The Poisonous Fruits of Unhealthy Approach to Religion

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 9 October 2025 Throughout much of history of human civilization, religion has often stood as a beacon of hope, a source of meaning, and a guide for moral conduct. Yet, it is equally true that it has been a catalyst for conflict and violence throughout history. Roland Faber's concept of “poisonous fruits” of religion, i.e. claims of superiority, supersession, finality, denigration, and substitution offers a critical framework for understanding how religious ideologies can become corrupted, leading to devastating consequences. As we explore these themes, it becomes clear that the challenge lies not in the existence of religion itself, but in the interpretations and practices that can distort its essence. The Seeds of Superiority At the heart of many religious conflicts is the claim of superiority, where one faith is posited as the ultimate truth, often to the exclusion of others. This notion has fuelled some of the most violent episodes in history, from the Crusades to contemporary sectarian violence. When a specific religion asserts that it only possesses the sole path to salvation or enlightenment, it inherently devalues the beliefs of others. This creates an "us versus them" mentality that fosters hostility rather than understanding. Take, for example, the historical context of colonialism, where European powers often justified their imperial ambitions by framing their Christian faith as superior to indigenous religions. This not only led to the denigration of rich cultural heritages but also resulted in violence, forced conversions, and the systematic dismantling of traditional belief systems. The poisonous fruit of superiority, thus, does not merely remain an abstract belief; it manifests in actions that have real and often tragic consequences. Supersession: The Erasure of the Past Closely linked to claims of superiority is the concept of supersession, where one religious tradition claims to fulfil or replace another. This idea has particularly profound implications in the context of Judaism and Christianity, where the latter has historically positioned itself as the successor to the former. While many adherents of Christianity may view this as a natural evolution of faith, it has often resulted in the marginalization and persecution of Jewish communities. The supersessionist narrative can lead to a dangerous disregard for the rich histories and teachings of traditions that are deemed obsolete. This erasure fosters ignorance and perpetuates cycles of violence, as groups rally around the notion that they are the rightful inheritors of divine truth. In this way, supersession becomes a poisonous fruit that not only alienates but also incites hostility toward those who are perceived as "other." Finality: The End of Dialogue The claim of finality is another corrosive aspect of religious belief. When a faith proclaims itself as the ultimate and last revelation of truth, it shuts the door on dialogue and mutual understanding. This finality breeds a sense of complacency among its followers, leading them to dismiss other perspectives as inherently flawed or misguided. Islamic fundamentalism exemplifies this phenomenon, as historically preponderant interpretations of Islam assert that the Quran is the final and complete revelation of God’s will. Adherents of this viewpoint may regard other religious traditions as outdated or irrelevant, fostering an environment where dialogue is not only discouraged but actively rejected. This perspective can escalate into an aggressive stance toward those perceived as infidels or non-believers, legitimizing violence against them in the name of defending the faith. The finality of such beliefs not only stifles discourse but also creates an atmosphere where radical actions are justified. The rise of extremist groups that invoke this finality to recruit members and carry out violent acts is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in such rigid interpretations. The poisonous fruit of finality, therefore, not only stifles discourse but also legitimizes aggression against those who challenge a singular narrative. Denigration: The Dehumanization of the Other Denigration is perhaps one of the most insidious fruits that religion can bear. When followers of one faith engage in the systematic dehumanization of adherents of another, it paves the way for violence and atrocities. This can manifest in rhetoric that portrays others as morally inferior, misguided, or even evil. Such denigration often results in a climate of fear and mistrust. For instance, the portrayal of Muslims as terrorists in certain media narratives has fuelled Islamophobia, leading to hate crimes and a general atmosphere of hostility. By reducing a diverse group of individuals to a single, negative stereotype, the fabric of society is torn apart. The poisonous fruit of denigration not only undermines the principles of compassion and empathy that many religions espouse but also creates fertile ground for violence. Substitution: The Replacement of Values The concept of substitution reflects the tendency to replace core religious values with ideologies that serve political or social agendas. When religious beliefs are co-opted to justify violence, discrimination, or oppression, the original teachings of compassion, love, and justice are all but forgotten. For instance, the use of religious rhetoric to justify wars or acts of terrorism illustrates how substitution can lead to a profound distortion of faith. Groups may invoke divine sanction for their actions, claiming that they are carrying out a holy mission. This not only misrepresents the tenets of their faith but also places countless lives at risk. The poisonous fruit of substitution thus leads to a betrayal of the very principles that religious traditions seek to uphold. The Path Forward: Embracing Humility and Dialogue Recognizing the poisonous fruits of religion is not an indictment of faith itself but a call for deeper reflection and responsibility among its adherents. To counter the destructive effects of superiority, supersession, finality, denigration, and substitution, we must foster a culture of humility and dialogue. Humility invites us to acknowledge that our understanding of truth is limited and that there is wisdom to be found in the beliefs of others. Engaging in open dialogue allows for the exchange of ideas, promoting mutual respect and understanding. When we approach interfaith conversations with an attitude of curiosity rather than dogmatism, we create an environment where collaboration can flourish. Moreover, religious communities must actively work to reclaim their core values of compassion and justice. This involves critically examining how interpretations of scripture may have been twisted to support harmful ideologies. By returning to the foundational teachings of love, respect, and community, adherents can counteract the poisonous fruits that have historically marred their faith traditions. As we navigate an increasingly polarized world, the challenge remains: how do we prevent the corruption of religion by poisonous fruits? It requires a collective effort from religious leaders, scholars, and everyday believers to address these issues head-on. By acknowledging the historical misuse of religious narratives and committing to a path of humility, dialogue, and compassion, we can transform religious traditions from potential sources of conflict into powerful instruments for peace. In this quest, we must remember that the true essence of religion lies not in claims of superiority or finality but in the shared human experiences of love, suffering, and the search for meaning. Only by embracing our common humanity can we hope to cultivate a future where faith serves as a source of unity rather than division. ----- Adis Duderija is an Associate Professor in Islam and Society and Griffith University and a book series editor of a new book series on Islam and Process-Relational Thought (Routledge). URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/poisonous-fruits-approach-religion/d/137162 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism