Religious Leaders Who Have Advocated and Engaged in Violence

Abstract

Throughout history, numerous individuals have become pivotal to incidents and/or campaigns that advocate violence in support of religious beliefs. Not only have these figures championed and/or participated in violence, but they also have risen to leadership roles. Although perhaps pacifists at the beginning, they later believed and embraced violence as a necessary strategy-if not solution- for religious groups or organizations motivated, in whole or in part by religious concerns, to achieve their objectives. Most are charismatic figures with excellent writing and oratory skills, not to mention an ability for organizing a loyal group of followers. This chapter examines some of the implications related to leaders who turn to violence in spite of most religious tenets requiring peace and compassion.

Keywords: religion, religious leaders, violence, religious beliefs, religious groups, religious organizations, necessary strategy, charismatic figures, organizational skills, oratory skills, writing skills

JEL Classification: K14, K19, K42, K49, L31, L39, L89, M54