Militantní islám - pokojný buddhismus? : podpora násilí a jeho odmítání v náboženstvích

The argument of tne paper proceeds in a dialectical way: different attitudes towards violence in modern day Islam and Buddhism are compared and contrasted. In addition general statements about the violence contained in both religious traditions, such as can be found in the secondary literature and in public utterances on the subject, are drawn into the picture. The result of contrasting and comparing these judgments and attitudes is this: no general verdicts about the violent or non-violent character of a religion as such can be made. There are historical as well as present-day cases in point for peacefulness and violence in both religions. Illustrative examples are given from both traditions: In the case of Islam modern treatises on jihad are discussed. In the case of Buddhism documents in relation to the conflict between Singhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka are discussed. -- Some general consequences for interreligious dialogue and intercultural ethics are drawn. Concerning dialogue it is suggested that the adherents of peaceful attitudes in the diverse religions discover their affinities and work together for peace across the boundaries of their traditions. Concerning interreligious ethics it is suggested that no universal criteria for the peacefulness of religious traditions can be found: the contribution of a religion to peace may therefore consist in something other than, for instance, the requirement of pacifism or of non-violence.