RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION Meaning and
Definition
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Religious persecution refers to the deliberate mistreatment, oppression, or denial of certain rights and freedoms based on an individual's religious beliefs or affiliation. It occurs when individuals or groups face discrimination, hostility, or violence due to their religious beliefs, practices, or identities. This form of persecution can manifest in various ways, including physical harm, verbal abuse, social exclusion, employment discrimination, property confiscation, forced conversions, restrictions on religious practices, or even mass killings.
Religious persecution may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as religious intolerance, political ideologies, cultural conflicts, or the desire to enforce a specific religious or ideological doctrine. In some cases, the state or government may play a significant role in perpetrating or condoning religious persecution, thereby infringing upon the fundamental human rights and liberties of individuals belonging to particular religious communities.
Historically, religious persecution has affected various religious groups across different regions and time periods. Examples include the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians, the Spanish Inquisition's repression of non-Catholics, or more recent instances like the Holocaust targeting Jews during World War II. Today, religious persecution continues to persist in many parts of the world, with religious minorities and dissenting individuals often being the primary victims.
Efforts to combat religious persecution involve advocacy for religious freedom, education, political engagement, legal support, and international initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of individuals to freely practice their chosen religion or belief system without fear of reprisal or discrimination.
Etymology of RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
The etymology of the word "religious persecution" can be traced back to the combination of two primary terms: "religious" and "persecution".
1. "Religious" dates back to the early 13th century, deriving from the Old French term "religious" meaning "devout; respectful; awe-inspiring". It further extends from the Latin word "religiosus", which refers to "relating to religion", "pious", or "scrupulous".
2. "Persecution" originates from the late 14th century and stems from the Middle English term "persecutio" and the Latin word "persecutionem". The Latin term is derived from the verb "persequi", meaning "to pursue, follow with hostility, or to inflict punishment".
