Reply #10: Do we want to abandon any pretense of nuance when it comes to terrorism?

[Dr Morbius]

Is there no difference in meaning between intimidation and terrorism?

I've always defined terrorism as violence (or the threat thereof) against the innocent for political purposes. It's redundant to claim terrorism can also be used for religious purposes; a few moments of thought will convince that in most parts of the world, there is no difference between religion and politics. So terrorism should be seen as political, in my view.

I don't think any time one individual tries to muscle another, it's terrorism. Intimidation is part of terrorism, but terrorists are generally small groups trying to scare populations. Do religions intimidate? Sure. Is that terrorism? I don't think so. Sorry.