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RAMBLE in the JUNGLE

Religion and Violence

By Wanaku Verdzekov · · Global

Tags: religion, violence, poem

Religious Foolishness

So you don't believe in some religion,
and you are killed because of that.
Now what does that accomplish?
Does that now make you believe in the said religion?
You are dead.
So, what's the point?
You tell me.

TribalMonk

From the replies:

Did I write anywhere that I want all people to be godless? You tell me. Or else stick to what I wrote, which I can rewrite: "A dead man or woman cannot believe in anything." In other words, do not kill a human being to make them believe in anything, because when they are dead, how is the belief mechanism going to work? Again, you tell me.

Any so-called religion that kills to force belief is counter-productive at best. Dead people don't "believe". They are dead! So again, what's the point? Picture or no picture.

Humans should ask and answer this and other pertinent questions. Whether there is an answer or not is not the question. Asking questions shows that a human is (at least) using their brain (mind), and that they have a mechanism (conscience) for knowing what is good or not good for them.

Here is a question my illiterate grandpa would have asked ISIS: "Are you hungry? Sit down and eat some food. If you are not hungry, it was nice knowing you, and safe journey." What else would they want from him? And the journalists: I am sure they would share a meal with any of them any time. So why would anyone want them kidnapped or dead? For food? Ransom? Religion? What use is a dead or kidnapped journalist to God?

— Wanaku Verdzekov

Reading & grammar

Reading level: Gr 8–10

Understand

  1. What is the central argument of the poem "Religious Foolishness"?
  2. What would the author's grandpa have asked ISIS, and what does that question show?
  3. Why does the author say that asking questions is a sign of using your brain and conscience?

Grammar focus: short sentences for impact. "You are dead. So, what's the point?" Very short sentences, after longer ones, hit hard. They slow the reader down and make the logic feel undeniable.

Try it: Write a paragraph with two long sentences that build an argument, then end with two very short sentences.

Discuss: Can violence ever change what someone believes? Argue both sides, then give your own view.