The Myth of Religious Violence

Section	Main Arguments	Key Points
Introduction	Myth of religious violence = assumption religion uniquely causes violence	• Myth dominant post-Enlightenment • Reformation/Thirty Years' War used as evidence • Secular states positioned as peaceful progress
Ch 1: Construction of Religion/Violence	"Religion" is modern Western construct	• Pre-modern: religion intertwined with politics/culture • Modern era created religion as distinct category • Violence narrowly defined, ignoring structural forms
Ch 2: Secular State Problem	Secular states equally/more violent than religious institutions	• French Revolution, totalitarianism, imperialism examples • Secularism treats religion as private/disruptive • Secular ideologies presented as neutral but violent
Ch 3: Roots of Conflict	Violence driven by political/economic factors, not religion	• Religion used as tool/rallying point • Crusades about land/resources/power • Religious identity not sole driver
Ch 4: Crusades Case Study	Crusades primarily political/economic, not religious	• Expansionist goals of monarchies • Control over Holy Land • Power consolidation in Christendom
Ch 5: Modernity/Secularism	Secularism marginalizes religion but causes violence	• Religion framed as irrational/dangerous • Nationalism/socialism/liberalism justify violence • False dichotomy of secular peace
Ch 6: Understanding Violence	Need nuanced view beyond religion/secular binary	• Both ideologies justify violence • Focus on political/economic structures • Peace requires transforming unjust structures
Conclusion	Myth obscures real conflict causes	• Religion scapegoat for deeper issues • Secularism distances from own violence • Need complex historical view
Key Themes	Religion not inherently violent	• Violence from political/economic factors • Secular states responsible for mass violence • Religion as political tool • Historical context essential