Zealots like Osama bin Laden use religion to achieve their own desires

With Osama bin Laden's death, a new euphoria has erupted, but I wonder what will be the religious base behind the next attack? How many people will die a senseless death in the next attack because of how someone interprets their religion?

On Sept. 11, 2001, I stared in shock as my television showed the Twin Towers going down. Like many, I did the head count, do I know anyone who might be there? Then came the phone calls. I also saw our country do what it does best: Americans rallied together with American Flags flying from everything. People were helping others in any way they could.

President Bush went on the attack immediately, our country was behind him 100 percent, at least for the first two years, then we got impatient and wanted it to stop. Fortunately for us we did not stop. This got me to thinking of wars in the past and I can't help but realize just how many wars over the centuries have had a religious base to it. It isn't the actual religion, but what some zealot has made it to fit his or her belief. Then these zealots have used that to start a war, why? I always wonder why? Who in their right mind would want to see that many people killed? What is gained from it?

Right here in the beautiful State of Florida we have a religious zealot whom I refuse to name. Everyone knows who he is. He is attempting to grab fame by burning another religion's Holy Book. What right do any of us have to decide what religion is right or wrong? If you truly look at it, all religions are based on the same basic 10 Commandments with a little bit of the Golden Rule thrown in.

I fear religions, which over time and spindled and mutilated. We base our hatreds on religion. We base our love on religion. We base our wars on religion. 

History has shown us that if we don't pay attention to what is happening, we are bound to repeat it. History has a record of wars based on religion, and yet we continue to have wars based on religion. I don't have a problem with anyone who finds solace in religion or even going to church. I myself believe in God and the 10 Commandments and yes the Golden Rule. I do not feel the need to go to a building to prove my beliefs.

I am one of those people who has family in this war. I pray for my son and cousin every day. I worry every time I hear of something near where they are. When the phone rings late at night I am afraid to answer it. Like everyone else, I want my family members to return home safe and sound. I wonder what would war be like if we took the religious factor out of it

Hearing that Bin Laden has been killed has sent a lot of relief my way. It has also sent fear, what will happen now? Will the rest of his group just walk away? Will they retaliate? Will everyone be safe?

The question has been raised whether photos of Bin Laden dead should be posted. Why? I would much rather it be set up that the family members who lost someone on 9/11 can see for themselves if they need that for closure, but I don't think it is something that every person needs to see.

While we are proud of our military, and yes I am, we also have to remember all of those who died because of this religious zealot. 

NSBNews.net, also known as VolusiaNews.net, provides Volusia County 24 / 7 Internet newspaper coverage, 100% free with breaking news, news of record and investigative reports from New Smyrna Beach, FL, for a 21st-century digital world.