Religion in the News: Ethical Conflict

Overview Ethics, as they pertain to religion, is about virtuous and wrong behavior and is exemplified in the tenets and morality espoused by religion. History is rife with religious clashes that escalated into a war such as the Crusades of the 11-15th centuries, or the “Thirty Years War” of the 1600s. Similar religious struggles continue today as revealed by daily news stories reporting instances of conflict in every corner of the globe. In this assignment, you examine one such report where religious ethical principles clash and conflict erupts! Preparation Examine a news article published within the last 18 months describing the ethical conflict followers face within or between the Muslim or Christian communities. As you read, consider the conflict's motivations, actions, and origins in the context of the religion(s) involved. An example of an intra-religious conflict in Christianity pitted Irish Catholics against British Protestants in 1921, ultimately ending in the separation of Northern and Southern Ireland. A fundamental aspect of the conflict was the desire for freedom (of the Irish - (predominantly Catholic) from British (predominantly Protestant) rule. The two sides eventually became known as “nationalists” and “loyalists”. Each had very different views and agendas although both were Christian. Of course, the conflict is more complex than just the fight for freedom. There were newsworthy elements that defined the conflict such as protest, intolerance, segregation, and instances of violence such as bombings, kidnappings, and murder. Where did it all begin? Instructions Identify a recent article (published within the last 18 months) on religious conflict in the news and include a link to it in your submission. Do the following: Explain three significant characteristics that define the larger conflict depicted in the article. Describe a likely origin of the conflict. Cite specific canon or beliefs to support your explanation and provide a particular example that illustrates it. Note: “Canon” is a rule or law enacted by a religious authority.