HAVING NO FEAR OF DEATH OR THE ENEMY DRIVES RELIGIOUS TERRORISM

The Bible has God telling his people not to be put off by fear of the enemy. Reason says you should handle your enemy but give fear its proper place. Being too confident is bad for you and especially for the enemy. Without fear your war will go out of control and you will not be restrained by it.

“Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people” says God in Ezekiel 2:6.

“Do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them” (Numbers 14:9) and “Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today” (Deuteronomy 23:5).

It is important not to want war to happen but recommending against fear and saying God protects amounts to annulling this reluctance.

Suicide bombings and religious wars would not happen unless fear was anesthetised by faith in God's love and loyalty. Even death is seen as not being really death but just a temporary departure.