In light of the recent horrific terrorist attacks in Orlando and Nice, I feel it is necessary to remind ourselves about the reasons a person may become fixated with a terrorist group and commit such heinous crimes. I will not pretend I am an expert on the subject of terrorism, but I have over the last year began to synthesize ideas about terrorism and develop some ideas of my own.
In this world I believe there are two main religions superseding all others, and most people can identify with one or the other. One religion worships the god of happiness, a god who loves and forgives and accepts everyone, regardless of their level of conformity to society or any challenges that they must deal with. The followers of the god of happiness strive to make themselves and others happy.
On the opposite end of the spectrum we have the followers of the god of misery, a god who is wrathful and will strike down anyone who does not conform to some ideal image of a person. These people accept only those who are "perfect" — or who are willing to become so — in order to fit into a group.
A society of hate is created when a group of people take the worship of the god of misery to such an extreme that they cannot tolerate anyone who does not follow their narrow interpretation of their religion and their god. They find recruits who believe themselves to be victims of society, often miserable people looking for acceptance, and then take matters into their own hands, punishing those they believe their god wants struck down.
Of course, not all followers of the god of misery descend into terrorism. Followers of the god of misery could simply be people who are egocentric, racist or anti-gay. They are bullies and believe that they are better than some group of people — or people in general. They refuse to accept anyone who is not perfect, both in looks and in abilities. They are miserable and try to make others miserable as well, because they believe that if everyone around them is miserable it will make them happier by comparison. They may even inadvertently cause someone to join a society of hate, or take part in hate crimes themselves.
So what can be done? What will bring an end to the following of the god of misery? It's up to all of us to follow the oldest of rules and treat one another as we want to be treated. You've heard it over and over again, from teachers and religious leaders, idealists, singers and speakers. You know what to do. You just have to make the conscious choice to do it.
David Barry, Bel Air
The author is an Eagle Scout of BSA Troop 810