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Is religious extremism more prevalent in certain religions compared to others?

Sherwin Leasor

There is no doubt that religious extremism is a complex and sensitive issue that has been a topic of discussion for many years. Unfortunately, it seems that religious extremism is more prevalent in certain religions compared to others.

It is worth mentioning that it is not the religion itself that promotes or encourages extremism but the interpretation and understanding of its doctrine by its followers. Moreover, religious extremism is not a new phenomenon and has been present throughout history across various regions and religions.

However, it is observed that some religions have a more significant tendency towards extremism than others. For instance, Islam has received much attention in this regard, and research shows that a larger number of extremists are found in the Islamic community. However, this is not an accurate representation of all Muslims as they categorically condemn extremism and terrorism.

It is also important to note that extremism is not specific to Islam only. In recent years, other religions like Christianity have also witnessed the growth of extremist groups. For instance, white supremacists in the US and some parts of Europe have been perpetrating hate crimes against minorities, and their ideology is rooted in their understanding of Christianity.

Other religions like Buddhism and Hinduism have also seen its share of extremist groups, although they are not as prevalent as in Islam and Christianity. For instance, in Myanmar, the Buddhist majority has been accused of ethnic cleansing against Rohingya Muslims, causing an international outcry.

In Conclusion, while religious extremism may be more prevalent in certain religions compared to others, it is not the religion itself that is to blame; instead, it's the interpretation of its doctrines by its followers. And while different societies and religions have different views on matters of faith, it is important to respect one another's belief system and promote peace and understanding to build a better world for all.