AN IDEOLOGY OF HATRED

So here we are again, attempting to understand the disappearance of another airplane filled with men, women and children going about their lives. As is always necessary at this point, everyone must now wait until a thorough process of investigation helps us understand why EGYPTAIR MS804 crashed into the Mediterranean on a routine flight. This was not a warplane, but given the location of the crash, country of origin of the flight, and the backdrop of so many terrorist attacks of late, we cannot rule out terrorism. In fact, a terrorist attack is very likely to be the cause. I easily remember a time when terrorism would be at the bottom of the list of a thorough investigation, not the first thought that comes to mind.

How did we get to the point that this kind of tragedy takes us to thoughts of terror and fear rather than compassion and mourning? Simply stated, it is because of what is now becoming abundantly clear, war has been declared against all who do not embrace radical Islam, including their fellow Muslims. An ideology of hatred gives justification to its adherers to randomly kill innocent victims.

Acrimony of this nature is nothing new to mankind; world history is filled with an unending stream of animosity toward others. While greed, fear, religion, pride, misunderstanding, revenge and many other motives are mixed into this toxic brew, the main ingredient is always hatred. Left to simmer, unchecked malice becomes the foundation of an ideology of hatred. 

Ideology is a system of shared beliefs within a group such as a language group, political body, nation or region, social class, race or religious body. Ideology influences the way individuals think, act and view the world around them, especially affecting the way they see those who present a perceived threat to their lives. It is far more convenient to assign blame to someone else for our discomforts or fears than to look deeply into the mirror.

The warning here is straightforward, contempt for others is dangerous. Not only does hatred lead to horrible acts, it destroys the very fabric of civil societies and justifies evil. The biblical call to “love your enemies” is no walk in the park. “Doing good” to those who abuse us requires a level of spirituality that is very difficult to reach, but reach it we must or we too, will be condemned by an ideology of hatred.