Islam, Judaism, and Christianity each have unique historical backgrounds of war that can be seen as promoting violence. Also, each religion has followers that can take defending their faith to extremes. Both the Bible and the Qur’an have scripture verses that by some can be considered violent towards others. The word Jihad, is used to describe how one should defend their religion against unbelievers which again, can be used by extremists to do harm to others.
"Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things"(Quran 2:244). This is a great example of Jihad because it illustrates how one should fight for Allah and defend their religion. The physical level of jihad, as shown in
the quote, is what most extremists use as a reason for violence. This level of Jihad states that one should defend against all that prevents Muslims from servitude to Allah.
While some of the teachings of Christianity advocate peace love and compassion, others have been found to justify the use of violence. “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword”(Matthew 26:52-54). In this scripture verse, Jesus is using the analogy of an eye for an eye, which may seem to go against many Christian beliefs.
The same goes for Judaism and the Torah, there are numerous passages that can be found as violent.
As a whole, there is no real promotion of violence throughout these three religions.
However, each religion does have extremists that interpret quotes more intensely.
Because of each of the religions historical backgrounds for war, that is another way that some might see a promotion of violence. Islam does not promote violence any
more so than Christianity or Judaism because each religion can be construed as violent. Works Cited
English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.
Cited: English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. The Qur 'an (Oxford World 's Classics). Trans. M. A. S. Abdel Haleem. USA: Oxford University Press, 2008.