In A Fatal Addiction: War in the Name of God, Thomas Block embarks on a compelling exploration of humanity’s enduring connection between religious ideology and violent conflict. This thought-provoking book delves deep into the roots of war, questioning how faith, which often aspires to peace and compassion, has historically been intertwined with violence, conquest, and destruction.
The Connection Between Faith and War:
Block examines the paradoxical relationship between religious teachings and the brutal realities of war. Through a historical and sociological lens, he highlights the ways in which sacred texts, spiritual leaders, and religious institutions have justified acts of violence in the name of divine will.
Historical Perspectives on Religious Conflict:
From the Crusades and holy wars of medieval Europe to contemporary conflicts shaped by religious extremism, Block traces the devastating impact of religiously motivated violence throughout history. He offers detailed case studies to illustrate how faith has been weaponized to achieve political, territorial, and ideological goals.
Psychological Insights into the “Addiction” to War:
Block explores the psychological and cultural factors that make war an almost irresistible phenomenon for societies. He connects these factors to religious doctrines that glorify sacrifice, martyrdom, and the concept of a “just war,” showing how these beliefs perpetuate cycles of violence.
Religion as a Tool of Power:
The book investigates how political leaders and governments have exploited religion as a tool to mobilize populations, suppress dissent, and legitimize their agendas. Block unpacks the symbiotic relationship between religious authorities and state power, exposing the manipulation of faith to serve worldly ambitions.
A Call for Reflection and Change:
While critically examining the darker aspects of religion, Block does not dismiss the potential for faith to inspire peace and reconciliation. He calls on religious communities and leaders to confront the historical misuse of their traditions and to embrace a more inclusive, compassionate approach that rejects violence in all its forms.
Key Themes Covered:
The historical roots of religiously motivated war
Psychological and cultural underpinnings of violence
The role of sacred texts in justifying conflict
Political exploitation of religion for power and control
Paths toward a more peaceful coexistence
A Scholarly and Accessible Work:
A Fatal Addiction* bridges the gap between academic rigor and accessible writing, making it an essential read for historians, theologians, political scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between faith and war. Block’s analysis is both critical and constructive, offering hope for a future where religious values are aligned with universal peace.
This unsettling book reviews specific instances of “holy war” as proposed in the holy books of the major faith traditions, and illustrates how bellicose, war-like language is used to explain the spiritual quest. The author proposes that this intermingling of war and spirituality prepares the population for the coming of war. War as spiritual practice appears inevitable, due to this religio-violent education which is woven through all faith traditions. The institutional blending of the sacred and human aggression appear to be fundamental to human society. The second section of the book particularizes this dynamic within our contemporary, American social and political milieu. It concentrates on the political language and speeches of American politicians since 2002, following the run-up to the Iraq war and its continuation over the past decade, showing exactly how this mystical/war conflation permeates American society. This book has large potential readership, including academics and lay readers concerned with the fields of war, political science, peace and conflict resolution, religion, spirituality and general social history. Students from West Point to St. John’s of Annapolis will find it challenging and informative, perhaps changing their conception of war, religion and human society.
