history7

World History - Lesson 7

Jaron Summers

A history book for

Becki, 9, a distant cousin in Canada.

As we talked about in the last chapter, religious beliefs have shaped our history as much as anything.

Ever heard about cargoism?

It seems there were some natives who lived on South Pacific islands during World War II. They had never seen planes, at least close-up.

One day some large cargo planes swooped low and dropped supplies on the islands and the natives thought God was sending them presents.

The natives started to worship the cargo planes. They built little images of the planes. Imagine that. Did those natives ever make a mistake. Oh, boy!

Of course everyone in the “modern” world had a good laugh.

The civilized people all knew that the cargo planes were dropping military supplies for American soldiers to fight the Japanese.

We knew our side would win that war because we had the blessings of our religious leaders. The problem was, the Japanese also knew they would win because in their religion they were taught that God loved them the best.

Well, the US Air Force dropped a big atomic bomb (actually two) on Japan and blew hundreds of thousands of people to dust. The Japanese gave up but they had already killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The “dumb” cargo container natives who had been confused about God bringing them gifts in airplanes had the last laugh. Hardly any of them were killed in the war.

Yep, the people who joked at how superstitious the natives were, ended up dying–and until the last minute thinking God was on their side.

Now, Becki, in the last chapter I mentioned that if you look at any war, you will find that it started over money (or wealth). Someone wants something, so off to war they go. You could say, every possessive act starts with a hostile act.

Here’s another thing to keep in mind, in nearly all wars each side thinks God is on its side.

Obviously, a lot of people might be making some pretty big mistakes. Hint: all those losers.

Religion, or the way we see God, is supposed to help you live a better life, not make you feel better about killing someone.

So how is it that in every war, religion plays such a big part?

Here is what it is: No sane person person wants to go to war but if you can convince a person that God wants him to fight, well, you might have a mighty army.

And how do you get someone to believe that God wants him to go to war?

You get your religious leaders to tell the people that God wants them to fight, especially against the other side who often does not believe in God the way they do.

If you can convince yourself that God is on your side and you are right, then you can justify killing someone.

This is what the Holy Wars and the Crusades were all about.

Does this mean you shouldn’t believe in religion? Not at all. Most religions teach their followers how to be kind and help each other.

Can you still be a good person and have no religion?

Sure. Some great men and women have had no religion and been wonderful people. But there have also been many great religious leaders who taught we should love each other.

When it comes to finding a religion for yourself, look for one that helps you make the world a better place and teaches love.

Be careful of anyone who says that God is on his side and he or she wants you to harm someone.

That kind of person needs a good spanking.

Here is your assignment for this week. Look at any time in the history of the world.

Pick a war.

See what the religious leaders told their followers about what God wanted them to do.

To help you, Google: “religion and war.” You’ll notice that the worst wars (and the longest) are usually “religious wars.”

Why do you suppose that is?

And remember if someone says God wants you to "go to war and kill someone," well, that person deserves a spanking.