OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS: "RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE CAN LEAD TO WAR"

This article opens with the irony that people can use religion as an excuse for violence. This exact idea has been brought up many times latley. For example, many extremists use teachings of their religion, and twist them into a belief that their religion promotes violence towards those who do not agree with their ideas. However, the article also states, "American culture has been much improved by its foundation of the bible." It argues that the bible has helped create and shape America's ethics, laws, family, and even religious tolerance. However, again this brings up the idea of has it truly helped improve America for everyone? Not everyone believes in the bible, or its teachings. However, because the majority of society does, the bible is seen as one of the greatest influences upon American culture. The article also argues that the bible promotes peace and well being among different religions. However, it also argues that within today's society, those messages of tolerance are forgotten, and burried under other ideas. "Prohibitions against worshipping other gods have led to intolerance, hatered, and even destruction of those who have other religious beliefs." People believe so strongly in their own religions that they are not willing to tolerate the concept that not everyone believes in those ideas. Therefore, many who do not agree are looked down upon. The article brings up a very interesting point. "If I am really right and you disagree, then YOU must be wrong." This is the root of intolerance. Because one believes their ideas are right, they will support the ideas that everyone else is wrong. One of the most well know forms of religious predjuice is anti-semitism. For centuries Jews have been the targets of religious hatred. This hatred often times creates outrageous presumptions about the Jewish religion. PResumptions like Jews have horns and tails, that they who are doctors want to spread AIDS, that Jews want to take over the world, etc. People are willing to believe about a religion if that religion does not agree with their own. However, the article also clearly points out that the Jews are not complelty innocent either. They too can hate other religions, and can be unwilling to accept others religious beliefs, such as Christanity. They believe in their religion, and therefore religions such as christanity who do not agree are wrong. "Religious intolerance and hatred is not a one- way street." However, there are still many within America who are bostful about their igonrance towards other religions. It gives the example of a profesor teachign at an all catholic school. He told his students he was JEwish, and one of his students replied, "Well, where are your horns and tail?" MAny do not see it as necessarily wrong to act this way. They believe that their religion is somethign that should be respected, honored. Disagreeing with those who do not support that religion is okay because they look at it as doing nothing more then defending, and supporting their own.

Brooks, Roger. "Religious Intolerance Can Lead to War." Opposing Viewpoints: War. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 10 Feb. 2010 .