Fighting back against religious extremism

The theology that leads to violence in the three main monotheistic faiths must be addressed if the continuation of the terror afflicting the world is to be tackled, writes TP O’Mahony

ON THE very first page of his new book, Not in God’s Name, Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi in the UK, quotes the 17th-century French scientist and philosopher, Blaise Pascal: “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction”.

There is no shortage of historical evidence to support Pascal’s contention. Indeed, if he were writing in the 21st century instead of the 17th, he’d have sufficient material for several books. In particular today he would be able to draw on the violent eruptions of Islamic fundamentalism, especially since 9/11.