Political instability and turmoil, war, conflict, oppression - all contribute to shape individuals who act and react in desperate ways and who in that desperation are susceptible to the manipulation and influence of those who see, in conflict, an excuse and opportunity to pursue suppressed ambitions - sometimes through unbalanced (one-sided), tilted, slanted interpretations of religious texts or doctrines. When this happens, ideological politics (not religion) is in the driver’s seat and ideological goals easily overshadow ethical teachings - religious or secular. New hierarchies of acceptable behavior emerge. Ethical precepts fall low in the hierarchy, interpretative barriers to brutal behavior are re-imaged to justify thuggish, brutish actions.
Ideological adherence of this type works a dark and ugly magic upon our souls - it allows us to switch off aspects of our humanity - to switch off the self-critical facets of our reason - and so crimes are committed with our vocal or silent acquiescence, or while we exhibit neglectful unconcern, or while we search out excuses or justifications for such behavior.
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