The truth that we must finally confront is that Islam contains specific notions of martyrdom and jihad that fully explain the character of Muslim violence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Harris asserts that specific Islamic doctrines regarding martyrdom and jihad explain Muslim violence.
- In plain terms
- Muslim violence is explained by Islamic teachings on dying for faith and holy war.
- What can you take from it?
- Examine specific religious doctrines to understand claims about violence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do religious texts directly cause violence?
- How do we distinguish doctrine from practice?
Another view
Attributing violence solely to doctrine ignores political and economic factors.
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