Genocidal Religion

Abstract

There is no more egregious hateful behavior than that of genocide. There is no more uncomfortable thought than that of religion as a 'participating factor' in the perpetration of genocide, though religious studies scholars come late to any discussion of genocide. This paper, an initial foray into a much longer and more in-depth book-length project, and whose author is desirous of collegial feedback ([email protected]), is a preliminary conversation addressing four 'precipitating factors': (1) tribalism, (2) religious exclusivism, (3) privileged access to the divine, and (4) a particularistic and parochial reading of sacred texts. It will also attempt, by way of conclusion, to offer possible practical and realistic suggestions to reverse this nexus between genocide and religion.