A History of Religious Violence in the Story of Cain and Abel

Abstract

Religious violence encompasses all acts of violence motivated by religious issues. The root of this type of violence always lies in disapproval, intolerance, disrespect, and a failure to acknowledge the beliefs and practices of those whom they consider not only different but opposed to their religion. The story of Cain and Abel is widely known for revealing the origins of violence within the family. However, reading and research that pose new questions will always lead to new conclusions. In this case, the study began with the question: What types of violence can be identified in the case of Cain and Abel? This inquiry aims to establish a definition—a much-needed one, indeed—because violence is a vast phenomenon that can manifest in various forms. Beyond viewing fratricide as a family, socioeconomic, or sociocultural problem, we must consider the religious context, as the crime has a strong connection to it. In fact, manifestations of religious violence in the Bible are numerous, and it is worthwhile to study them from the perspective of both the victim and the perpetrator, as this phenomenon continues to affect contemporary religion.