If there is one underlying theme to these images it is
hatred. It is a hatred caused by religion (or the manipulation of religion).
Undoubtedly, religion has beneficially contributed to societies and cultures
around the globe for millennia, but when can it be said that the benefits are
outweighed by the cost? When a religious group dedicates more time and effort
into denunciation than enlightenment or morality, what purpose can a religion
be said to server in a productive society? Are these individuals on the fringes
of their religions, or are they representing those who share the same beliefs,
but lack fervor?
These images have purposefully been presented without a
context, and I have determined them to be genuine to the best of my ability. The
violence or hatred may not be carried out by a specific religious group, but
when all of the individuals belong to a certain religion, does it matter if
they are carrying on in the name of God? Should their religious beliefs not supersede
their secular beliefs? Look at the last photo in the series: What would be your
reaction if I told you these men were on their way to assault politicians,
rather than Christians? Does it matter, or would violence for freedom be a
noble justification? Perhaps your opinion is vice versa; violence in the name
of God is more justifiable than violence for a secular cause. I have always reasoned
violence in God's name to be absurd, because why would an omnipotent being need
humans to carry out its will?
Do images of children with guns represent any aspect of
their respective religions? Absolutely not, but that there is no immediate
conflict between their actions and their religious beliefs is alarming. And the
conflict may exist, but there appears not to be an elder, whether religious or
parental, who has discouraged this behavior, but seems to have encouraged it.
To be fair, I do not know the influences on these children, only that the
negative influences have prevailed.
Maybe I, as an atheist, am hypercritical of religious hatred
because I do not benefit from religion whatsoever. I certainly have a bias, but
can you justify all that is carried out in the name of God?
