Understanding Terrorism From a Deeper Perspective

To be honest, when our class first went the library to choose a non-fiction book, I started searching for the smallest book on the table. While Ms.Fletcher, Shannon (the other librarian), and Ms.Ellis were explaining a handful of select non-fiction books, I asked myself what I would actually learn from reading the thinnest book. The thinnest book might have been an amazing book, but I convinced myself that it would be best to choose a book that I would truly want to understand. That is why I chose Terror in the Name of God: Why Religious Militants Kill by Jessica Stern. Readers can assume that the non-fiction book is about terrorists, especially with the cover being the picture of a bombed area. However, in modern society, especially in the western world’s perspective, the word “terrorist” automatically implies a Muslim terrorist, and people are reminded of the horrific 9/11 scene. This is why not only did I want to learn more about other violent leaders from other religions, but I particularly wanted to know how people who follow the same religion as me can interpret holy teachings so differently. Why do these people stain their religion in the perspectives of others? How could they justify these cruel actions of bloody, mass murder with a religion that is in reality peaceful and completely against murder? I wanted a real reason because I was tired of the daily news giving me the same superficial reasons we’ve all repeatedly heard.

In this book, Jessica Stern interviews terrorists of all religions. Since I have only read the beginning of this text, the only terrorist group mentioned so far is a Christian group based in Arkansas called the CSA; Covenant, Sword, and Arm of the Lord. Stern’s interview explores what the CSA’s second-in-command, Kerry Noble, had going through his head. She helps us explore into their corrupted ideology on how they justify their beliefs of what the CSA is doing…is right. Furthermore, she reveals how normal or innocent some of these people among the terrorist groups can be, such as the little kids. What saddens me the most is the unanswered question of how many of them became so easily brainwashed? They justify their terrorism as religious acts. In my opinion, religion should not be something that destroys, but it should be something that creates and saves. Stern reveals how these "grievances" make the people greedy for money, political power, and attention.

So far, the book does have me wanting to read more about these people, but I had to stop because of Mr.Nguyen’s Calculus AB homework. I would recommend this book for those who are curious as to what the psychology and ideology is inside the heads of terrorists of all religions. It does not just discuss about things on the surface but does a deeper research and analysis of their behavior influenced by their surroundings and events.