Representing 'Religious Violence', Understanding the Role of Religion as Simplifier and Magnifier of Violent Conflict

Abstract

In debating present-day world conflicts it seems impossible to avoid discussing the role of religion. Religious fundamentalisms around the globe, the phenomenon of global religious terrorism and the use of religious language in conflict areas all contribute to the statement that religion is, as popular writer Sam Harris argues, ‘the most prolific source of violence in our history’ (Harris, 2004, p. 27). However, it is hard, if not impossible, to argue that religion is something in itself that by definition instigates violent conflict. Religion seems to function rather as a tool that gives meaning to people within the complex context of daily life through (social) rituals, texts, morals and discourse. If social tensions rise, fear increases and violence looms, this religious ‘meaning’ becomes important to understand what goes on. Religion represents a violent conflict within specific religious terms of language. This representation, however, frames the conflict as a religious conflict, often neglecting the complex socioeconomic and political context in which the conflict originated. In this contribution I will examine the role of religion as simplifier and magnifier of violent conflict.