Thread: Are Holy Wars Justifiable?

If a "God" existed, would Holy Wars (wars declared or waged in support of a religious cause) disgust him, or would he smile in approval? I suppose this may depend upon which God you believe in. I know with certainty that most Eastern religions would never teach nor condone a Holy War of any sort. This does not mean they have never known war, because the east has known many, but none of these wars to my knowledge were centered around religious beliefs. I think this is a bit different when it comes to Christianity or the Muslim faiths.

I must say that I found some evidence of the Quran promoting violence. These scriptures are not that vague, as to be completely misunderstood, in fact they are rather to the point.

”Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward.” Quran 4:74

“I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them” Quran 8:12

”If thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember.”Quran 8:57

“O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness.” Quran 9:123

By its definition, "war" cannot be "Holy" so aren't "Holy Wars" just a huge contradiction? Any thoughts on this?