In Response To A Comment

November 26, 2024,

Hi, my last post dealt with my confusion over why humanity continually makes the wrong choices. One comment was:

"At least one bit of wisdom literature answers your question by mentioning the sinful nature of man (meaning male and female)"

 My reply to the comment was at best inadequate. I was bothered yesterday and more so today. So, I've been doing a bit of sipping, sitting and speculating. Naturally I included my librarian and research assistant, 'Copilot'.

Making the Choice 

A Little Bit Of Research

 "Certainly! Here's the list of key historical conflicts with an indication of which were caused by religious differences:

1. **Crusades (1096-1291)**: Initiated by Christian states to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. **(Religious differences)**

2. **Ottoman Wars in Europe (14th-20th centuries)**: Series of conflicts between the Ottoman Empire (Islamic) and various European powers (Christian). **(Religious differences)**

3. **European Colonial Wars (15th-20th centuries)**: Christian European nations engaged in wars of conquest and colonization across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. **(Primarily economic and territorial, but sometimes involved religious motives)**

4. **World Wars (20th century)**: Predominantly involved Christian-majority nations, though they had global impacts. **(Not primarily religious)**

### Modern Conflicts:

- **Middle East Conflicts**: Involving Islamic countries and often influenced by external Christian-majority nations. **(Often involve religious differences)**

- **Cold War Proxies**: Many conflicts during the Cold War involved Christian-majority Western nations and their allies against various states, including some Islamic countries. **(Not primarily religious)**

Religious differences have played a significant role in many historical conflicts, but it's important to note that other factors such as economic, territorial, and political motives often intertwine with religious causes.

If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!

Sure, here's a list of pacifist and holy war-believing sects within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam:

### Pacifist Sects

#### Christianity:

1. **Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)**: Known for their strong commitment to pacifism and non-violence.

2. **Mennonites**: An Anabaptist group that advocates for peace and non-violence.

3. **Amish**: Another Anabaptist group that practices non-resistance.

4. **Church of the Brethren**: Emphasizes peace and non-violence.

#### Judaism:

1. **Reform Judaism**: Generally promotes peace and social justice.

2. **Reconstructionist Judaism**: Focuses on peace and ethical living.

#### Islam:

1. **Ahmadiyya Muslim Community**: Embraces a pacifist tradition within Islam.

2. **Certain Sufi Orders**: Some Sufi groups emphasize peace and non-violence.

### Sects Believing in Holy Wars

#### Christianity:

1. **Crusaders**: Historical Christian military campaigns aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land.

2. **Certain Medieval Christian Orders**: Such as the Knights Templar, who participated in the Crusades.

#### Judaism:

1. **Zealots**: A Jewish sect in the Second Temple period that advocated for armed rebellion against Roman rule.

#### Islam:

1. **Certain Jihadist Groups**: Such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which interpret jihad as a holy war.

2. **Historical Caliphates**: Engaged in wars for the expansion and defense of the Islamic state.

These lists highlight the diversity within each religion and the varying interpretations of their teachings on peace and conflict.

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacifism_in_Islam)

: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/2021018074/)

: [Wikiwand](https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Pacifism_in_Islam)

: [Waging Nonviolence](https://wagingnonviolence.org/2010/12/a-pacifist-tradition-within-islam/)

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_pacifism)

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_churches)

: [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/event/Crusades)

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_and_violence)

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_religious_movements)

: [TheCollector](https://www.thecollector.com/four-jewish-sects/)

It's a complex issue. While many adherents of major religions advocate for peace and coexistence, there are several factors that contribute to the presence of "soldiers of faith":

1. **Interpretation of Texts**: Religious texts can be interpreted in various ways. Some individuals or groups may focus on passages that justify violence or warfare, while others emphasize messages of peace.

2. **Political and Economic Interests**: Often, conflicts that appear to be religious are driven by political, economic, or territorial interests. Religion can be used as a tool to mobilize support and justify actions.

3. **Historical Context**: Historical grievances and conflicts can perpetuate cycles of violence. Past wars and persecutions can leave lasting scars that influence current attitudes and actions.

4. **Leadership and Influence**: Charismatic leaders can sway followers towards more extreme interpretations of their faith, sometimes leading to violent actions.

5. **Social and Cultural Factors**: In some societies, cultural norms and social pressures can play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards conflict and violence.

While the majority of adherents may advocate for peace, these factors can lead to the emergence of groups or individuals who resort to violence in the name of their faith. It's a reminder of the complexity of human societies and the diverse ways in which religion can be interpreted and practiced.

Certainly! Here's a summary you can use as a foundation for your blog:

### The Role of Religion in Historical and Modern Conflicts

Throughout history, religious differences have played a significant role in many conflicts. However, it's essential to recognize that not all wars involving religious groups are purely driven by faith. Political, economic, and territorial motives often intertwine with religious causes.

#### Key Historical Conflicts:

1. **Crusades (1096-1291)**: Initiated by Christian states to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. **(Religious differences)**

2. **Ottoman Wars in Europe (14th-20th centuries)**: Conflicts between the Ottoman Empire (Islamic) and various European powers (Christian). **(Religious differences)**

3. **European Colonial Wars (15th-20th centuries)**: Christian European nations engaged in wars of conquest and colonization. **(Primarily economic and territorial, but sometimes involved religious motives)**

4. **World Wars (20th century)**: Predominantly involved Christian-majority nations. **(Not primarily religious)**

#### Modern Conflicts:

- **Middle East Conflicts**: Involving Islamic countries and often influenced by external Christian-majority nations. **(Often involve religious differences)**

- **Cold War Proxies**: Many conflicts during the Cold War involved Christian-majority Western nations and their allies against various states, including some Islamic countries. **(Not primarily religious)**

### Pacifist vs. Holy War-Believing Sects:

- **Pacifist Sects**: Quakers, Mennonites, Reform Judaism, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

- **Holy War-Believing Sects**: Crusaders, Zealots, certain Jihadist groups.

### Conclusion:

While there have been and still are groups within these religions that believe in holy wars, it's not accurate to say that these religions as a whole are dominated by such beliefs. The majority of adherents and many sects within these religions advocate for peace and coexistence. However, various factors, including interpretation of texts, political and economic interests, historical context, leadership influence, and social and cultural factors, contribute to the presence of "soldiers of faith.  "(Copilot)."

__________________________

Here are my takes from the research:

• monotheistic religions have been involved in many of histories wars. 
• Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have legitimate peace loving sects.
• They also have believers in Holy Wars.
• Most believers sit somewhere between the two extremes.
• It is apparently not too difficult to get the majority of believers to become killers for the 'right' cause.

Conclusion:

It is not our sinful nature that creates the opportunity for us humans to make the wrong choices. If it was, then there would be no humans making the right choices.

Most people make the wrong choices because they have not sought after Lady Wisdom. We are too lazy to put in the needed work. We are too greedy to want to share. Most of us don't give a damn about the future as long as we are comfortable now. And most importantly, we distrust and despise 'the other'.

At least that's how this old man sees it.

Brian