culture one comes from, it is important to respect your neighbours.
However at the end of the day, killing is a crime.