Consciousness towards religious belief and re-radicalization in societies

Abstract

Psychological studies of religious belief were numerous at the turn of the century, but interest in the phenomenon dwindled in the following decades. In addition to a sensitivity to and awareness of religion, the people are also interested in the participation of religious communities in the development of policies directed against violent radicalization. Another important aspect is the fact that there is not one clear-cut pathway towards terrorism. “Radicalization that leads to terrorism” is a dynamic process “whereby an individual comes to accept terrorist violence as a possible, perhaps even legitimate, course of action”. The factors that drive someone to radicalize towards terrorism or violence are varied and complex and combine uniquely in each case. It is, however, important to note that while these beliefs and behaviours may facilitate the movement towards terrorism, this outcome is not inevitable. Consequently, the study intends to find the religious radicalization and engagement of religious belief and conversion leads to active terrorism and political extremism in India. The acts of terrorism have been associated with extremism because they involve the direct targeting of non-combatants. The study examines the requirements for the successful formation and development of religious consciousness in society in general and each individual in particular. Based on the analysis of scientific literature and recent events in India, the author argues that the rapid growth of religious extremism and terrorism threatens the preservation of established religious traditions. The article stresses that religious conversion in India is a form of a socioeconomic emancipatory undertaking which examines the politics of religious conversion. The study situates religious conversion in the context of radical Hindu nationalism, it argues that Christian missionaries, in particular, have courted criticism, opposition, and violence from radical Hindus. Further, it probes the specifics of Christian conversion in India and also investigates the issue with other states (China, Africa, and Japan). Furthermore, the study effectively addresses the root causes and underlying drivers of violence in our societies under various states, including social, economic, and political inequalities and marginalization. Active secular and countermeasures against extremism and radicalism can guarantee pluralism and preserve ethnic and religious harmony. This article is devoted to the peculiarities of the formation of religious beliefs as a preventive measure against extremism and radicalism. A systematic and exact conceptualization is necessary to establish prevention/intervention programmes and effective techniques along with this process. This paper argues that education should be incorporated into such policies as a preventive measure that not only makes students resilient citizens but can also address the psychological, emotional, and intellectual appeal of narratives in the future. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.