Religion has always had a strong connection to violence, whether it be one of abhorrence or one that views it as a tool of redemption. On one extreme, humans see themselves as tools of God’s vengeance or will, and see it their duty to purify the world from evil. They see violence as a necessary evil and one that has spiritual value as long as it is done in the name of God. At the other extreme are those that view it with complete abhorrence, and will do anything, even to the point of sacrificing their own lives, to avoid committing a violent act.  Both justify their philosophy with their religious beliefs, proof that religion can both sanction and condemn violence depending on how it is viewed.

When warfare and violence are condoned by a deity, they are accepted as a part of that religion’s system of beliefs. Violence is seen as a means to an end and a part of the system in which humans live. It is part of the cycle of life and death, of destruction and rebirth. It is condoned when a deity demands it, or when the act is viewed as an act of devotion to the deity. In this worldview, salvation is determined by the deity, and only by following their God’s commands can they be saved. If the deity demands violence, then the loyal followers must obey.

If a groups religious beliefs are that they are to abstain from harming other sentient begins, because violence is condemned by their deity or due to their worldview, then committing acts of violence would be seen as detrimental to finding salvation. In this case, a follower’s abstinence from violence would be due to his religion and worldview. By committing an act of violence it would keep the individual from reaching salvation.

Religion has always had a powerful effect upon human actions, motivating them to extremes. While some of the most incredible acts of violence have been done in the name of religion and in the name of a God, just so have some of the most kind and loving acts, showing just how strongly the idea of salvation can motivate individuals.