Religious indoctrination has a profound and destructive impact on how even well-educated individuals perceive complex geopolitical issues, particularly in the case of the brutal assault on Palestinians following the October 7 attacks. This indoctrination often clouds rational judgment and common sense reasoning, replacing critical thought with entrenched dogma that leads to the justification of violence, even when it crosses the line into what could be described as genocidal actions. The situation is further complicated by rumors that the attacks themselves may have been a false flag operation designed to distract from political turmoil and keep leaders like Netanyahu in power. In such a charged atmosphere, religious indoctrination plays a significant role in shaping perspectives, making the horrors of the conflict easier to rationalize.
One of the most dangerous effects of religious indoctrination is the way it provides moral justification for extreme violence. When individuals are taught from a young age that their faith holds the ultimate truth, it becomes nearly impossible for them to see beyond the rigid boundaries of their beliefs. This black-and-white worldview allows for the dehumanization of the “other,” often reducing entire populations to enemies whose lives are seen as expendable. In the context of Israel and Palestine, this has led to the dangerous belief that the eradication of Palestinians is not only acceptable but a necessary response to perceived threats, whether real or manufactured. Even educated individuals, who might otherwise be capable of nuanced and critical thinking, are often swept up in this narrative, unable to separate religious identity from political realities.
Religious indoctrination also enables blind support for leadership, particularly when national and religious interests are portrayed as intertwined. Leaders like Netanyahu, who face political crises and declining popularity, can use religious rhetoric to deflect opposition and rally support for aggressive policies. In this environment, even the possibility of a false flag attack to maintain power is less likely to be critically examined, as the narrative of religious defense takes precedence. Instead of questioning whether the brutal response to the October 7 attacks is justified, many will see it as a divinely sanctioned act of protection, bolstered by years of indoctrination that glorifies conflict when it is framed as a defense of faith.
Furthermore, religious indoctrination makes it easier to dehumanize those on the other side of the conflict. Palestinians, regardless of their individual circumstances, are often seen as part of a monolithic enemy that must be subdued. The suffering of innocent civilians is dismissed, and collective punishment is rationalized as a legitimate response. The emotional detachment fostered by religious indoctrination strips away empathy, even in educated circles, making it easier to support violent retribution without questioning its ethical implications. This creates an environment where genocide is not only tolerated but is sometimes actively encouraged under the guise of religious duty.
Another devastating consequence of religious indoctrination is the suppression of critical discourse. When religious and national identities become deeply intertwined, questioning the dominant narrative is seen as betrayal or heresy. In the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, those who dare to express solidarity with Palestinians or criticize the actions of Israel are often labeled as anti-Semitic or unpatriotic. This stifling of debate ensures that indoctrinated views remain dominant, with even educated individuals reluctant to engage in open and critical discussions. The result is a society where violence and oppression continue unchecked, insulated from meaningful critique.
Finally, religious indoctrination fuels the cyclical nature of the conflict. When violence is framed as a holy duty or a necessary act of defense for one’s faith, it perpetuates itself. Each act of aggression becomes a rallying point for further violence, deepening the divide between peoples and making reconciliation seem impossible. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been drawn out for decades, in part because religious narratives make compromise appear as betrayal. The resulting cycle of violence benefits those in power, who exploit religious sentiment to maintain control, while innocent lives are sacrificed on both sides.
In the end, religious indoctrination does not merely distort reality—it actively perpetuates injustice. In the case of the assault against Palestinians, it has allowed for the justification of violence on a scale that might otherwise be condemned. Whether or not the rumors of a false flag attack are true, the exploitation of religious belief for political gain is undeniable. And as long as religious indoctrination continues to shape the perspectives of those in power, the possibility of peace will remain a distant dream.
Duruebube Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
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