Sacrificing
life for faith
The ongoing atrocities
against Christians living in Iraq by the extremist militant group Islamic State
of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has proved Karl Marx’s words that religion is the
opium of the people. Religion is an institution that is supposed to lead us to
God. It encourages us to love our neighbor. No religion teaches its followers
to hate, destroy or kill other human beings. Is it right for ISIS to kill and
persecute Christians in Iraq in the name of religion?
The
killing of more than approximately 1,50,000 Christians in Iraq has become an
issue of concern. Up to 1,00,000 Christians are reported to have fled their
homes in Iraq, especially from cities like Mosul and Qaraqosh, because of the
threat posed by ISIS. Christians were given three choices by the brutal
oppressors: convert to Islam, pay a dhimmi
(a tax collected by non-Muslims for their residence), or be executed. The
Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue has stated that ISIS
has “committed and was continuing to commit unspeakable criminal acts” against
the Christians and Yazidis. ISIS needs to realize that human lives are not just
pawns to establish religious supremacy.
The
persecution or killing of people in the name of religion is wrong and should be
condemned. It is often said that those who persecute others in the name of
religion often do not know anything about their religion or its teachings. They
could be considered as fanatics and equated to outlaws. Perpetrators should be
punished justly.
Religion
is a means to enhance our human life here on earth. Islam, Hinduism, Jainism,
Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and other religions aim to lead us to the Divine and
they are supposed to help us love one another. Different religions need to have
a dialogue and make resolutions to work together, build a just human society
and create an atmosphere where people can live as brothers and sisters.
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