Microtheme #4
In Western usage, the word “Crusade” has lost it’s original meaning “A war of the cross.” When used in Western terms the word has been associated with religion, and has also been associated with “Good vs Evil.” Yet “Crusade” remains a very sensitive word in the Middle East, were the Crusades are still seen as a loss and defeat against what is most important, religion. Religious beliefs have been used as a tool of war to further social, political and religious aims. This discussion will focus on three examples of how religion has been used in Muslim, Western and American conflict.
The Battle of Poitiers has been noted by historians as the turning point of one of the most important epochs in world history. In an Arab chronicle, the Battle of Poitiers is portrayed in a poetic light. Clearly the battle was for religious purpose, however the chronicle depicts it something much more heroic: “So Abderrabman and his host attacked Tours to gain still more spoil, and they fought against it so fiercely that they stormed the city almost before the eyes of the army that came to save it; and the fury and the cruelty of the Moslems towards the inhabitants of the city were like the fury and …show more content…
Religion brings people together under the best of circumstances, and the worst. We can see throughout history how religion has been used as a tool to motivate people to go to war. It’s been used by all religions all over the world. I feel like religion takes the blame while there are so many other motives for war. The worst part about it is that our leaders are using it for their benefit; they know people will always protect their religion. I hope one day religion will no longer be to blame for the cause of war, we need to look past our leaders and politicians and see who really stands to
In Western usage, the word “Crusade” has lost it’s original meaning “A war of the cross.” When used in Western terms the word has been associated with religion, and has also been associated with “Good vs Evil.” Yet “Crusade” remains a very sensitive word in the Middle East, were the Crusades are still seen as a loss and defeat against what is most important, religion. Religious beliefs have been used as a tool of war to further social, political and religious aims. This discussion will focus on three examples of how religion has been used in Muslim, Western and American conflict.
The Battle of Poitiers has been noted by historians as the turning point of one of the most important epochs in world history. In an Arab chronicle, the Battle of Poitiers is portrayed in a poetic light. Clearly the battle was for religious purpose, however the chronicle depicts it something much more heroic: “So Abderrabman and his host attacked Tours to gain still more spoil, and they fought against it so fiercely that they stormed the city almost before the eyes of the army that came to save it; and the fury and the cruelty of the Moslems towards the inhabitants of the city were like the fury and …show more content…
Religion brings people together under the best of circumstances, and the worst. We can see throughout history how religion has been used as a tool to motivate people to go to war. It’s been used by all religions all over the world. I feel like religion takes the blame while there are so many other motives for war. The worst part about it is that our leaders are using it for their benefit; they know people will always protect their religion. I hope one day religion will no longer be to blame for the cause of war, we need to look past our leaders and politicians and see who really stands to