Orwellian Lies
Q. Why is religion the leading cause of war throughout history? (M.A.)
Answer:
Thanks for your question. I was hoping someone would eventually ask it.
That is because the assumption that wars are always caused by religion is an Orwellian lie. We hear it over and over and continue to “buy into it!” Almost everyone does.
Lies become Truth – Hitler & Orwell
Surprisingly, religion is NOT the leading cause of war throughout history. This is a misnomer and one of those misleading statements that almost everyone repeats – again and again and again – even college professors repeat it who should know better! Maybe there is an agenda here…
I guess it proves true the maxim that “if you tell a lie often enough people will believe it.” Both George Orwell in his chilling book, 1984, and Hitler were said to have taught this effective, propaganda-technique.
Isms cause Schisms
The leading cause of war is Nationalism. One writer says it this way: “Isms Cause Schisms” (Macintyre 2008, 1). More wars have begun and people murdered due to Stalinism, Nazism, communism, totalitarianism and other movements that morally-bankrupt leaders have forced upon their citizens and countries.
The numbers of people murdered under the barbaric regimes of Stalin, Germany’s Hitler, China’s Mao, and similar dictators are good examples – over one hundred million killed under these three men alone!
To be sure, there have been violent, brutal religious leaders and wars. There is no mistake about that. It continues today.
Christians to Blame? PC News Only
We need to look clearly at current and past events to see if Christians are really to blame for so many wars as said. For example, today there are thousands upon thousands of Christians who have been tortured, beheaded, stripped of personal property, and mistreated at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists (yes, religion) and communists worldwide.
Do you specifically hear about those Christians? Probably not. This news isn’t “PC.” (You may follow the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide at www.persecuted.com).
Yes, today Christians will defend their country and fight in the Army if directed by the “governing authorities.” Obedience to our Government is biblical (see Romans 13:1). Furthermore, some Christians fought in wars like the Crusades – but that “Christian war” took place over 1000 years ago and wasn’t fought by predominantly “true” or faithful Christians to begin with.
Besides, remember this. The number killed in the Crusades was between 1 and 2 million. That number is a hundred times less than the first half of the 20th Century alone where nationalists killed hundreds of millions! Not to say that the Crusades were a “cakewalk,” but let’s be honest with our facts.
Turn the other Cheek
Instead, true Christians are taught to “turn the other cheek” and “bless your enemies.” Most people know this. But, the double-speak propaganda against Christians is astonishing! It works.
Christians are accused of brutal wars and unspeakable violence. Yet, Christians are not the murderous, violent people that vicious propaganda says they are. Instead, they are truly victims of The Big Lie spoken of by Hitler and George Orwell.
Truth matters. So please join us in an attempt to stop The Big Lie in your own communities. Take the time to learn the truth and teach it to others.
___________________________________
We have become so frustrated by this pervasive lie that we’re ready to say, “Beam us up,” Lord…we’re ready to leave planet earth!
“Then…we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, NLT).
____________________________________
References:
Durston, Kirk. Killing, atheism and Christianity. New Scholars Society. Available from: http://www.newscholars.com.
Macintyre, Ben. 2008. Why – isms cause schisms. Times Online. 1 February. Available from: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3288878.ece
Rummel, R.J. 1993. How many did communist regimes murder? Available from: http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM.
The big lie. Wikipedia. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lie.
The Voice of the Martyrs. www.persecution.com.
Authors Valorie Mays Emilio teaches and writes for the Gospel Rescue Mission in Grants Pass, Oregon, where her husband, Ken, serves as Director. She holds an MA in history from UCLA focusing upon Christian origins. Ken received his BS from CSULB and an MA in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. They both earned a VOM Certificate in Persecuted Church Ministries from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.