Religion
In reply to the discussion: How religion can drive someone to slaughter his fellow citizens – and believe they deserve it [View all]Igel
(35,197 posts)Often new converts show excessive zeal. They repent of what they've done to offend God and wallow for a while. They seek to make recompense.
This happens in the case of guilt-wracked bourgeoisie who go all revolutionary and proletarian. It happens with new converts to Xianity. When my BIL went decidedly atheist instead of agnostic he blew up at every mention of religion, any hint of religion in public life--he was deeply and personally offended by "In God We Trust" on coins. New converts and zealotry and uberrighteousness, known problem.
Now, throw in "but if you do this act of penance all will be forgiven and you'll be among the most blessed of people, remembered by your friends, family, and people." Xians have baptism; Jews have mikvot. Some Muslims choose to kill kafir and die in the struggle against unrighteousness and disobedience to Submission.