Religion, violence and memory

The connection of religion with violence and memory is the main topic of this article, which discusses the hypothesis that religion and memory are two dimensions of life that are closely intertwined in the construction and consolidation of peace as well as in division and violence. Religion and memory connect the past with the present and thereby form a path to the future. Western secularized society holds a view of religion that is basically connected with violence. Such an instrumental understanding of religion makes a holistic confrontation with reality more difficult, especially when it comes to the issue of violence. Subsequently this conditions the identity of individuals and groups. The solution is found in a kinetic approach, which among other things permits the existence of the victim of violence and his or her confession. In this way, religion and memory heal the pain of past violence, and they, through their dynamic, move toward surpassing the ingrained and narrow patterns of thinking and acting.