Religion has been indicted by some: “more people have been killed in the name of God than any other cause!” God has never been a willing participant though, and now we have contemporary proof that you do not even need God to wage a “sacred war.”

North Korea’s autocracy has threatened “sacred war,” and “nuclear” at that. The provocation apparently inviting this threat has been ongoing South Korean and US war drills, (after a previous North Korean military action which resulted in civilian deaths). Two observations: the standards, the hurdle for proclaiming “holly war” seems to be dropping. Second, the regime of North Korea is officially atheist. Invoking holly war is a bit of a contradiction,(like fashion show at nudist colony - too transparent if not so conspicuously odd). Of course, this did not stop the North Korean leadership or others in history who have understood God in largely opportunistic terms, from politics to houses of worship.

Is religion a force for good or bad? Of course, most would answer that question depending on whose religion is in question? However, the North Korean threat is just more evidence that God is an unnecessary ingredient for those who would exploit the notions of sacred to blur the vision of their followers regarding either rational considerations or more universal values of right and wrong. The notion of the unquestionable or infallible can be a highly volatile tool employed by the self-indulging, as well as the positive intentioned.

In the end, with us seeing the Supreme Being in different forms and historical context, (and some not seeing God at all), the differentiation has to be in the deed rather than the invocation. Nonetheless, it is appropriate that all “believers” and particularly leaders of organized religion refrain from invoking the Supreme Being for any war or killing and especially on basis of some avowed offense committed against God. Theological teaching should permit the conclusion that God could do more than enough to respond to such offenses on His/Her own. On the other hand the tangible result of God’s name being invoked in the cause of war is that people, children, women and men will suffer the consequences. Good can and has been inspired in the name of God in infinite ways and beyond our immediate observation, but we have as much of a responsibility to expose and deny the exploitation of religion for dubious, even evil purposes.

If the Holy is to be invoked, religious leaders should see God’s will in peace. Justice, democracy and mutual tolerance, respect all is more likely to prevail in peace. And, whether we will have peace on earth is up to the collective us rather than deferring responsibility to a Divine Authority.

By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey:

More related news-film reports:

“Same Difference-Interfaith Dialogue” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/same_difference_interfaith_dialogue_theatre/21508

“Korea Lunging to Conflict”: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/korea-lunging-to-conflict/23588

“New York/Battle Ground or Common Ground?” (Part 1): diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/new-york-battle-ground-or-common-ground-mosque-near-ground-zero-part-1/21305

“New York/Battle Ground or Common Ground?” (Part2): diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/new-york-battle-ground-or-common-ground-part-2-mosque-near-ground-zero/21306

PARODY “Build Church Instead of Mosque (Part 1 of 4)”: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/un-diplomatic-show-1-interview-build-church-instead-of-mosque/21650

“Religion and Politics in Iran’s Campaign”: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/religion-and-politics-in-irans-campaign/18901