Introduction

Religion, as an essential part of human civilization, has long served not only as an explanation of the origins of the universe and life but also as a foundation for morality and social order. Yet, throughout history, religion has also been a source of conflict and violence. From the Crusades to the religious wars in the Middle East, from sectarian tensions in India to ethnic-religious conflicts in Myanmar, one can observe how extreme beliefs often lead to exclusion and bloodshed. This raises a fundamental paradox: if the world is truly created by God, then all human beings, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, must be His children. Does persecuting “the other” not constitute an offense against God’s will? This article explores the tension between religious extremism and tolerance from philosophical, theological, and historical perspectives.

I. The Core of Faith and the Deviation of Human Nature

Most major religions emphasize compassion and love at their core teachings:

• Christianity upholds the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and regards all humanity as created in the image of God.

• Buddhism teaches that “all sentient beings are equal” and that compassion is the path to liberation.

• Islam emphasizes that “Allah is Most Gracious, Most Merciful,” and the Qur’an clearly states, “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256).

However, religion in practice is often distorted by political, economic, or power interests. When faith becomes a tool of tribalism, nationalism, or authoritarian rule, the spirit of compassion is frequently replaced by exclusivism and hatred. William James, in The Varieties of Religious Experience, observed that religion has both a “healthy-minded” and a “sick-souled” side; extremism represents the pathological distortion of faith.

II. Non-Believers as God’s Children: A Philosophical Argument

If God is indeed the omnipotent and benevolent Creator, then all human beings are His children, sharing the same origin. Platonic philosophy emphasizes “the Good” as the ultimate reality, while the Abrahamic religions similarly affirm humanity’s divine origin. From this perspective, excluding or slaughtering people of different faiths is not only an offense against humanity but also a blasphemy against the Creator.

Thomas Aquinas, in Summa Theologica, articulated the concept of natural law, arguing that God implanted within every person a rational inclination toward the good. Thus, even those outside one’s faith community are deserving of equal dignity. To harm them is to violate natural law and God’s will.

III. The Theological Meaning of Diversity

The existence of multiple religions and cultures can be interpreted as intentional rather than accidental:

1. Diversity as a Test — If God willed, He could have created humanity as a single people with one language and one faith. The fact that diversity exists implies a divine purpose: to test whether humanity can overcome differences to achieve peace.

2. Learning Tolerance and Cooperation — Theologian Paul Tillich described faith as “ultimate concern.” This suggests that different religions may be pointing toward the same ultimate reality, though expressed in varied forms.

3. Complementary Values — Religions emphasize different virtues: Christianity highlights love, Buddhism emphasizes compassion, Islam stresses submission to God, and Confucianism values benevolence and righteousness. Together, these form a mosaic of wisdom contributing to humanity’s collective spiritual growth.

IV. Lessons from History

1. The Crusades (11th–13th centuries): Wars fought in the name of faith led to massive civilian casualties and failed to unify the Holy Land, instead deepening animosity between Christianity and Islam.

2. The Spanish Inquisition (15th–19th centuries): Jews and Muslims were persecuted under the guise of “purifying faith,” though the true motives were often political control.

3. The Rwandan Genocide (1994): Though primarily ethnic in nature, the complicity of some religious institutions showed how faith, when co-opted by politics, can fuel violence.

These cases demonstrate that extreme religious actions rarely glorify God; rather, they discredit faith itself.

V. Peace and Tolerance: The True Intention of God

If humanity is indeed God’s creation, then His will is more likely to be reflected in:

• Mutual Respect: Recognizing equality amid diversity and treating all as fellow creations.

• Renunciation of Violence: Choosing dialogue and understanding instead of war and persecution.

• The Pursuit of Peace: Not only as a social goal but also as the ultimate purpose of religious practice.

As Mahatma Gandhi once remarked, “The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.” The true mission of religion is not to divide humankind, but to unite it in truth and love.

Conclusion

Religious extremism is not an authentic expression of faith but rather a distortion rooted in human selfishness and the lust for power. If God truly exists, then His creation of diversity is not a pretext for violence but a call to compassion, tolerance, and cooperation. Persecuting others in the name of faith is not only a betrayal of human dignity but also an offense against God Himself. Humanity’s true mission is to transcend prejudice and embrace peace. Only then can we fulfill the divine purpose of existence and complete the lesson entrusted to us by God.

“Just as the beauty of a garden is revealed through its many flowers, the true greatness of humanity is revealed through its diversity. To embrace this truth is to honor the very intention of the Creator.”