Dunedin Abrahamic Interfaith Group

15 April 2026. Gibson Talk. Dr Graham Redding. Religious violence and religious nationalism. 15 April 2026. Gibson Talk. Dr Graham Redding. Religious violence and religious nationalism in a fragmented world.

https://religionnews.com/2026/04/08/photos-of-the-week-holy-week-easter-celebrations/

Photos of the Week: Holy Week, Passover (RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes commemorations of Holy Week, Easter and Passover.

Statement on the escalation of conflict in Middle East Statement by the moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee Rev. Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay on the threats made by US president Donald Trump of imminent widespread attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/giving-muslims-in-aotearoa-a-voice?

Giving Muslims in Aotearoa a voice Otago lecturer Dr Usman Afzali is helping to better understand and give voice to Muslim experiences in Aotearoa.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17vJz7SxMc/

We meet today at 4pm in the Upper Room on campus. All welcome 🙏

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AqswhGFtW/

Throughout history, religion has sometimes been used to mobilize political movements. When religious language or identity is combined with political power, it can be used to justify policies, conflicts, or ideologies by presenting them as part of a larger moral or divine mission. Scholars of political science and sociology have long noted that religious narratives can be powerful tools for shaping public opinion and encouraging people to support policies they might otherwise question.

However, it is important to distinguish between religious beliefs themselves and the political use of religion. The vast majority of believers within Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other religions practice their faith in ways that emphasize compassion, community, and moral guidance. Assuming that all followers of a religion are dangerous because some actors misuse religious ideas is a form of generalization that often emerges from propaganda or polarizing rhetoric.

Governments and political movements across many regions have, at times, incorporated religious language into national identity or policy messaging. Analysts often point out that states may draw on religious traditions or symbolism to rally public support, strengthen legitimacy, or frame conflicts in moral terms. This dynamic has appeared in different historical and geopolitical contexts, including debates involving countries such as the United States, Israel, and Iran, where religion can intersect with national narratives and political messaging.

Researchers who study propaganda and psychological influence note that political communication can sometimes emphasize selective interpretations of religious ideas to mobilize support. In these cases, the focus may shift away from the ethical teachings of a religion toward interpretations that serve political objectives.

Understanding this distinction is important. Religion itself contains diverse traditions and interpretations, many of which promote peace, justice, and human dignity. The challenge arises when religious language is selectively used to legitimize political agendas, rather than to reflect the broader ethical teachings that many religious traditions emphasize.

Sources
Juergensmeyer, Mark. (2017). Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. University of California Press.
Appleby, R. Scott. (2000). The Ambivalence of the Sacred: Religion, Violence, and Reconciliation. Rowman & Littlefield.
Casanova, José. (1994). Public Religions in the Modern World. University of Chicago Press.
BBC News. (Various years). Reporting on religion and politics in global conflicts.
Image: Bloomberg