How far would you go to defend your religion?

Between a rock and a hard place. Over the centuries, different things have been done in the name of religion including protests that have led to loss of lives. Life’s Jonathan Adengo sought to find out what some readers would do to defend their religion.

Lawrence Musoke, sales personnel
I am a catholic by religion and I’m very proud of that. I would definitely defend it, but I would not get to the extreme of hurting someone because he or she has said something bad about my religion. If at all someone said something, I would just ignore and let it pass because I don’t believe in injustice.

Brenda Kimera, student
I really don’t think violence can solve anything as was depicted by the Muslims in their uprising. However, having grown up in a family where parents are of different religions, I have learnt to respect all religions because they have different tenents but at the end of the day we all serve one God. I think I would just ignore the person and let go.

Joseph Kasolo, business man
I think we should all have limits to our extremism because everyone is entitled to his opinion. We can defend our religion but I don’t think one has to kill because two wrongs do not make a right. I would just forgive and let it pass

Julia Kirumira, Sales Representative
We have very many religions and I respect mine. If someone insults your religion, I would just correct them and ask them to respect my religion. I also think people should learn to forgive because we all serve one God.

Deo Galabuzi, Tailor
The Bible talks about forgiveness and tells us to love one another, so I don’t think I would react. If anyone says something against my religion, I would just include them in my prayers.

Rinah B, Skin consultant
I don’t think it’s good to use extreme means to fight for your religion. I also think people should not take it too far because sometimes it’s good to just let go and not keep a grudge. I would just let it pass, we all serve one God.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS SHARE THIER VIEWS

Mohammed Kisambira, Secretary General, Office of the Supreme Mufti
“Usually, one reacts depending on how much he or she has been oppressed or ridiculed. The amount of provocation on Islam is unprecedented. The only way the Muslims checked that provocation is to react the way they did. World over Muslims are looked at as weak and religious tolerance is much more against Islam. The Muslims are looked at as extremists without looking at who provoked them. But we have got to be fair and respect one another’s belief. It comes back to respect.”

Pastor Martin Sempa
I appreciate the outrage that they felt because their religion was desecrated. It is difficult for the western secular minds to understand how deep the Muslims feel about their religion. Muslims are committed to protecting, spreading and fund for their religion. However, I strongly don’t recommend murder or harm of any individual. I think messages should be sent to discourage bad messages because you cannot bring a pig inside a mosque because it’s absolutely incompatible and unrecyclable.