If you have been following this weekly column, you may remember a previous article in which we explored the fundamentalist worldview of the World Conqueror (June 2, 2011). Unfortunately, last week's tragedy in Norway was a violent example of a conquering worldview that believes the best method of interaction is the use of force.
When I first heard of the events, my mind and emotions swung between shock, disgust, anger, and compassion, but as time as passed, I found myself left with the question of "why?"
Why would someone like Anders Breivik act in such a horrific manner? What could possibly motivate someone to kill so many innocent people?
I am sure that the subsequent legal trial will provide a tremendous amount of information and commentary, but let's first explore some of Breivik's 1,500 page manifesto called "2083 - A European Declaration of Independence."
Breivik makes two introductory statements that reveal his underlying motivation. First, "Multiculturalism... is the root of the ongoing Islamisation of Europe which has resulted in the ongoing Islamic colonisation of Europe through demographic warfare (facilitated by our own leaders)."
Second, "It is not only our right but also our duty to ... preserve our identity, our culture and our national sovereignty by preventing the ongoing Islamisation."
Although Breivik does not seem to explicitly identify himself as a Christian (at the time of this writing), he is certainly sympathetic to the traditional European Christian culture that he is attempting to defend.
From what I have read of and by Breivik, though, he seems to be more of a cultural fundamentalist, rather than a Christian fundamentalist. In other words, Breivik's primary concern appears to be that the world around him is changing in ways that are not acceptable (the increased presence of Islam), and his response is the use of violent force.
The target of Breivik's aggression is clear. In his mind, multiculturalism has been destroying Europe, and a prime example is what he refers to as Islamic colonization.
In this way, Breivik is clearly a religious and cultural fundamentalist in that any religion and/or culture other than his own, and also any attempt at allowing religious diversity within his culture, must be resisted at all costs.
What motivated Anders Breivik? We may never know, but the tragic events in Norway arose out of a dark place. Breivik wrote that his manifesto "presents the only solutions to our current problems" - a solution that sees violence and aggression as the only path to follow.
When we are faced with incompressible violence against innocent people, though, we must be careful to not have an equally violent and irrational response, whether verbally or physically.
This is one of the challenges of living in a religiously diverse world - the lines between tolerance, respect, justice, and accountability can be blurry at times.
What was your initial response to the attacks in Norway? Now that some time has passed, what are your thoughts now? What do you see as the spiritual/religious implications of the attacks?
Questions or Comments? Each week, this column will explore issues and questions about religion and spirituality in Prince George and around the world. Please send your questions, comments, or ideas to @wessner (Twitter) or [email protected].
Mark Wessner, PhD
Lead Pastor at Westwood Church
Continuing Studies Instructor at UNBC
