Yes, but it is more to do with context Bella.
The argument from those who have a "faith" often say for example; look at Stalin, he was an Atheist and a horrible man who did contrived things. This is true. Heinous acts and violence are committed by those with who have a faith and those who don't. The point here is that a lot of blood has been spilled in the name of religion. These people do things
because they are catholic, muslim, christian etc. On the other hand, people don't commit heinous acts because they're an 'athiest'. This is akin to saying Stalin had a mustache, therefore men with a mustache commit heinous crimes*
*I am sure many have, but you get the point
I myself am without faith (I "used" to be Catholic as this what was taught, but as I grew throughout my teens, I tried forcing myself to believe these 'truths' but logic and reasoning (aka science) had already put me in good stead.)
Those closest to me (my father etc) still are Catholic and probably some of the most genuine people you could meet. Alas, that was not my point!
Minchia, I adore you, but I don't see how any of this is relevant to the OP? It definitely is fodder for another conversation however.
You're right, horrible acts are committed in the name of religion - the religion itself is irrelevant because it's humanity that commits the crimes,
not religions.
Plenty of athiests commit heinous acts of violence too.
But I think we need to be careful not to condemn an entire relgion, based around the acts committed by extremists within that religion?
It's just like condemning an entire race of people, for what Ivan Milat did. Not all Australian's are like that, but we've certainly churned out some exceedingly violent people?
Not all who follow islam are full of hate or violence either. I have muslim friends, have always had muslim friends,who I love dearly, they're the most peaceful people I know. And when acts of atrocity are committed, they are on their knees praying for the victims of those crimes, and heartbroken that they are done in the name of their beloved koran.
A 'few' extremists, should not allow us the right to judge an entire relgion, country or culture. Because as we all well know, not everyone is the same. We are all different. Structures within a larger structure...
Much of our moral stance, beliefs and values, come from our upbringing, handed down by our parents - I think "religion" is often used as a poorly veiled excuse, and twisted interpretation of what is largely a peaceful text and series of stories that are meant to uplift and provide comfort for those who seek it.
When we're talking about female circumcision, or 'honour killings' or little girls being married off from the age of 8 & 9 to men old enough to be their grandfathers, well that becomes a cultural thing. Often veiled thinly behind religious beliefs too, to try and add some weight and baring to it all.
In the end, we cannot judge. But we can help, we can educate, we can provide refuge for those who flee, we can provide a platform to hear the people who want to talk, and create advocacy programs for those that want to use them. This is humanity.
My 4 months in the Middle East were the most enlightening and heartbreaking of my entire 12 years abroad. I learnt alot about myself and my own heart there. And I learnt alot about them as a people...
Sweeping statements are just that. I personally don't like them, because they capture and judge too many people who don't fit into them.
But I do understand what you're saying Minchia.