Terrorism and Religion - Terminology
Discussion
Simple question. Why are the terrorists who follow Islam called Islamic terrorists, but the terrorists who follow Christianity ( or other religions ) are never refered to as Christian terrorists?
I don't remember the IRA or the UDA being called Catholic terrorists or Protestant terrorists ( might be my dodgy memory though ), but when i read the papers or watch the news it's Islamic terrorists?
Just to be clear, i'm not in the least religious and don't wish to offend anyone, but it has puzzled me for a while now so thought i ask the wisdom of PH.
Please don't turn this into a religion bashing thread, or a new crusade, that isn't the intention.
Just looking for a reasoned answer.
I don't remember the IRA or the UDA being called Catholic terrorists or Protestant terrorists ( might be my dodgy memory though ), but when i read the papers or watch the news it's Islamic terrorists?
Just to be clear, i'm not in the least religious and don't wish to offend anyone, but it has puzzled me for a while now so thought i ask the wisdom of PH.
Please don't turn this into a religion bashing thread, or a new crusade, that isn't the intention.
Just looking for a reasoned answer.
I think that terrorists are defined by whatever excuse they use to justify their actions. In the case of the IRA they justified their actions with the ideals of the IRA, hence 'IRA Terrorists'.
So, Islamic terrorists use Islam as a justification for their actions and so they are defined as such.
So, Islamic terrorists use Islam as a justification for their actions and so they are defined as such.
I suspect because while part of the issue in Ireland, the arguments are fundamentally political for both sides. I.E. Republican and Loyalist.
It happens that the political and religous lines are aligned to a very very strong degree, but the terrorism is not fundamentally about either sides religion, or lack of it in my opinion, unlike the Islamists who feel they are doing God's work.
In fact some of the founding fathers of Irish Republicanism were protestant, Woolfe Tone being a prime example.
It happens that the political and religous lines are aligned to a very very strong degree, but the terrorism is not fundamentally about either sides religion, or lack of it in my opinion, unlike the Islamists who feel they are doing God's work.
In fact some of the founding fathers of Irish Republicanism were protestant, Woolfe Tone being a prime example.
Simbu said:
I think that terrorists are defined by whatever excuse they use to justify their actions. In the case of the IRA they justified their actions with the ideals of the IRA, hence 'IRA Terrorists'.
So, Islamic terrorists use Islam as a justification for their actions and so they are defined as such.
I see what you're saying. I'd never thought about it that way ( yes i'm dim! ). Makes sense! Wish i'd thought of that befor starting the thread So, Islamic terrorists use Islam as a justification for their actions and so they are defined as such.
PH to the rescue with the sensible answer within five minutes 
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