Spiritual / religious-based violence
Psychological and physical violence with elements of religion or spirituality. This can be, for example, mocking or denying religion or religious needs while forcing the practice of religion. The perpetrator or perpetrators of violence may rationalise and justify their acts of violence with religion, God’s will or punishment.
Violence related to spirituality or religion is also threats about, for example, supernatural, God’s or devil’s revenge, going to hell and the end of the world. It also includes attempts to suppress another’s identity, lifestyle and opinions, manipulation and abuse of power or position within, for example, a religious community.
The most important regulations on the relationship between the state and religious communities in Germany can be found in Art. 4 and Art. 140 of the Basic Law (GG). These constitutional norms apply equally to all religious and ideological communities.
Article 4 (1) and (2) of the Basic Law guarantees the freedom of religion of every individual. Everyone is free to profess a religion and join a religious community. However, everyone is also free not to profess any religion, to leave a religious community or to change to another one.
“(1) Freedom of faith and of conscience and freedom to profess a religious or philosophical creed shall be inviolable.
(2) The undisturbed practice of religion shall be guaranteed.”
Art. 3 of the Basic Law stipulates the following:
“(1) All persons shall be equal before the law.
(2) Men and women shall have equal rights. The state shall promote the actual implementation of equal rights for women and men and take steps to eliminate disadvantages that now exist.
(3) No person shall be favoured or disfavoured because of sex, parentage, race, language, homeland and origin, faith or religious or political opinions. No person shall be disfavoured because of disability.”
Art. 2 of the Basic Law grants:
“(1) Every person shall have the right to free development of his personality insofar as he does not violate the rights of others or offend against the constitutional order or the moral law.
(2) Every person shall have the right to life and physical integrity. Freedom of the person shall be inviolable. These rights may be interfered with only pursuant to a law.”
Section 5 of the Religious Education of Children Act (in German) states that once a child has reached the age of fourteen it is given the right to decide which creed it wishes to adhere to. The child is thus granted religious majority. From this time on, priority is given to the child’s decision whenever parental responsibility conflicts with the child’s beliefs. From the age of fourteen onwards, a child can exercise its faith independently or even against the will of its parents.
Forms of spiritual/religious violence
It is essential to differentiate between the misuse of religion or spirituality for harmful purposes and the genuine practice of faith, which promotes peace, tolerance, and respect for others. Spiritual/religious violence can manifest in various ways:
Coercing or pressuring individuals to convert to a particular religious belief against their will, often through threats, intimidation, or isolation.
Targeting individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs, leading to exclusion, marginalisation, or denial of basic rights and opportunities.
Inflicting physical, psychological, or sexual harm on individuals under the guise of religious or spiritual practices, often involving extreme rituals or ceremonies.
Engaging in hate speech, inciting violence, or perpetrating acts of aggression against individuals or groups due to their religious beliefs or practices.
Denying individuals the right to practice their chosen religion, imposing restrictions, or engaging in persecution based on religious affiliation.
Exploiting someone's spiritual or religious beliefs for personal gain, control, or to exert undue influence over them, often through psychological manipulation or deception.
Justifying acts of violence, including physical harm, against individuals perceived to have brought dishonour or violated religious or cultural norms.
