July–December 2017, Volume 44
Features
Religions Tackling Extremism
Terrorism incited by religious extremism has made the world unsafe, and no community is safe from terrorism of the kind fomented by ISIS.
Poverty and discrimination have made many people, especially the young, feel that they have no future. Some turn to violence, which they seek to justify by false interpretations of religion.
Genuine religion liberates people from suffering and addresses social injustices. Unfortunately, false religion exploited by extremists only increases suffering, both of the assailants and their victims.
In many parts of the world, claims for narrow national interests gain public acceptance. This trend might further divide many communities and foster exclusiveness, and as a result incite violence among those who feel alienated.
The solution is for religious organizations and communities to work harder to remedy social injustices and inequalities, while tackling the forces that divide the world today and cultivating in people’s minds a reverence for all life.
To find out how to do that, we will feature essays by religious leaders and experts in diverse fields of religious and social studies.
How People of Faith Can Tackle Extremism
by Nobuhiro Masahiro Nemoto
Islam Beyond Extremism
by A. Rashied Omar
The belligerent environment that is currently being engendered is not helpful in ameliorating the root causes that provide a fertile ground on which extremism thrives. On the contrary, it is generating conditions that favor extremism, thus rendering the task of developing Muslim peacemaking initiatives extremely difficult.
The Connection between Religion and Extremism
by Olav Fykse Tveit
I am certain that part of our response to the dreadful acts of religious extremism needs to be a willingness to take interreligious dialogue and engagement more seriously.
Religious Leaders and Their Roles in Tackling Violent Extremism
by Suphatmet Yunyasit
The first and most important task of religious leaders in tackling violent extremism is to provide their community members with proper understanding and interpretation of religious beliefs and practices.
Terrorism: Religious or Political?
by M. Din Syamsuddin
It can be said that terrorism could be both religious and political. It is “religious” because there have been cases of the misuse and abuse of religion in order to justify terrorist acts. It is also political because the purpose of terrorist acts has always been to achieve certain political goals.
No Religion Is Terrorist: The Myth of Religious Violence
by Indunil J. Kodithuwakku K.
If religion is not inherently violent, if it stands for love, peace, and justice, then how do we account for the apparent relationship between religion and violence?
Understanding and Responding to Violence in the Name of Religion
by David Rosen
It is not possible to begin to understand the hostility that exists among certain extremist militant groups that find their succor and inspiration in religion if one ignores the power of . . . alienation, [the] sense of disparagement and humiliation.
The Potential for Dialogue with Violent Extremism and the Role of Religious Professionals
by Yoshiaki Sanada
The Buddha teaches us that “hatred cannot be appeased by hatred; hatred can only be appeased by nonhatred.” Humankind makes no attempt to understand this truth
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhism
Savoring Our Encounters
by Dominick Scarangello
In order to savor our karmic encounters, we have to let go of preferential judgments of good and bad, take with equal gratitude that which is pleasant and that which is painful, as equal parts of reality, that is, as Buddha Dharma, and then no experience, no encounter will be for naught.
Essay
Kenji Miyazawa: Embodying the Lotus Sutra, with Mistakes and Failures (1)
by Gene Reeves
In Miyazawa I find not just an interesting historical figure but an inspiration, a man who was truly a living, modern bodhisattva.
Being a Person of Faith
by Nomfundo Walaza
I have learned over time that having the ability to humble myself and be open to the possibility of being taught by those I interact with has had a positive effect in my work life. This to me speaks to the ability to encounter others as human beings deserving of honor and respect.
