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Historically, humans have justified violence through religion and ideology from "summary" of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
Throughout human history, violence has often been cloaked in the garb of religion and ideology. These belief systems have provided a convenient justification for acts of aggression and brutality, giving individuals and groups a sense of moral righteousness in their violent actions. By framing violence as a sacred duty or a noble cause, people have been able to overcome their natural aversion to harming others and instead embrace violence as a necessary means to achieve their goals. Religion, in particular, has been a powerful tool for justifying violence. By portraying certain groups as enemies of God or as heretics deserving of punishment, religious leaders have been able to incite their followers to commit acts of violence in the name of righteousness. The Crusades, for example, were justified as a holy war to reclaim the Holy Land from the infidels, while the Spanish Inquisition was carried out in the name of rooting out heresy and protecting the purity of the faith. Ideologies, too, have played a significant role in justifying violence throughout history. Whether it be nationalism, communism, or fascism, these belief systems have often portrayed violence as a necessary means to achieve a utopian vision of society. By dehumanizing their enemies and painting them as obstacles to progress or as existential threats, ideologues have been able to mobilize their followers to commit acts of violence in the name of a greater cause. In both religious and ideological contexts, violence has been justified through a combination of fear, hatred, and a sense of moral duty. By appealing to primal emotions and exploiting people's insecurities and vulnerabilities, leaders have been able to manipulate individuals into committing acts of violence that they might otherwise find abhorrent. The end result is a cycle of violence perpetuated by the belief that one's cause is just and that one's enemies are deserving of punishment.- The historical record is replete with examples of violence being justified through religion and ideology. By framing acts of aggression as holy wars or as necessary sacrifices for the greater good, individuals and groups have been able to overcome their natural aversion to violence and instead embrace it as a legitimate means to achieve their ends. This pattern of violence justified through belief systems is a sobering reminder of the dark side of human nature and the capacity for cruelty that lies within us all.
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